Join Denver Field Ornithologists (DFO) for an evening of learning about the charismatic Lesser Prairie-Chicken of Colorado. DFO members and non members are invited to attend this in-person event. This presentation will not be recorded or live streamed. We hope to see you there.
We are excited to welcome Colorado Parks & Wildlife biologist Katie Merewether, a leading researcher and conservationist working with Lesser Prairie-Chickens in Colorado. Merewether is the fourth generation in her family to call Colorado's eastern plains home. She grew up in Karval, Colorado, where her father worked as a cattle rancher and her mother as a small animal veterinarian. Merewether is passionate about Colorado's eastern plains. Her understanding of the balance between agriculture and the environment, underlined by hands-on experience, inspired her to pursue what has become a 13-year career as a wildlife biologist.
Presentation Summary: The Lesser Prairie-Chicken is a charismatic species on the southeastern plains of Colorado. It has a fascinating life cycle highlighted by the male lekking behavior during breeding. As a grassland obligate, its success mirrors the health of the grassland around it. It is particularly susceptible to extensive droughts, development disturbance, and rangeland conservation. As a result, there have been times in Colorado's history when it has been abundant enough for market hunting and times when it has been completely extirpated from the state. Conservation of the species going forward is closely tied to grassland conservation. This presentation will cover the history of the bird in Colorado, the ecology of the species, and current and proposed conservation efforts.
Date: Wednesday September 30, 2026
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Presentation: 7:00 PM
Where: The Cube event venue
Address: 8371 Northfield Blvd, Denver, CO 80238
Please RSVP: RSVP Form