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Don’t tread on the redd! It’s spawning time

April 1, 2025
An image of a brightly colored rainbow trout in the water.

The vibrant spring colors of a rainbow trout.

Warming spring days lure anglers to local rivers hoping to hook up with willing trout. The trout, meanwhile, are busy seeking their own sort of hookup. It is a well-documented conflict: winter-weary fly fishers get passionate about their favorite pursuit just as the trout get passionate about each other.

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Big interest in a small flower

March 3, 2025
An image of a stream orchid.

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.

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Local mill germinates new interest in old grains

February 1, 2025
Jacob Trumbull prepares to grind locally grown wheat into flour.

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.

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