Fall Foliage: Aspens Spectacular Color Changes

It’s that time of year again, and all over Colorado we will begin to see the fall colors come into full effect. The aspen is an especially noteworthy tree for such changes.

Aspens are special trees that can reproduce by both seed and root sprouts. In the fall as the colors just begin to change you can get a vivid example of this phenomenon. The trees that are clones are more likely to change color at the same time, while any unrelated trees may change on a slightly different schedule. This can give the visual of a stark dividing line between green and golden trees, and emphasizes just how many aspens find success from this form of reproduction. (https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/aspen/grow.shtml)

Some notable parks to view these fall changes are Staunton State Park, as well as Golden Gate Canyon State Park. With both parks offering beautiful hikes through aspen groves. https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/good-as-gold-best-places-to-drive-hike-in-colorado-to-see-aspens-other-fall-foliage

If you want to know more about aspens you can find more information from the Colorado State Forest Service: https://csfs.colostate.edu/colorado-forests/forest-types/aspen/

Below you can also find a list of exciting events celebrating wildlife in our state parks that offer an awesome opportunity to get out there and use iNaturalist! You can find more events and festivals on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife homepage under “Things To Do”.

Bike the Colors
Saturday, October 05: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Explore Barr Lake's nine mile Lake Perimeter Trail by bicycle! Autumn is a great time in the park and wildlife abounds.
​Come join a naturalist for this special time of the year at the park.

Limited to 25 participants so be sure to RSVP
Be sure to dress for the weather, bring water, bug spray, and a helmet.
Admission is $8 daily pass or annual parks pass per vehicle.

Audience: All Ages
Location:Nature Center
13401 Picadilly Rd Brighton, CO 80603
Barr Lake

Additional Information:
Registration required
Nature Center
303-659-6005
dnr_barrlake.naturecenter@state.co.us

THE BIG SIT
Sunday, October 13: All day event

A Big Sit is similar to the bird watching event called a "Big Day". In both events, participants try to count as many birds species as possible. In a Big Day you travel all over a geographical area whereas during a Big Sit you sit (or stand) in one location and count as many species as possible through the course of the day. Bring your own chair (or use the bench seating provided by Chatfield), your favorite beverage and snacks and help us find birds. We'll keep a Big Sit "day total" and do "hourly counts" so that every hour the birds are "new". This means that whenever you can come there will be "new" birds to add for the hour and maybe even the day! Event is free and open to all ages.
Park at the Heronry Picnic Parking and take the paved path in the back of the parking lot to the Heronry Overlook. Dress for the weather!
Audience: All Ages
Location: Chatfield State Park- Heronry Overlook

Bird Walk
Saturday, October 26: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join Volunteer Naturalist and bird expert Joey Kellner for this monthly hike where you can explore the park and search for feathered treasure. All ability levels are welcome, but please no pets. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, water and insect repellent. Don’t forget your camera! Meet at the Platte River Parking Lot!

Audience: All Ages
Location:Chatfield State Park- Platte River Parking Lot
11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, Littleton, Colorado 80125

​Please contact Kallie Trujillo at kallie.trujillo@state.co.us for any questions.