The widening of I-25 between the state's two largest cities created the opportunity to reconnect habitat between the plains and foothills ecosystems, and the Environmental Assessment process identified wildlife-vehicle collisions as a safety problem for motorists and the interstate as a barrier to wildlife movement and population health. Douglas County supports the largest protected open space along Colorado's Front Range - the result of proactive planning efforts for over 40 years. This stretch of I-25 now boasts a comprehensive wildlife mitigation system with five large underpasses for elk, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, and other wildlife. Each crossing also includes a habitat features to provide cover for small fauna, including the federally threatened Preble's meadow jumping mouse. In 2023, CDOT received funding through the first round of FHWA's Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program to construct the final piece of the mitigation system - a 200'-wide overpass spanning 6 lanes of interstate.
Field trip participants will hike through Douglas County's Greenland Open Space to view the overpass construction, which will be underway. The final stop on the field trip will be to Plum Creek Bridge - a large, multi-span bridge which supports floodplain management, wildlife passage, and includes a regional recreation trail off-set to one side. Participants will also visit the beaver dam analogs, which were constructed to improve Preble's mouse habitat, restore groundwater elevations in Carpenter Creek and East Plum Creek, generate riparian habitat, and encourage beaver recolonization. This trip is recommended only for people who are comfortable hiking 4-5 miles total on rolling terrain (elevation 6,700'). Please bring a small pack with plenty of water, snacks, warm layers, and sun protection. Additional water, snacks, and a box lunch will be provided.