Celebrate Prairie Dog Day - Ground Hog Day of the West

What kind of future does the diminishing prairie dog ''predict'' for the plains?

WHAT:

Every year on February 2nd, our country awaits the prediction of that famous groundhog from Pennsylvania: Punxsutawney Phil. Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow and predict another six weeks of winter? While Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather on Groundhog Day, prairie dogs predict the future of our Western grasslands. As a keystone species - one on which many other species depend for survival -the prairie dog is like a canary in a coal mine. When prairie dog populations decline, it is a sign the habitat they create and sustain is in trouble.

After the official prognostication ceremony, featuring Daisy Dog, a panel of scientists will be on hand to discuss WildEarth Guardians' "Report from the Burrow: Forecast of the Prairie Dog," which grades the performance of federal and state agencies responsible for ensuring prairie dogs and the wildlife that depend on them do not disappear.

PHOTOS:

Daisy Dog peeking from her burrow to reenact Punxsutawny Phil's famous weather prognostications.

Children viewing the ceremony with Daisy Dog.

Students receiving awards for their conservation efforts.

The unveiling of WildEarth Guardians' prairie dog report card: "Report from the Burrow: Forecast of the Prairie Dog" and a panel of world renowned prairie dog experts: Dr. Ana Davidson, Dr. John Hoogland, and Dr. Richard Reading to impart important information about prairie dogs, threats to their survival, and their importance to other wildlife. Q&A will follow.

WHEN:

Feb. 2, 2008 9 a.m.

WHERE:

Bandstand bordering Ferril Lake, City Park Colorado Blvd. and York St. Denver, Colo. 80206

WHY:

In its sixth year, WildEarth Guardians' concept of Prairie Dog Day is catching on. In the past three years, two cities in New Mexico and three cities in Colorado have made official proclamations declaring February 2 "Prairie Dog Day." Organizations including the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, Center for Native Ecosystems, the Denver Zoo, WildEarth Guardians (formerly WildEarth Guardians), Jefferson County Open School, Jews of the Earth, the Prairie Dog Coalition, Prairie Dog Specialists and Roots and Shoots have all launched conservation initiatives and educational programs to celebrate and promote awareness about prairie dogs.

Contact: Lauren McCain, WildEarth Guardians (303) 573-4898 lmccain@wildearthguardians.org


 

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