Grassland Ground Nesting Bird Seasonal Closures

From May 1 to July 31 annually, the Lower Big Bluestem area (north of the South Boulder Creek West Trail, east of the Bluestem Connector, and south of Shanahan Ridge) is closed to all entry and use-types. This seasonal closure is in place to protect grassland nesting birds.

Grassland breeding birds have seen widespread and precipitous declines at a continental scale due to a variety of impacts. OSMP provides habitat for several species of grassland nesting birds including Grasshopper Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Vesper Sparrow, Horned Lark, Lark Sparrow, and Savannah Sparrow. OSMP closes certain areas to help reduce human impacts that could disturb nesting birds.

These closures do not affect designated trails in the area which remain open throughout the closure period.