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Big interest in a small flower
The stream orchid (Epipactis gigantea) at Filoha Meadows.
A small flower at Filoha Meadows Nature Preserve may be the single most-studied species on a Pitkin County Open Space and Trails property. The locally rare stream orchid (Epipactis gigantea) has been of keen interest since it was first discovered after land purchases in 2001 and 2003 created the Preserve. In-depth monitoring of the plant began in 2018.
Local mill germinates new interest in old grains
Jacob Trumbull prepares to grind locally grown wheat into flour.
A growing interest in local food production has brought new options for Roaring Fork Valley consumers. Thanks in part to Pitkin County open space parcels leased for agricultural use, the region has experienced a resurgence of locally raised meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables and dairy products.
Smuggler’s bigfoot – the snowshoe hare
A snowshoe hare in its winter coat of white. Credit: National Parks Service
Wintertime brings a preponderance of evidence that wildlife abounds – and of one animal that literally bounds. The tracks of the snowshoe hare are easy to spot zigzagging across the snow of Colorado’s high country, but actually spotting this expertly camouflaged mammal is another matter altogether.
