Trailblazers - Bison Project at Daniels Park!

There are plenty of conservation projects happening in mountains, but grasslands are often neglected – and healthy grasslands can be one of the largest carbon sinks in the state if they aren’t cared for properly.

Join Trailblazers, in partnership with the Denver Zoo, to safeguard the historic grasslands where one of Colorado’s oldest Buffalo herds roam.

We will meet at Daniels Park at 9am to learn about Denver’s Zoo’s conservation initiatives, construct rock dams, aiding in water mitigation, and plant seed balls filled with native plants to promote grassland vitality. Help combat climate change and contribute to the preservation of these essential ecosystems! No previous conservation experience required.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The history of bison and Native Americans are intertwined. Bison have been integral to Tribal culture, providing them with food, clothing, fuel, tools, shelter and spiritual value. Established in 1992, the Inter Tribal Buffalo Council works with the National Park Service to transfer bison from national park lands to Tribal lands.

• Male bison (called bulls) weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand 6 feet tall, while females (called cows) weigh up to 1,000 pounds and reach a height of 4-5 feet. Bison calves weigh 30-70 pounds at birth.

• Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the U.S. where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times. What makes Yellowstone’s bison so special is that they’re the descendants of early bison that roamed our country’s grasslands. In 2021, Yellowstone’s bison population was estimated at 5,450—making it the largest bison population on public lands.

• What’s the difference between bison and buffalo? While bison and buffalo are used interchangeably, in North America the scientific name is bison. Historians believe the term “buffalo” grew from the French word for beef, “boeuf.”

• Bison primarily eat grasses, weeds and leafy plants—typically foraging for nine to 11 hours a day. That’s where the bison’s large protruding shoulder hump comes in handy during the winter. It allows them to swing their heads from side-to-side to clear snow—especially for creating foraging patches.

• Bison may be big, but they’re also fast. They can run up to 35 miles per hour. Plus, they’re extremely agile. Bison can spin around quickly, jump high fences and are strong swimmers!

DETAILS

• Date: Saturday, September 30th, 2023
• Time: 9am-2.30pm
• Price: $20 donation
• Location: 8682 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135
• Complete your registration here: https://form.jotform.com/232346497524159

INCLUDED IN THE FEE

• Lunch and snacks
• Guided instruction
• All necessary tools, supplies, and materials

For any questions email **trailblazers@womenswilderness.org**

ABOUT TRAILBLAZERS
Our instructors are women of color with in-depth wilderness training and teaching experience, a shared passion for the outdoors! Through intentional planning and leadership, the Trailblazers experience invites the collective intelligence and histories of our constituents to create outings that bridge our divides and elevate our sense of wonder, agency, and belonging in nature.

This is a BIPOC only space. Learn more about Trailblazers and our Affinity Groups.

YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Cheyenne (she/her) is passionate about cultivating mentor-mentee relationships and expanding her skill set in her interests (backcountry expeditions, rock-climbing, highlining, art and business). She’s committed to creating real change for diversity, equity, and inclusion and to share the magic of nature with people of all colors, backgrounds, sizes, gender identities, and experience levels.

Satya (she/her) has multiple years of leading hiking and camping trips and a fair bit of experience sea kayaking and rafting. Her favorite post long day in the forest meal is pizza. Her dog is a big fan too (he gets the crusts). She’s also really into plants and history if you like to talk about that sort of thing on the trail.

Amber (she/her) is a volunteer Firefighter for the Coal Creek Canyon Fire Department and a UX Researcher for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). She loves hiking, paddling boarding, kayaking, camping, snow-shoeing and trying anything outdoorsy. Amber also has an extensive background in narrative and social documentary filmmaking including ethnographic studies and collaborative video productions with artists, museums, and indigenous communities.

• Register here: https://form.jotform.com/232346497524159