An elk and her calf make their way across the river at North Star Nature Preserve.

Recreational use of North Star Nature Preserve often captures the spotlight, but its habitat and wildlife are a continuing focus for Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, which manages the 245-acre preserve with the goal of protecting and enhancing the property’s ecological functions.

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Laying wetland sod around an irrigation pond in the Brush Creek Valley.

Restoring a landscape tends to be a long process, but Open Space and Trails rolled out a new technique last month that may speed up the success rate.

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A male Dusky grouse in display mode on the Hunter Creek Cutoff.

Among birds on Pitkin County’s open spaces, the Dusky grouse has a reputation like no other. Encounters with this upland game bird can be memorable.

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