Ten new birdhouses. Six nests.
A year ago, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails built and placed 10 bluebird houses on a couple of open spaces. We targeted Mountain bluebirds, a species that has historically nested in tree cavities excavated by woodpeckers, but that will readily use a nest box that is appropriately sized and properly placed in their natural habitat.
One can only wonder how many visitors to North Star Nature Preserve have proclaimed “beaver!” at the sight of a brown, furry face cruising effortlessly through the water. Chances are they were actually watching a muskrat going about its business.
Two Roots Farm at Emma Open Space produced about 60,000 pounds of vegetables for local consumption last year, but the operation’s yield did not stop there. Yet another farm took root as a Two Roots veteran launched his own farming enterprise this season.