Where You’ll Be:
You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.
Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.
What You’ll Do:
Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!
This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.
Why It Matters:
The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 18+
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.
Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.
Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.
