Jes Gray

Union Reservoir Over Time Changes observed over time at various viewpoints from 2013-2016, and again in 2024.

A little bit about the ecological changes over the last decade on the north shore of Union Reservoir. #longmont #colorado #nativeplants #restorationecology

High Plains Preserve Over Time Changes observed at various viewpoints from 2013-2016, and again in 2024.

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One of a series of viewpoints within the Longmont Open Space portfolio, showing dramatic changes that have occurred on the land since the 2013 flooding of the St. Vrain Creek.

It takes the time to reach the wildlife to begin enjoying photographic wildlife.

Native Seed Cleaning and Cookie Swap - City of Longmont - Parks, Open Space & Trails | GivePulse Join us for a cozy winter evening dedicated to cleaning native seeds collected by our wonderful volunteers. This importa...

Join City of Longmont Parks, Open Space & Trails volunteers on December 18 for a cozy winter evening dedicated to cleaning native seeds they’ve collected. You're also invited to participate in a cookie swap.

• When: Wednesday, December 18, 5-7 pm
• Where: 7 South Sunset Street, Longmont

Italian greyhounds look so fun to be…

Wow. Go read an absolutely blistering report (w/tons of charts) from the World Economic Forum on the massive cost of Climate Inaction:

"Rising climate risks are already impacting the global economy and the business case for collective action is clear"

reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The...

Getting in some light science at sandstone ranch #restorationecology #invasiveplants #longmont #colorado

I came across this otherworldly appearing but entirely native sight today, the seed pod of a wild cucumber. Its spiky, dried shell is pale and papery, with an intricate, hollow structure that clings to the vine. Empty now, it once held smooth flat seeds - a curious remnant of summer.

Image of the website for "Climate Change in Colorado", with links to the sections of the report, and a photo of a pasture with horses, and mountains in the background.

bsky post-a-day #2: Climate Change in Colorado. Published earlier this year, this report addresses observations and projections of climate in our state. It includes a look at key climate indicators, impacts on water, and various hazards. Graphs, maps, data, and more at climatechange.colostate.edu

A hand holds a white card that has a drawing of a sharp-shinned hawk sitting on a snowy fence. The hawk is grey with some rusty orange on its lower face and dark stripes on the tail. In the background is a white card with a Western meadowlark on it. It has brown, speckled feathers with a bright yellow throat and breast.

adding a new notecard to my collection. these are prints, but the drawing itself was done in pastel and the western meadowlark behind it was done in colored pencil. #birding #birder #birdart

www.npr.org/2024/11/11/n... How often are "weedy" native species used in restoration to displace non-native monocultures? Not just squirreltail and the like, but species like cc gumweed, ragweeds, or even horseweed, etc. Interested to hear the outcomes in the short and long term.

Many arthropods are harmed by mowing management. However, mowing is ofter required to maintain species richness in high nature value grasslands. This is yet another case for phased mowing, of which Sinus mowing is a very nice example. Variation in mowing dates on landscape scale may also help.

I’m Kit - I’m looking to connect with birders, nature enthusiasts, and dog lovers! I am a science illustrator + environmental educator — I currently focus on my line of wildlife and botanical notecards and apparel. I also have a pit mix and retired racing greyhound that I will inevitably talk about!

City open space programs aren’t perfect, but they’re a vital step toward balancing growth and conservation. By preserving and recreating native habitat in urban spaces, we support biodiversity, combat climate change, and create healthier communities.

#OpenSpace #UrbanConservation

Colorado's grasslands face threats from agriculture, urban expansion, and infrastructure development, impacting wildlife and their habitats. How can we balance growth and conservation?

#Grasslands #Conservation #Sustainability #Biodiversity

When we think of Colorado, we picture mountains—but did you know over a third of the state is grasslands? These vital ecosystems support wildlife, store carbon, and protect soils, yet less than 1% remain unaltered. Restoring them is key to our future. #grasslands #colorado #biodiversity #restoration

Deeply saddened by the closing of foco doco, the best donuts we’ve ever had and our favorite post-birding thing to do. Nothing can ever replace it, but I need something to replace it. #fortcollins #focodoco #donuts

Hi, I’m Jes, the sr. plant ecologist for Longmont, Colorado! I’m passionate about conservation, wildlife habitat, and restoring plant diversity in the Front Range. Excited to connect with others who share a love for putting ecological science into practice! #conservation #nature #ecology