Last weekend, we had the opportunity to take our newspaper hat off for a day and enjoy taking part in the inaugural Archuleta County Bioblitz.
Despite being Pagosa natives, we definitely don’t know everything about the life that surrounds us, had a blast learning about the plants, birds, animals and more that we’re in close proximity to almost every day from local, regional and state experts who have probably forgotten more than we could ever hope to know on those topics.
And their love of what they were doing — identifying and cataloging species, sharing their amazing knowledge, and talking about the uniqueness of our little slice of home — was contagious. It was a great reminder of how remarkable Pagosa Country and its people are.
It sounds like the event organizers will be providing a wrap-up of the nearly 300 species spotted and cataloged that day alone in downtown Pagosa Springs, as well as a larger effort that took place leading up to the Bioblitz, and we look forward to sharing it with you. What was found is impressive.
Participating in the Bioblitz was also part of our current effort to be a tourist in our area and continue to learn more about this place we call home and the people who called it home before us.
In the past few weeks we’ve made a point to carve out time to visit Chimney Rock National Monument, museums, national parks, trails and more with an eye on not only the richness that surrounds us now, but how things have changed over time, whether that be since the Ancestral Puebloan people lived in the region or how last year’s flooding changed the area along rivers.
It’s made for a great summer so far, even if the weather’s been a bit on the toasty side compared to what we’re used to this time of year.
And the opportunities to learn more about our area and our nation are only getting better as more and more exhibits, celebrations and efforts launch in honor of America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th.
We hope as the official 250th and 150th milestones approach in July and August, respectively, that you’ll take time to take it all in and learn something new, such as by visiting our own Pagosa Springs History Museum, which is hosting multiple special exhibits as part of the sesquisemiquincentennial celebration.
You can find more on those exhibits — as well as other ongoing events to keep you busy and entertained, like the final 19th Hole Concert of the season, Thingamajig Theatre Company’s repertory season, Curtains Up Pagosa’s performances of “School of Rock, the Musical” or other fundraisers featuring amazing talent — in The PREVIEW each week.
Happy learning and exploring.
Randi Pierce
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