It’s no secret that Boulder County is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in all of Colorado. At least 59 mammal species, over 100 breeding bird species, more than 200 butterfly species, and countless reptiles, amphibians, and insects have been documented to date. Now that we know who some of our wild neighbors are, how can we better manage their habitats so these species can thrive?

That’s where you come in.

The Boulder County Wildlife Project, nicknamed “Wild Boulder,” is a call for community members to take an active role in protecting our open spaces and wildlife. By participating as citizen scientists, individuals will provide local land managers with a stronger understanding of where and when these animals are being observed, and what they need to thrive in this unique ecosystem we call home.

The Boulder County Wildlife Project utilizes iNaturalist, an online network that provides a platform for participants to record their wildlife observations. By taking and uploading photos, species identifications, geographic locations, observation dates, and other relevant notes, citizen scientists can assist open space experts as they create a database of wildlife in the area.