What's Your Wetland?

Continental Divide National Monument

"Fen wetlands store water and carbon and provide essential ecological services that protect Colorado's natural systems...provide essential water and carbon storage functions that maintain ecosystem health, resilience and native biodiversity...are an ancient wetland providing us with both ecological benefits that are essential to sustainability but probably more importantly perspective - as to our place in the universe of life."

Delia G. Malone, Redstone

Lake George

"This area is just one small example of the many waterways/wetland areas that both my family and my hiking group frequent year round. Encouraging my husband, children and friends to get outdoors and enjoy the enormous physical and mental health benefits of exercise and fresh air is so important! I have a group of friends in their 60s and 70s who hike these areas at least twice a week, and it clearly is keeping them young! The benefits to the environment are also well documented as undeveloped, unspoiled land becomes scarcer.  Once gone, they are lost for current and future generations forever, and will dramatically affect the entire ecosystem. Protecting these lands is essential."

Mo Morgan, Monument

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

"Lakes at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge attract a variety of ducks, wading birds and fish-eating raptors. Much of the refuge is covered by prairie more suitable to bison and prairie dogs than to wetland species. However, if conditions are right, low areas in the prairie fill with water that attracts wetland birds. Great Egrets are rarely seen in Colorado, but somehow the one in this photo found one of these ephemeral wet areas."

Robert N. Stocker, Denver

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

"This is a beautiful habitat where so many different species live and thrive!"

Shelley Kremer, Littleton

Denver

"This wetland is very special to me because of the amazing diversity of ducks and sparrows, etc. there are in this small space! I captured these male Northern Pintails as they took off from the water."

Ethan Cleveland, Denver

Cherry Creek State Park

"During wet springs, Cottonwood Creek overflows, turning a normally dry meadow in Cherry Creek State Park into a shallow wet meadow. When this happens, White-faced Ibis migrating northward through the area spend several days refueling for the rest of their long journey. For bird-loving Denverites the chance to see the ibis is a treat.

Nancy Stocker, Denver

Stringer Meadow

"This spring wetland, stringer meadow hosts countless pollinators and hummingbirds with flowers and songbirds for seeds. It is a delight to visit at all times of year and is well-worthy of protection."

Chris Rasmussen, Durango

Pagosa Springs

"The Pagosa Wetland Partners is a dedicated group of volunteers associated with the Weminuche Audubon Society. Their primary mission is to protect and enhance the conservation wetlands along the Riverwalk in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. These wetlands are ecologically significant and serve as a habitat for various wildlife species. The Wetlands are situated along the San Juan River that go through downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado."

Ben Bailey, Pagosa Springs Photo: Keith Bruno

Pagosa Springs

"This unique riparian wetland anchors the entire town. It is home to 189 species of birds, many of which are migratory, plus native grasses and plants. The hot springs that feed the wetlands keep them open year around. Trained naturalists from Audubon conduct tours and photographers travel here to be amazed."

Janet Diane Cirksena, Pagosa Springs

CU Boulder South

"I love this land. It [is] part of a contiguous Tall Grass Prairie and has 2 endangered species on it (Ute Ladies Tresses Orchids and Prebbles Jumping Mouse) and several threatened species (including Spotted Leopard Frog). Many migrating birds and raptors nest and hunt here. It is slated to be dammed by the City of Boulder and developed by the University of CO Boulder in the very near future."

Lyra Mayfield, Boulder

CU Boulder South

"This land is known as CU South in south Boulder, CO. It is a property currently owned by the University of Colorado on which they hope to develop housing, offices, tennis courts, and a small stadium. The city of Boulder is agreeing to this in order to get some of the land for flood mitigation. This decision has been very controversial because it doesn't seem grounded in good science. This land has wetlands that are home to a variety of birds and wildlife. It is a beautiful place to walk, run and bike and many people enjoy it in this way everyday."

Barbara Leaf, Boulder

Walden Reservoir

"Walden Reservoir is an amazing bird viewing area near the town of Walden. There are a large variety of birds including dabblers, divers, shorebirds, gulls, terns, and waders, including species like golden eagles, prairie falcons, pelicans, gulls, and raptors."

Sibylle Hechtel, Silverthorne

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge

"We camp at State Forest State Park every summer and always visit this glorious area every time we camp there. We love the variety of birds and other wildlife that are found here and feel so fortunate to that such a place exists and is protected. Last time we were there we saw an American Coot and her fuzzy red headed babies. So special."

Sue Sundstrom, Aurora

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge

"This wetland is absolutely vital habitat for thousands of migrating and year-round birds. I love it because I have seen so many amazing birds in this wetland and I visit it every year in hopes of seeing images like this one - an American Coot with its young. These are the moments I live for as a photographer, and wetlands are one of the most special habitats I photograph."

Laura Sheets, Westminster

South Platte Park

"The South Platte Park is host to multiple birds throughout the year. As Littleton grows, South Platte Park becomes the most important wildlife area for its residents and the residents of Littleton. Eagles, hawks, red wing blackbirds, heron, snow egrets, vast numbers of ducks, flickers, kingfishers, terns, pelicans...these are just a few of the birds that come to mind that the wetland hosts and nourishes and in turn nourishes us."

