Photographer Frank Weston’s new book features some familiar territory, and quite a few natural treasures that may surprise even lifelong Colorado residents. “Colorado State Parks & Natural Areas” (West cliffe Publishers, $24.95) is both pretty and practical, offering details about the best places to camp and hike in our square state. Claire Martin, The Denver Post
Q: What surprised you when you were working on this book?
A: Well, I’m a native. I’ve lived in Colorado over 60 years, and I’m an avid hiker and backpacker. I thought I knew about everything this state had to offer. But no, there’s still some more to learn yet.
Q: For example?
A: Well, did you know that you can find fireflies in Colorado? I didn’t. When I was a kid, I loved visiting my grandparents in West Virginia, because I loved the fireflies there. Well, on occasion, they’re also found at Roxborough State Park, and I’m also told they’ve been at St. Vrain State Park.
Q: What’s at St. Vrain?
A: The park used to be Barbour Ponds. I went to school in Fort Collins. I don’t know how many times I’ve driven past it and thought what a hideous place it was, right next to I-25 and development all around. Then one of the natural-areas people really wanted to include it in the book. To humor him, I went there, and I found out it’s a fabulous place. Absolutely amazing! The bird life there is phenomenal.
Q: I’ve seen bald eagles roosting there.
A: Not only do they have eagles, but when I was shooting, I found a pair of osprey building a nest. That’s unusual in Colorado. And that park has the largest heron rookery in the state, and the only known great egret rookery. Right next to the highway! And there are moose up there.
Q: You’re kidding. That far from the foothills?
A: Last year, park rangers saw a young moose wander down along the St. Vrain Creek drainage, across the railroad tracks, through town and all the way to the ponds. After hanging around a little, he decided he didn’t like it much, and went back. The Division of Wildlife came running up when they heard about it, but by the time they got here, the moose had run off.
