Colorado Alpine EcoFlora Project
how hikers in Colorado can help with data collection!
Did you take photos while hiking above treeline this summer? Upload them to iNaturalist and contribute valuable data to the Colorado Alpine EcoFlora Project! This community-science botany project is easy to join, and the information uploaded from people like you is helping our science team better understand the distribution and phenology of alpine plants across Colorado. This year, we introduced four EcoQuests focusing on a particular species, starting with sunny Alpine Buttercup (Ranunculus adoneus), followed by beautiful Elephant’s Head (Pedicularis groenlandica), then charismatic Funky Thistle (Cirsium funkiae), and finally the exquisite Arctic Gentian (Gentiana algida), which is one of the last-blooming plants in the alpine.
The inaugural EcoQuest, Alpine Buttercup (Ranunculus adoneus). Mary, the 2024 Conservation Intern, observes a field of Alpine Buttercup (Ranunculus adoneus). This lovely plant often blooms early in the alpine, sometimes even peeking out from the snow! This project was highlighted in the National Geographic article: The key to better mindfulness may be your public garden
Additional EcoQuests included:
Elephant’s Head (Pedicularis groenlandica)
Funky Thistle (Cirsium funkiae)
Arctic Gentian (Gentiana algida)
The Gardens team educated interested people with an iNaturalist workshop and on guided hikes with Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, while our partners at Walking Mountains also led EcoFlora-focused hikes throughout the summer.
Conservation Scientist, Emily Griffoul, talks about the alpine ecosystem on an alpine hike with Friends of the Dillon Ranger District.
The EcoFlora project was highlighted in a talk at the Center for Plant Conservation National Meeting in San Diego, CA this year, presented by our Conservation Scientist, Emily. Learn more by watching the talk through the CPC Rare Plant Academy here.
