Together with Governor Polis, CPW, and GOCO, we celebrate the growth of the Regional Partnerships Initiative with $1.3 million awarded for regional coalition development in Colorado! Read the full press release here: ow.ly/uhNF50T2oam Photo of John Martin Reservoir

Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) keeping an eye out for flying insects along the Purgatoire River in Bent County, Colorado. Starting in 2025, SPLT will be partnering with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to start a migratory bird-banding station. Photo by Rich Reading

Did you know our new website is fully bilingual? Click on the bottom right icon, ES for Español and EN for English! Southeastern Colorado is home to a diverse community of people, while conservation is a mission shared by everyone. Check it out at: southernplains.org

Only another month or so before these charismatic beauties leave the Plains and start to migrate to the more southern states, Mexico or even South America! The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) breeds here on the prairie and then makes its way to warmer territory to overwinter.

'No trees, no problem' - this beaver couple must have thought. A true labor of love, building a dam out of grass sods and Russian thistle twigs. 🦫 Happy Labor Day everyone!

Stinky but pretty! One of the showiest wildflowers in the western and prairie regions of the United States is the beautiful pink-flowered Rocky Mountain Bee plant (Cleome serrulata). They are in full bloom on our preserves right now!

Are we in a night club? Nope, 'just' the prairie. Scorpions have an exoskeleton with a thin layer called the “hyaline layer.” This is what reacts to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as black light or moonlight, and causes the scorpion’s body to glow.

Our Conservation Director Kieran got his chainsaw certificate from the Colorado Firecamp! He will use his skills to stop woody encroachment on native grasslands and to fight invasive trees such as Tamarisk and Siberian Elm. What are you up to this weekend?

Looking for a fun and meaningful activity for next weekend? Come join our volunteer work party on September 13 - 15 at the Heartland Preserve in Southeastern Colorado! 💪 More info and sign up via [email protected], feel free to share this with your network!

🕷️🌟 Meet the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula: Nature’s very own furry powerhouse! Did you know these beauties can live up to 20 years? These incredible spiders are now on the move all across the Southern Plains. Come visit us at the Tarantula Fest on September 28th in La Junta!

The monsoon season is coming to an end on the prairie! Last chance to enjoy those beautiful rainbows. #changingseasons

Did you know that human-wildlife interactions can strengthen environmental stewardship? 🍃 Research has shown that birds harbor significant potential for creating a deep, meaningful connection between kids and nature. Read the article here: ow.ly/50QV50Tjjes

A Tarantula Hawk Wasp taking down an Oklahoma Brown Tarantula! The wasp's paralyzing sting beats the tarantula’s fierce defense. After immobilizing the tarantula, the wasp takes it to its nest and lays eggs on the spider. Look at the size of that wasp! 😮

This weekend we will be working on stream restoration!🍃💦 With the help or hard-working volunteers we will be able to give these regenerating cottonwood trees a better chance of survival! Care to help? Email [email protected]!

It is Tarantula Month on the Southern Plains! 🕷️🕸️ The Oklahoma brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) is native to the central and southwestern United States, including Colorado. The preserves of the SPLT hold an incredible abundance of these eight-legged beauties!

QUIZ TIME! Which prairie resident is having a very intimate moment here with one of the cameras on the Southern Plains preserves? Is it curiosity or narcissism? 👁️ 😉 Write your guess in the comments below!

Board member Melinda marvels at this close encounter with an Oklahoma brown tarantula! 🕷️ Despite their intimidating appearance, these tarantulas are generally not aggressive towards humans and will usually only bite in self-defense.

Each month, we send our online newsletter, the Grassland Gazette, to all our supporters. Stay up to date on current grassland affairs, seasonal prairie phenomena and upcoming events! New edition will be send out next week! Sign up here: southernplains.org/en/grassland-g…

'Can you see me?' - 🕷️ This tarantula is known for its distinctive brownish coloration and relatively large size compared to other spiders. Their coloration can help them blend into their environment, providing camouflage against predators and prey.

Have a great Monday, everyone! This burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) seems to have had a bit of a rough start to the day. Take a break, have a coffee, and keep going! ☕🦉 #workworkwork