WSCC would like to highlight Mitch Plum who has been volunteering his time, energy, and expertise with us for almost four years. In moving to Paonia, Mitch sought out opportunities to give back to the community and learn more about the North Fork watershed. He found the perfect chance to get [...]
If you’re an angler — or if you simply appreciate native fish — you know the importance of the bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and roundtail chub to the Gunnison River ecosystem. Soon these fish will be better able to move upstream to spawn, thanks to a project by the Western Slope [...]
WSCC is shining the spotlight on one of our pivotal volunteers, Ralph D’Alessandro. Having grown up on the east coast, Ralph never thought that he would live anywhere that wasn’t on the water. Luckily, life has a sense of humor, and Ralph’s took him westward to our land-locked, [...]
WSCC would like to highlight an integral member of our volunteer team, Mike Burkley, who has been volunteering his time, energy, and expertise with us for almost ten years. Having an extensive background in conservation work from his days volunteering with Utah-based conservation [...]
Birding is frequently cited as a gateway to caring about conservation. Birds are charismatic and colorful creatures. Birding is also a relatively more accessible outdoor activity—birds are everywhere, and you can do a lot of great birding even without binoculars! Here in Paonia, we are [...]
Insect pollinators are critical for thriving ecosystems and resilient food systems. The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 75% percent of the world’s flowering plants and 35% percent of the world’s food crops rely on pollination by animals, most of which is done by insects. Insect [...]
Ah, spring is in the air and with the warm temperatures comes the rush of melting snow to our rivers and streams. Ditches have turned on, and it’s time to hang up those skis and start dusting off those boats. We thought it was a good time to recap the winter and discuss the current water outlook. [...]
Let’s not beat around the snowberry. If you live in Western Colorado you are likely STILL gazing up at the mountains and dreaming of the time when you can break out the old shred sticks and careen across the hills through clouds of puffy pow. It’s been a bleak winter for Colorado’s snowpack, [...]
On November 22nd, the Colorado Canyons Association is hosting a stargazing party with s’mores, hot chocolate, and a view at the Gunnison Forks Overlook in the Gunnison Gorge NCA. Reserve your spot to enjoy a constellation tour from Aaron Watson of Dark Skies Paonia while there’s still [...]
Overview: This hike has tremendous views, with vistas of Mt. Gunnison and Mt. Lamborn along the way and, at the end, views of mountains to the east and southeast, including the gorgeous ruby range. You can also look directly across Dark Canyon at Marcellina Peak and see a long waterfall coming [...]