Bioblitz! A comprehensive biological survey

Biologists, ranchers, and other interested folk who participated in the first JE Canyon Ranch Bioblitz

Q: What do you get when you set loose over three dozen passionate biologists who study animals, plants, and fungi in a nearly pristine ranch in Southeast Colorado for a 24 hour period?

A: A BIOBLITZ!

Last week was the first ever comprehensive biological survey of JE Canyon Ranch, an area east of Trinidad, Colorado.  The primary organizers were Dina Clark, Curator with Denver Botanic Gardens, and Renée Rondeau of the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.  Jerry Wenger, the owner of the ranch, hosted the event, opening his amazing property to the 50+ individuals who participated, representing (in no particular order): Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP), the Division of Wildlife (DOW), Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO), Colorado State University (CSU), Nature Serve, University of Colorado (CU), Colorado College (CC), University of Denver (DU), and the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT).
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Bioblitz uncovers previously unknown populations

The mushroom discovered that may be a new species

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Denver Botanic Gardens staff were among the thirty-six scientists who donated their time in the first Soapstone Prairie Natural Area Bioblitz, surveying all species in a 24-hour period. Ten scientist teams inventoried insects, mammals, fungi, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and of course plants.
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