Many thanks to those of you who continue to volunteer during the dog days of summer. A great example of your dedication was the turnout on multiple days in early July to help drill monitor wells at the Rio Abajo Conservation Area. Six wells were installed.
During the same week a consulting botanist did an extensive vegetation inventory (plant list) for the entire Whitfield Conservation Area (RACA, the Stacy Unit, and the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area). This is huge! It allows for all sorts of citizen scientist volunteer opportunities at any one of the three conservation areas.
As climate change increasingly impacts the southwest, we now have a baseline of information. It’s critically important to track data over time to help government and community leaders make informed decisions.
Andrew Hautzinger, the Director of the Valencia County Soil and Water District, has indicated there are other volunteer opportunities:
- Drill eight additional monitor wells at RACA in late August/early September;
- Make monthly water depth measurements at the RACA monitor wells;
- Build a trail/small fuel break in the middle of the 50 acre cottonwood grove at RACA;
- Create a plant cover map of RACA;
- Be a greeter/Ambassador at the Whitfield Visitor Center.
If you’re interested in any of the above or have volunteer ideas of your own, please contact me at:
[email protected] or 802-772-5320.
