A dusting of snow on Thanksgiving eve!

After a very mild several weeks, the park is being graced by some much cooler temperatures and a lovely dusting of snow as Thanksgiving approaches. For this we are all very thankful! And we are all hoping that this is the beginning of lots more snow to come!

A Couple of November Mammals!

Abert's squirrels (sometimes called tassel-eared squirrels) and mule deer are two commonly seen mammals in Pueblo Mountain Park these days. Most of the Abert's squirrels are sporting a rich winter black, and we also have a few of the pretty gray (with a white belly) Abert's as well. The mule deer blend in so well with the brown autumn vegetation, and can easily be missed.

Autumn color in full swing in Pueblo Mountain Park!

First Frost of the Season!

Last night brought the season's first frost with temps in the upper 20s. The day quickly warmed into a lovely indian summer day. An afternoon hike along the park's Mace Trail revelaed plenty of autumn color, whether you were looking on a micro or a macro scale, as illustrated by the photos. The berries are from a threeleaf sumac bush (sometimes called skunkbrush).

August wildflowers!

Along with floods and other challenges to the town of Beulah, the generous summer moisture has brought forth a wild abandon of wildflowers that typically dominate the latter part of summer. I walked but a few steps from my MPEC office a few moments ago to take these photos of stiff goldenrod (Solidago speciosa var. pallida) and smooth aster (Aster laevis var. geyeri). These and many other species, most of the Sunflower Family, are adding much color to the landscapes of Pueblo Mountain Park. Some of the spring flowers have produced ripe fruits (like the wax currant - Ribes cereum - below, also taken just outside the MPEC's door) that add to the harvest of color as we move towards the latter part of summer.

Summer in full swing at the MPEC!

Summer is here, and I am liking it! The wet spring has the land sporting tall grasses and lots of wildflowers. Rumbles of thunder and a pretty good chance of rain seem to define the afternoons. The MPEC is humming with activity: camps, hikes, and lots of other programs. Check out our website at www.hikeandlearn.org for information on upcoming programs. Then come on out to Pueblo Mountain Park and enjoy this beautiful summer with us!

Summer Solstice in Beulah beats the heat!

Summer was welcomed by around 50 of us, ages 1 - ?, drumming in the new season outside the historic Horseshoe Lodge. A great time was had by all on a lovely evening in a lovely setting!