Restoration continues to engage volunteers on Monument Road and enhances views leading to Colorado National Monument

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Late last November, restoration ecologist David Varner led a group of Riverside Educational Center middle school students on an after-school working field trip to collect seed from native plants at the Three Sisters and Lunch Loop area on Monument Road. Learning about the different plants and following meticulous directions, the students collected an abundance of seeds.

Through another partnership with Colorado Mesa University professors Margot Becktell and Deb Kennard, students are now propagating the seeds in a greenhouse. Once the seedlings are ready to plant, David hopes to teach middle school students how to plant the Gumweed, Rabbit Brush, Yucca, and 4-Wing Salt Brush in the areas disturbed during construction of the paved Monument Trail. These natives are critical for minimizing the need for herbicides and promoting bird and wildlife habitat! This effort is part of the larger Monument Corridor Restoration Project to restore native vegetation along No Thoroughfare Wash and the paved Monument Trail.  Please help this project by volunteering or donating to support restoration efforts on Monument Road and other stewardship efforts. For volunteer opportunities email info@cowestlandtrust.org

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