Curious about the mysterious boreal toad? Join GARNA and Stephanie Shively, wildlife biologist for the United States Forest Service Salida Ranger District on Thursday May 20 from 7 to 8 p.m. for a presentation on the status of the boreal toad on the Pike and San Isabel National Forest.

Shively will talk about the drastic population decline of the toad, which was once common in the southern Rocky Mountains, and its significance as an indicator of ecological imbalance or change. She will also explain why Chaffee County is an important “stronghold” for the species, the work she is doing to help the toad thrive, the successes she has seen already, and the impending challenges to come. Shively has worked as a district wildlife biologist for more than 20 years, serving in the South Park District in Fairplay, the Comanche National Grasslands, and in the Salida Ranger District, where she has worked the last 10 years.

Pre-registration is required. Visit THIS LINK to register. Program tickets are $3 for GARNA members and $6 for non-members. For questions, contact Program Coordinator, Kelsey Kirkwood at programs@garna.org or 719-539-5106.

The lecture will be followed up with a hike on June 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shively will lead us into endangered boreal toad habitat where we will learn how to recreate responsibly near our reptilian friends, and we will discover what we can do to mitigate impacts. Register for the hike HERE!

Through community collaboration, GARNA inspires a conservation ethic by providing educational opportunities and experiences so that those who live, work and play in the Upper Arkansas Valley are motivated to take care of the natural resources and leave a legacy of responsible use of the natural environment. GARNA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization based in Salida, Colorado. To support our work by becoming a member, please visit: https://bit.ly/GARNAmembership