The Boulder County Parks & Open Space department is offering small grants for research and biological inventories on open space lands. These research projects and inventories provide valuable data to monitor management practices and improve resources and park visitor experiences.
Donor Name: Boulder County Parks & Open Space
State: Colorado
County: Boulder County (CO)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/09/2023
Size of the Grant: $10,000
Details:
Priority Research Topics
Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS) staff have identified the following research topics as priority needs for natural resource and visitor management. This list is not exhaustive, and they encourage you to submit research topics that are not listed. They are seeking research proposals that will:
Plant Ecology
- Using genetic sequencing to compare root associated mycorrhizal community composition of Chokecherry and American Plum in restored plantings versus naturally occurring populations. Historically these species have had low establishment rates when out planted in the field and we are curious if this could be a factor contributing to their poor vigor and low survival rate.
- A literature review or field study comparing pollinator richness, or a larger comparative invertebrate survey, of native grasslands with and without the presence of prairie dogs.
- A lab study manipulating cold stratification periods for various native species requiring long cold stratification periods and/or from different elevational gradients and implications for long term viability in the face of climate change.
- Analyze historical changes in native and non-native tree establishment and distribution relative to stream channel morphology, utilizing a combination of aerial imagery, LiDAR, tree dendrochronology, or other applicable methods.
- Develop or utilize an open-source, highly accurate artificial intelligence software system to identify terrestrial wildlife species within BCPOS-provided game camera photos.
- Investigate utilization of downed woody substrate by small mammals in lower montane and/or upper montane forests. Conduct a literature review and develop guidelines for management to retain woody substrate.
- Develop acoustic classifiers using cluster analysis in Kaleidoscope software for local populations of boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata) and American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus) in Boulder County.
Forestry and Fire
- A historic range of variability study for the forest and fire resources on the newly acquired Wallace and Tucker properties.
Education & Outreach
- Boulder County’s regional trails (Coal Creek, Rock Creek, and LOBO) seasonal & annual visitation.
- A qualitative study (interviews and/or focus groups) to gather visitor feedback and evaluate the quality of the new sign messaging and design at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat.
Invasive Plants
- Study of small mammal response to weed treatment with Bayer Rejuvra herbicide treated vs. untreated study sites using live trapping. Proposal should include species identification, species diversity, species richness and age (adults vs. juveniles).
- Research nesting bird populations in areas that have been treated by Rejuvra vs. nontreated.
- Fire behavior in areas treated by Rejuvra vs. non-treated.
Cultural and Paleontological Resources
- Research in further depth the 11 paleontological site localities recently located and recorded on a cluster of open space properties in the southeast grasslands area of Boulder County.
- Evaluate the previously recorded multiple stone circle clusters at Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain Open Space and how their presence indicates the area’s possible use by Indigenous people.
- Record and evaluate the authenticity of a possible Indigenous rock art wheel at Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain Open Space.
Funding Information
Grants awarded up to $10,000.
Criteria
Research preference is given to projects conducted on Parks & Open Space properties. Universities, local government agencies, private organizations, and individuals are all eligible for funding from this program.
For more information, visit Small Grants Program.