Kathryn Jean Winograd, Littleton

Barr Lake

"Barr Lake has been one of the absolute best parts of moving to Brighton, Colorado. It's beauty and complexity never ceases to amaze me. Each time I go (which is often), I'm always surprised by how it's changed since the last time I have been there. Whether it's the returning of new birds in the spring, seeing the colors change in the fall, or watching eagles catch fish on the frozen lake, there is always something new to see. Barr Lake is one of my absolute favorite places on earth! Nature is so important and being able to take a part in it is an incredible privilege. Colorado Parks & Wildlife and its volunteers do such an incredible job at getting people in the community involved while protecting natural habitats."

Meg Mothershed, Brighton

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

"This National Wildlife Refuge and wetland is very beautiful and very supportive of cranes and other birds and wildlife."

Gordon Thomas James, Denver

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

"This is March in the Monte Vista NWR, as you can see, it is an important wetland stopover for many species. We and many friends of ours go annually to see the arrival of the Sandhill Cranes as they take a much needed break during their annual migration. The Monte Vista Crane Festival has become more popular every year, providing education for the public and bringing in tourism revenue to this tiny town."

Andrea Storrs, Divide

Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge

"I care a great deal about it because it has sheltered and fed many species of wildlife. My favorite bird there is the Sandhill Crane."

Deb Norlin, Denver

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

"Important migration stop for sandhill cranes"

Claudia Strijek, Longmont

Monta Vista National Wildlife Refuge

"This wetland is a significant stopover spot for migrating birds, notably Sandhill Cranes. This Yellowheaded Blackbird is a summer resident at the refuge, where it breeds and nests."

Connie Marvel, Fort Collins

LaSalle

""A seasonal wetland near Lower Latham Reservoir attracts wading birds like this Black-necked Stilt."

Robert N. Stocker, Denver

Last Chance

"Last Chance is a special place to see birds.  It’s at the SW corner where US Hwy 36 and CO 71 intersect, behind the rest stop. During  migration, this tiny intermittent pond offers diverse species a welcome resting and refueling spot.  More than 200 species have been seen here!"

Nancy Stocker, Denver

John Martin Reservoir

"John Martin Reservoir is in Southeast Colorado and there are very few water resources for any wildlife. This is in the migration path for the Snow Geese"

Lois Lake, Parker

"At dusk beavers come out in a marshy area beneath the John Martin Reservoir dam."

Robert N. Stocker, Denver

Neegranda Reservoir

"There are very few water resources for wildlife in Southeast Colorado"

Lois Lake, Parker

Lamar

"A wooded area behind Lamar Community College borders on a wetland with a small slow-moving stream running through it. The area supports a rich diversity of wildlife: song birds, water fowl, raptors, muskrats, frogs and even skunks. This Plains Leopard Frog was photographed at the edge of the stream."

Robert N. Stocker, Denver

Vogel Canyon

"This Vogel Canyon wetland offers a small oasis in the midst of a very dry area. Such places support a diversity of species at critical times in their life cycle."

Nancy Stocker, Denver

Two Buttes State Wildlife Area

"There are very few water resources for wildlife in the Southeast corner of Colorado."

Lois Lake, Parker

Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area

"Healthy wetlands support a wide variety of wildlife. These Familiar Bluets were photographed at Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area."

Robert N. Stocker, Denver

Karval

"Birds know where this small Karval pond is and make good use of it. They could fly elsewhere, however, if they needed to. The reptiles and amphibians that live here aren't so mobile. They are likely to survive the summer anyway, because surrounding trees keep the pond from drying up. An intermittent stream usually resupplies water in spring."

Nancy Stocker, Denver

Wellington

"This 58 acre wetland in Northern Larimer County was established by George and Nancy Wallace in the 1980s with assistance from the Wetlands Reserve Program of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. It serves as an important rest stop for many species of migrating waterfowl as well as year round habitat for mammals and reptiles. Last year for the first time, a pair of sandhill cranes nested on the property and had hatchlings. This year, in an uncommon sighting for Colorado, two trumpeter swans were on a pond in the wetland for about two weeks on March."

James DeMartini, Fort Collins

Sawhill Ponds

"The interplay between water and marsh especially cattails is essential to me as an artist but notably for the well-being of birds especially red wing black birds. We cannot lose any of it."

Clare Scott, Lafayette

South Platte River

"Not only is this wetland a great place for birds, it is a great place to kayak and paddleboard."

Michele Kinshella, Highlands Ranch

South Platte River

"I am an advocate for wildlife and it's extremely important to leave the wetlands be to provide a sustainable habitat for these animals long-term prosperity."

Shelley Kremer, Littleton

Aurora

"It was the only place during the pandemic that brought us any peace of mind, it was a haven for animals and people alike."

