Chalk Bluffs Natural Area
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The Chalk Bluffs is a barren chalk escarpment in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Colorado, stretching from the Wyoming border east of I-25 to near the South Platte River in Logan County and Weld County. [1]
Geology
[edit]The Chalk Bluffs exposes the Ogallala, Fox Hills and Arikaree Formations. Miocene, Eocene and Paleocene vertebrate fossils are found. [1]
Ecology
[edit]Most of the escarpment lies within the Pawnee National Grasslands.
As the bluffs are primarily barren and protected from fire. However trees normally found in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains are found there, including: Ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain juniper, limber pine, and mountain mahogany.
Numerous raptors nest on the cliffs including Swainson's hawks, ferruginous hawks, golden eagles, and prairie falcons. The bluffs are a favorite site for birdwatching. It has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as a site of "global importance".
Chalk Bluffs Natural Area
[edit]A 640-acre (2.6 km2) portion of the Chalk Bluffs in Weld County were set aside in September 2001 by the Colorado State Parks Natural Areas Program as the Chalk Bluffs Natural Area.[1]
Wind farm
[edit]The bluffs are adjacent to the Cedar Creek Wind Farm.
References
[edit]- Escarpments of the United States
- Chalk
- Landforms of Colorado
- Nature reserves in Colorado
- Landforms of Weld County, Colorado
- Landforms of Logan County, Colorado
- Protected areas of Logan County, Colorado
- Protected areas of Weld County, Colorado
- Neogene Colorado
- Paleogene Colorado
- Miocene United States
- Eocene North America
- Paleocene North America
- Eocene paleontological sites of North America
- Miocene paleontological sites of North America
- Protected areas established in 2001
- 2001 establishments in Colorado