Optional Field Trip, Fall 2005
— Plains to Tundra Transect —

An optional, overnight trip to Niwot Ridge and CU's Mountain Research Station is this Friday and Saturday, September 9th and 10th.

We'll leave from campus Friday afternoon (tentatively 2pm) and drive up one of the canyon roads, stopping to observe not only elevational changes in vegetation but also to note seasonal changes in plants as winter approaches.

We'll spend Friday night at the Station, and early Saturday morning drive and then walk up to Niwot Ridge.  This will take us through the upper montane forest followed by the subalpine forest and its ribbon forest transition to the alpine tundra.  We'll visit university research sites on the Ridge and note how subtle differences in slope and drainage can have a strong effect on vegetation.  Along this elevational and landscape transect, we'll discuss how plants with different lifeforms are adapted to summer and winter conditions.

Sign up for the field trip by end of class Thurs Sept 8th.  Sign up either in class or by email.

• We’ll be staying in the Station’s rustic, but winterized cabins.  Bring a sleeping bag, towel, soap, flashlight.
• For the trip be prepared for cold at elevation, possible rain & wind, but also bright sun.  Bring warm layers (including warm hat and gloves) and a rain shell against wind and rain.  Also bring sunglasses and sunblock.
• Be prepared for rough trail hiking up to the ridge - Bring good hiking shoes (good boots or trail shoes).
• In the way of food – bring food for breakfast and a field lunch on Saturday.  Bring plenty of snacks to munch on on the trail.
• We’ll coordinate plans for a group dinner.
• Field Trip Handouts (2)

• We'll depart 2p Friday afternoon from CU East Campus, specifically ...
• Meet in the campus parking lot (#566), which is directly across 30th from Scott Carpenter Park.  The closest Stampede shuttle stop is at 30th & Marine - from there the parking lot is just south of the Litman Research Lab (RL1, INSTAAR).
• Return to CU Saturday, ~6p - earlier if thunderstorms are threatening on the Ridge.