Birding & Conversation: Future of our Forests

Forests across the Rocky Mountains are changing, and our valley is no different. Pushed by multiple stressors, tree species that once dominated the landscape are receding, sometimes replaced by different tree species, and other times shifting to entirely different ecosystem types. Join ACES Forest and Climate Program Director Adam McCurdy and birding expert Rebecca Weiss to explore the Lake Christine burn area and to contemplate the future of our forests and the birds that inhabit them in the face of climate change, beetles, fire, and other challenges. Within burned areas and adjacent green patches, we hope to see American Three-toed Woodpeckers, Olive-sided Flycatchers, Mountain Bluebirds, Hermit Thrushes, Townsend’s Solitaires, Tree Swallows, Black-chinned and Broad-tailed hummingbirds, Western Tanagers and more. The burned landscape is likened by forest fire ecologists to a treasure chest that has been opened, providing a bonanza of feeding and nesting opportunities for many bird species in succession over the following decades of regrowth. This is a moderately strenuous day hike over uneven terrain and mountain trails, covering about 3 miles. This class requires advance registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Meeting location and details will be communicated to registered participants closer to outing date. This class will meet at 6:30 am to start birding at 7 am. Interested in joining ACES Bird Club? Click here for more information! About the instructors: Rebecca Weiss is a Naturalist specializing in birding, botany, and interpretive program development. She first came to ACES as a Summer Naturalist in 1993, later directed the Naturalist Field School and worked with ACES’ Naturalist Programs. She currently guides for ACES’ Birding Program outings and is involved with the center’s interpretive and custom programs. Rebecca is also a professional writer, developing trailside natural history interpretive signs in the Roaring Fork Valley and elsewhere in Colorado, as well as other writing projects. Rebecca is the author of Birds of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. She holds a BS in Biology and an MA in Environmental Education, and loves exploring the natural world with her husband, Austin, and their children Anders and Elsie. Adam McCurdy first joined ACES in 2008 as a Naturalist and re-joined the ACES staff in 2017 as the Forest Programs Director. He received his B. S. in Environmental Science from the University of Massachusetts and his M. A. in Geography from the University of Colorado. Adam discovered the beauties and intricacies of the natural world while exploring the rich forest of New England. As the Forest Programs director he’s thrilled to be spending his time working for the forest of the Rocky Mountains. Adam spends his free time hiking, biking, skiing and whenever possible exploring new places. Birding and Conversation Field Trip Series In this special series we explore compelling topics pertaining to birds, from local history, to ecology and conservation. These field trips involve a combination of birding and presentations in the field with guests whose deep expertise provides unique insights into birds and the world we share with them. Join us for these opportunities for first-hand experience and discussions that will enhance your birding and broaden your understanding of the feathered wonders and the natural world around us! 2026 guests/locations in this series include CPW Biologist Brett Walker at Wildcat Ranch (birds of the sagebrush shrubland ecosystem with a special focus on Brewer’s Sparrows, the dawn chorus, and related conservation issues) , ACES Forest and Climate Director Adam McCurdy at TBD (contemplating the future of our forests and the birds that inhabit them in the face of climate change, beetles, fire, and other challenges) , Wilderness Workshop Executive Director Will Roush at Toklat (exploring congressionally designated Wilderness and the meaning of these landscapes to birds) , Ornithologist and Author Scott Weidensaul at special Frying Pan Valley locations (Scott’s new book and the idea that bird conservation success brings that same success to the greater planet) . Birding & Conversation: Future of our Forests $50, ACES members receive 10% discount ACES Bird club receives 50% discount with code June 17, 2026 from 6:30–11am Information About ACES Staff Board Contact Us Reports & Financials Partners Corporate Sponsors Privacy Policy Opportunities Work At ACES (Careers) Locations Hallam Lake Rock Bottom Ranch Catto Center at Toklat Newsletter Sign Up First Name Last Name Email (required) * Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from ACES. (You can unsubscribe anytime)