All about playas
The name is Spanish, meaning “beach” or “circle of water,” describing the natural depressions that form in various locations on Colorado’s Great Plains. Playas collect water during wet periods and have been used by irrigators for seasonal storage of runoff crops. They form habitat for many species of birds and amphibians and, in the case of larger containers such as Nee Noshe and Nee Gronda reservoirs, provide exceptional warm-water fishing.
On Oct. 8-9, the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Playa Lakes Joint Venture and Colorado Division of Wildlife will present a workshop near Holly to help teachers learn more about these unique ecosystems. Cost is $20 and a college half-credit can be earned. For information, phone 970-482-1707.
Meat donation expands
Rocky Mountain Meats has been added to the list of processors who’ll cut and package big-game carcasses donated to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, an organization that provides meat to local homeless while pursuing a donation to Hurricane Katrina victims. The processor is located at 1961 W. 64th Ave., phone 303-650-7471. Another processor, Steve’s Meats, 5751 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., 303-422-3487, already participates in the program. Hunters with extra meat can drop it off at either establishment. FHFH pays for the processing and accepts donations to help with this expense. Contact greggkay@hotmail.com.
Snowmobile expo
The 20th annual Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Expo is scheduled for Oct. 8-9 at the Denver Merchandise Mart Pavilion, Interstate 25 at 58th Avenue. Exhibitors will reveal 2006 models, along with numerous exhibits of merchandise, destinations and other forms of recreational vehicles. Admission is $6, with no charge for children under 12. For coupons, log onto bigasalloutdoors.com or phone 303-892-6800.
