SOARING THE OASIS 
he
Land of the Great Blue Herons is rich in variety and mystery.
Also known as a riparian wetland, dense
stands
of Cottonwood and Willow trees once marked the
meandering path of Fountain Creek.
A growing citizenry diverted the creek for their use,
depriving downstream wetlands
of sustaining flows.
Local creek flow, however, could not
quench the thirst of an ever expanding populace.
ventually,
water was brought to the people
from the distant Waters of the Great Divide.
After multiple uses and careful attention by the Guardians of the Wastewater,
this precious water is returned to Fountain Creek,
where it becomes the major source of a permanent flow
which now nurtures the wetlands of El Paso County.
he
Center for Nature on Fountain Creek overlooks
a wetland habitat
where the combination of surface water and lush adjacent vegetation
creates a linear oasis on the parched plains of Colorado the Colorful.
Ponds, marshes, and riparian habitats support five
distinct communities
alive with fascinating creatures and exotic vegetation.
ver
a hundred Great Blue Herons have established
a cluster of nests
known as a heronry or a rookery along the banks of Fountain Creek.
The Great Blue Herons depend on open water and adjacent wetlands
for food, shelter, and space to rear their young.
any
aspects of the heron's local story remain unknown.
You may want to investigate small ponds, or marshes in your neighborhood
for evidence of heron movement, feeding sites and behaviors.
Then consult the Heron Hotline to record and share
your Heron observations.
our
successful completion of the JOURNEY will be noted
when you give your teacher
your solution to the Water Word Wizard Puzzle.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You will be recognized far and wide as a
KEEPER, ROYAL STEWARD OF THE WATER.