Date:  Friday August 16th, 2019
Time: 8:00 am – 3 pm (round trip from Durango, at the fen from 9:15-1:45)
Place: Ophir Fen, Ophir Pass, north of Silverton
Leader: Amanda Kuenzi

Description: 

Fens are groundwater driven peatlands, which provide valuable ecosystems services to our watershed.  Fens filter water, reduce sediment load into rivers and streams, and reduce flooding. Mountain Studies Institute has been working to restore Ophir Fen, north of Silverton for 10 years. Join us to learn about the wetland plants that live there. We will be transplanting sedges and other vegetation to help the fen continue to improve towards a fully functioning wetland.

Carpool:

Durango 8:00 AM - Meet at Animas City Park in Durango (East 2nd Ave and East 32nd St), carpool to Silverton.

Silverton 9:00 AM - Meet at the gas station at the south end of Silverton, 315 Greene St

Please bring lunch, water, sunblock, layers for all weather, rain gear, and footwear that is appropriate for walking in wet, muddy fen!

Fens in the San Juan Mountains have accumulated up to three meters of peat and most are thousands of years old. These ancient wetlands store carbon, filter pollutants from water, and support biodiversity, including rare species. Learn more here: http://www.mountainstudies.org/ecosystemwork/2014/11/7/fen-restoration

Our fen project is an integral piece of mountain wetland monitoring and we need your help; join us to restore these critical ecosystems and learn more about them during a day out in the mountains! 

Contact Amanda@mountainstudies.org with any questions.