Bison-tennial: A Monument on Tap Celebration

Join us for a special Monument on Tap with Resiliency Ranger, Amber Martin and Volunteer in Park, Terri Ahern as they uncover the story of the bison brought to Colorado National Monument by John Otto in 1925. Explore the history of the Monument’s bison herd, Otto’s vision for wildlife on the Monument, and the unintended consequences of introducing bison to this fragile desert landscape. The evening will also feature a rare bison skull from a distant descendant within Colorado National Monument’s original bison bloodline, now part of COLM’s collection and gifted by Badlands National Park. 

Amber Martin is the Resiliency Ranger at Colorado National Monument and leads the National Park Service’s first resiliency-focused ranger program. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Amber blends her passion for mental health and outdoor healing with a deep connection to bison. While researching John Otto, she uncovered the Monument’s bison history and worked with Badlands National Park to preserve a skull from a distant descendant of Colorado National Monument’s original herd. 

Terri and her husband, Rick, moved to the “best slope” in 2000 after falling in love with the high desert canyon country. She has been a volunteer at the Colorado National Monument since April 2006 as a Trail Ambassador, and assists with special projects in the Cultural & Natural Resources Division and enjoys the annual Desert Bighorn Sheep Count. Terri currently leads hikes for active adults & seniors through New Dimensions Lifelong Learning Institute. 

Monument on Tap is a CNMA lecture series that takes the learning out of the park and into the community—supporting local voices, shared knowledge, and meaningful connection. 

Please help support CNMA! Your donation directly supports CNMA programming and helps advance the mission of the National Park Service by providing meaningful special events, presentations, and educational opportunities that connect our community to the Colorado National Monument. Donate to CNMA 

Details:        

• Date: Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 
• Time: 6:00 pm- Please come early to order food and drinks. The talk will start at 6:30 pm 
• Location: Desierto Rojo- 233 E. Aspen Ave. Fruita, CO 81521  

• Registration: Please make an RSVP for each attendee. You must have a RSVP to attend this program- There is limited seating.
• Jeff and Marlen, the owners of Desierto Rojo, have generously offered to close their restaurant to the public during our program so we can have a quieter space where everyone will be able to comfortably hear the speaker. In appreciation of their generosity, we kindly ask that each RSVP purchase at least one food or drink item from their menu during the event. If you are not planning to order anything, we ask that you please leave the RSVP spot open for someone else who is willing to support Desierto Rojo. 
• Thank you for helping us support local businesses that support our community!