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3,500 endangered boreal toad tadpoles find a new home near Leadville
By Ali Longwell Follow
alongwell@vaildaily.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
A program to breed, recover and restore populations of the endangered boreal toad hit a new milestone last month through a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
In June, a group of volunteers and students joined staff from both the state age...
Key takeaway In June, a group of volunteers and students joined staff from both the state agency and zoo to release over 3,500 tadpoles into a breeding site near Leadville that was historically occupied by the endangered species.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The release of 3,500 boreal toad tadpoles near Leadville is a significant step towards recovering the endangered species in Colorado. As the only native alpine toad in the Southern Rocky Mountains, the boreal toad's decline has significant implications for the state's high-elevation ecosystems. In Pitkin County, where Aspen is located, the health of these ecosystems is crucial due to the county's own experiences with environmental challenges such as heavy snow, avalanche risk, and wildfire danger. The conservation efforts for the boreal toad, led by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, demonstrate the importance of proactive work in preserving native species and their habitats. The fact that boreal toads exist only in high-elevation forested habitats above 7,500 feet, similar to Aspen's elevation, highlights the potential for local connections to this conservation effort, and the need for continued support and awareness in the community.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A program to breed, recover and restore populations of the endangered boreal toad hit a new milestone last month through a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
In June, a group of volunteers and students joined staff from both the state age...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ali Longwell Follow
alongwell@vaildaily.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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