Centennial Science Behind The Scenery Programs

Date: June 30, 2015
Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

Numerous scientists will be presenting as part of the Centennial Science Behind The Scenery Programs at Rocky Mountain National Park. This series of programs highlights scientific activity and learning in the park. Each week a different scientist conducting research in the park will share their experiences and discoveries.The programs will be held on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and are free and open to the public.

This Thursday, July 2, at 7:30 p.m. join Brittany Mosher as she discusses A Tale Of Toads In Rocky Mountain National Park. Worldwide, over 40 percent of amphibian species are in decline. Declines are related to a variety of factors including habitat destruction and disease. Amphibians in Rocky Mountain National Park have not been immune to these problems. Of the five species of amphibians historically present in the park, two, including the boreal toad, have suffered severe declines. Once common throughout high elevation areas in Colorado, the boreal toad is currently endangered in the state of Colorado and is being considered for federal listing as a threatened or endangered species.

In this look "behind the scenes," Brittany will share recent research findings on the effects of disease and introduced species on boreal toad populations. She has a Master's of Science degree in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University, and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University.

Next Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. join Ben Lawhon who is the Education Director of Leave No Trace, Center for Outdoor Ethics. Leave No Trace is the most prevalent minimum-impact visitor education program in use in parks and protected areas in the U.S. The intent of the program is to teach people of all ages how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Everyone benefits when we practice Leave No Trace ethics. It is important to share how those practices are effective at reducing impacts. This study examined variables thought to influence future Leave No Trace behavior in park visitors. Results of the study indicate that educational efforts make a difference to minimize impacts.

For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park's information office at [phone].