Plans, policies, and reports

In July 2025, the City of Louisville Open Space Division teamed up with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) at Colorado State University to conduct Louisville's first BioBlitz. Scientists and community members worked together to collect data and to document biodiversity across Louisville's open spaces.

What is a BioBlitz? 

A BioBlitz is a scientific survey that records plants, animals, insects, fungi (mushrooms), and other living things in a specific area over a set period of time.

Study Overview

Scientists and community members surveyed 15 open space sites using iNaturalist, GPS tools, and field observations.

More than 1,200 species observations were recorded, helping establish Louisville's first wildlife and plant baseline and supporting future conservation planning.

Disclaimer: GPS tools used during the survey may have picked up data from areas just outside Louisville's city limits. A few findings may reflect the surrounding region rather than the city specifically.

Notable Findings of the study

The survey documented:

• Rare plants
• A rare bumblebee
• A mushroom that may be an undescribed species

To see a comprehensive and evolving plant species list for Louisville, with location coordinates and
number of observations, see the BioBlitz iNaturalist page

Results

The results show that Louisville’s open spaces support high biodiversity, including healthy native species, as well as ongoing impacts from non-native plants. The project helped identify areas where biodiversity data, community engagement, and conservation planning can grow. The findings will support future mapping and conservation work for Louisville’s open spaces.

Detailed findings are available in the City of Louisville Open Space BioBlitz Summary Report (PDF)

The Louisville Open Space Division launched a study in 2024 to identify the most effective ways to manage smooth brome and support healthy native grasslands.

What is smooth brome?

Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) is a fast-growing grass that loves cool weather. This invasive grass spreads through both seeds and underground stems called rhizomes. This is a problem because it grows so fast that it crowds out native plants and wildflowers. Over time, smooth brome can take over an entire area, leaving little room for any other plants to grow.

Study overview

To better understand how to control smooth brome, Louisville Open Space conducted a research study across 15 test areas in the North Open Space from April through November 2024. Some areas were treated and some were left alone, so staff could compare the results. The methods tested included mowing, grazing by animals, haying, using herbicides, and solarizing (using heat from the sun to kill the grass). Each method was tested in areas where native grass seeds were planted and in areas where they weren't. One area was left completely untreated so there was something to compare everything else to.

Goals of the study

• Evaluate control methods: The study aimed to determine which management techniques were most effective at reducing the spread and amount of smooth brome.
• Support native plant recovery: The study sought to identify methods that helped native grasses and other prairie plants return to areas affected by smooth brome.
• Compare costs and results: Researchers measured both the effectiveness and cost efficiency of each treatment method to help guide future management decisions.
• Identify environmentally responsible solutions: The study evaluated approaches that effectively managed smooth brome while minimizing impacts on surrounding ecosystems.

• 2018 Davidson Mesa vegetation report
• 2019 Davidson Mesa vegetation report