After a period of hot dry weather, our region has enjoyed light rain as the month of July is ushered in. At our wetlands site off Campstool Road, ground-nesting birds like the Killdeer are on high alert for intruders in their territory. This is why it is so important to let prairie grasses flourish – they are prime habitat for ground nesting birds. As noted by CHPAS President Wanda Manley, “every time you mow and the native grasses fail to complete their life cycle, cheatgrass and Japanese brome will move into those areas.” These invasive grasses will burn, leaving the soil bare and scorched. So … four words to remember … don’t mow the prairie!
Calendar
More information about all of the events listed below may be found in Flyer, our Chapter newsletter.
July 13, 8:30 – 10 p.m. Bat Walk with the Biodiversity Institute at Mylar Park, Cheyenne
Join The Biodiversity Institute and Bat Conservation International to learn all about local bat species and go on a short stroll to listen for bat calls. You may even get the chance to see one as they fly overhead! All ages welcome. Registration is Required. (Note: As of July 6, 2022, registration for the Cheyenne event has been closed but several other Wyoming locations are still available). For more information: Summer Bat Walks
July 15 through 18 On-line BioBlitz
You can use iNaturalist to observe species anywhere in the state of Wyoming from July 15th through the 18th. More information coming soon at https://rockies.audubon.org/events
July 16, 8:00 a.m. Field Trip: Birding and Picnic, Medicine Bow National Forest
This will be an all-day trip. If you drive, you can leave whenever you need to. We’ll drive to Laramie and then to Don and Belinda Moench’s cabin on Miller Lake, near Fox Park. Participants should bring a side dish to share; hamburgers will be provided. Bring a folding chair to sit on for the potluck and be prepared for the weather.
You must sign up with Grant Frost at 307-343-2024 at least a week before so that we know how many to expect, and so that we can let you know if the trip is canceled for some reason.
July 26, 6:30 p.m. Board Meeting
Contact Wanda Manley, cheyenneaudubon@gmail.com, if you would like to participate in helping to plan chapter activities. We have a special need for individuals interested in environmental education.
July 29, 7:00 a.m. Country Club Bird Survey
Contact Chuck Seniawski to take part or to be on his email notice list: 307-638-6519 or chuckski@aol.com. The count will start in the Country Club’s main parking lot.
Cheyenne-High Plains Audubon Society 
Hello! I was very excited to learn about the Bat Walk for our area but see it is now closed. Is that due to all spaces filled or was the event cancelled? Also, was Mason Lee leading it? Thank you for the newsletter and assistance!
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Rachel, I contacted the Biodiversity Institute and yes, Mason Lee was going to lead it. She is willing to come back in August to do another … Tuesday, August 16th. So put that date on your calendar and watch for more information. We’ll publicize it for them. Lorie
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Rachel, in the August newsletter, there will be instructions on how to sign up for the August Bat Walk which is an event that is being done just for us. There are only 20 spots and the date is August 16th from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. You will be contacting Mason Lee directly. Just a heads-up that it is coming. The places will fill quickly and I want you to get in if you want to. Lorie Chesnut
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Rachel, it seems that Cheyenne’s walk was filled to capacity. I suggest that you call the Biodiversity Institute – I wish that they would add another time because I believe that there is the interest. I’m not sure who was leading it. Lorie C. Webmaster
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