Jessica Harvey, Aurora

Kingery Nature Center at Chatfield State Park

"The wetlands that surround the Kingery Nature Center at Chatfield State Park have inspired generations of Colorado youth and adults to take actions that protect birds, other wildlife and their habitats. These wild areas have allowed for curiosity to take flight as visitors watch Osprey dive for a morning meal while others receive a respite of calm found amongst a dawn chorus of songbirds. A hidden gem of Chatfield State Park, the wetlands have been the backdrop for hundreds of school children, families, and adults from the Denver-Metro area to experience connection with the natural world and the water that fuels their lives."

Kate Hogan, Parker

Upper Homestake Drainage

"This was taken in the upper Homestake drainage that is being threatened by front range water authorities. With more transmountain diversions, the less likely Beanie and I will get to enjoy these kind of afternoons!"

Peter Suneson, Divide

Fort Collins

"They are a lovely place to commune with nature and reflect on the natural beauty."

Herman Lopez, Fort Collins

Leadville

"Holds habitat for elk and moose as well as birds."

Kristina Wiebe, Leadville

Taylor City

"The wetlands are a riparian paradise, home to busy beaver, muskrat, pine marten, ermine, mink and a host of birds including mallards, green-winged teal, lesser scaup, red-tail hawk, ptarmigan and owl. Until the ponds are snow-covered and frozen, brook trout look like a hailstorm at day's end, catching bugs until dark when the bats take over. German brown trout swim gracefully in the ever-changing channels and chest-deep holes of pure streams. This is a watery landscape and feeding ground for elk and deer, where black bears are irregular visitors but still enjoy a drink. Coyotes howl from the abandoned railroad tracks across the meadow and fox are often seen playing, catching mice or looking in our windows.

Marjorie Westermann, owner of Taylor City conservation easement, Leadville

Boulder

"This wetland is an oasis within a city and provides critical habitat for birds, plants, and surrounding ecosystems. It's a great example of coexistence for all life."

Lyrysa Smith, Boulder

Florence River Park

"American Dippers forage in the nearby Arkansas River; beavers swim in this wetlands area; Red-winged Blackbirds nest here; Common Yellowthroat can be found here. Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Great-tailed Grackles, Red-tailed Hawks; Bulloch's Orioles, Wood Ducks, and many others visit or live in this small wetlands area. Even small wetlands harbor abundant life."

Peg Rooney, Florence

Arkansas River

"I love walking here looking at birds. The birds of course love it and need it. They build nests, raise their babies, feed and find shelter all along the Arkansas River."

Marla Browne, Pueblo

Quaking Soils Wetland

"There are very few quaking soils wetlands in the Colorado Front Range"

John Vickery, Denver

Lake Ladora

"It supports a wide variety of ducks, passerines and other birds at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, which we visit very frequently. Whatever the season there is always something interesting. There is a trail all the way around it, and it gets a lot of use!"

Polly Reetz, Denver

Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve

"It's such a peaceful and beautiful escape from the steady hum of the city. It's filled with marshes and numerous ponds and is home to all kinds of water birds and hawks."

Lydia VanDenBroek, Centennial

Jewell Wetlands

"It's an accessible place to walk my dog; see and hear birds, including raptors; see painted turtles and waterfowl; and enjoy a shady natural area."

Linda Pohle, Denver

Morey Wildlife Preserve

"The Morey Wildlife at Mariana Butte contains wetlands but also contains a lot more habitat. I provided a picture of a Great Horned Owl, but there are so many other birds and so much wildlife. I am attaching a lot more pictures of both birds and animals. They all need our protection."

Ken Morey, Loveland

Creek at Denver Botanic Gardens

"It is a beautiful and quite place that, obviously, hosts critters!"

Linda Pohle, Denver

Cook Park

"It runs through a nearby park and is lovely in all seasons. I especially like it in the winter, when everything is so quiet you can hear the creek's water flowing."

Linda Pohle, Denver

Dillon

"This lake is habitats for numerous migratory birds - ducks, geese, crane, as well as a food source for our falcons, hawks, and Osprey."

Patti Shwartz, Dillon

Lynch Pond

"This is a stopover point for migrating shorebirds."

Jean Zirnhelt, Pagosa Springs

Pella Crossing

"The well-loved, very popular Pella Crossing series of ponds created by past mining activities is near Hygiene, Boulder County, CO. Waters to maintain the abundant fauna and insects in it are also provided by St. Vrain Creek, which flows through it to the south and which also supplies waters for the many ditches that flow through cities and agricultural lands to the east. Pella Crossing is maintained by the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department. Not only are rare migrant birds often cited there by local and out of state bird-watchers, but it is also home to resident and migrant great blue herons, who regularly nest there from late winter into very early summer in the tall cottonwood trees that line the riparian corridors. This gem in the Colorado piedmont should be protected because of its unique wildlife, its popularity and its beauty against the backdrop of Colorado’s scenic high peaks."

Hazel Gordon, Longmont

Pella Crossing

"Home to geese, seasonal Osprey, nesting herons, survived the 2013 flood in Boulder County."

Heather Beadle, Boulder

Kettle Ponds

"Three ponds with numerous species of birds plus coyotes, deer, beavers at south end of Air Force Academy."

Robert Murray, Colorado Springs