Centennial WMA Volunteer Project Recap

High Country Conservation Advocates partnered with Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District for our final stewardship event of the season to restore a critical wet meadow system.

Sixteen volunteers and 84 hours later, our work prevented further erosion and restored wildlife habitat at Centennial State Wildlife Area, just west of Gunnison.

After learning about process-based restoration methods and Gunnison-Sage Grouse ecology, volunteers successfully implemented 9 Zeedyk rock structures which will “rewet the sponge” within these meadows by retaining seasonal flow and spreading it throughout the landscape. By strategically placing rocks, volunteers helped to restore sheet flow within the system. As the rocks are placed, sediment will hold in the system longer–encouraging new plant and insect life to flourish. Taller vegetation acts as cover for nesting Gunnison Sage-Grouse hens, and can provide nutrient-abundant habitat.

This is crucial to the survival of the threatened Gunnison Sage-Grouse and countless other species in arid sage country.

We would like to thank Jermaine’s for providing delicious lunches to our hard working volunteers. As the stewardship season comes to an end we want to thank each volunteer, project partner, and local business that provided lunches. You helped make the 2023 season such a success!