Scientists think the pika, a tiny alpine mammal, may provide clues to what climate change will mean in the Rocky Mountains.
Pikas, which are related to rabbits, are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and snowpack. Researchers with the Front Range Pika Project began collecting data on pikas in the White River National Forest last year. They’re relying on citizen science volunteers to help conduct surveys in several locations across the forest, including Independence Pass.
Volunteers are needed to hike to key locations, look for evidence of pikas and record information about habitat. Anyone interested will need to attend one classroom training and one field training.
There is a classroom training at the Third Street Center in Carbondale on July 31, from 6-8 p.m., and one at the Red Brick Center for the Arts in Aspen on Aug. 1, from 6-8 p.m. There is also an option for a webinar.
The field training on Independence Pass is on Aug. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.