From immersive experiences in wildlife conservation to hands-on workshops in sustainable practices, Estes Park has a variety of ways in which we invite visitors and locals alike to connect with nature and become stewards of the land.
YMCA’s Youth Outdoor Education Program
The YMCA of the Rockies has their very own Environmental Education program for youth! This program provides high quality, standards-based educational programs that promote an appreciation of the outdoors, provide hands-on learning activities, and give students the skills and knowledge to continue learning after they leave the program. Curb your curiosity about elk ecology, animal tracking, glaciology and more! And engage in campfire sessions and survival skill team-building activities – all from inside the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Estes Valley Watershed Coalition
The Watershed Coalition coordinates sustainable projects that connect the community with the rivers and land we depend on. They host impressive speakers ranging from the state climatologist to a wildlife photographer and more with intriguing topics covering things like elk migration, the reintroduction of wolves and more! They also host volunteering projects throughout the year like cleaning up Lake Estes and planting vegetation to make our mountain community its most beautiful!
The Rocky Mountain Field Institute
These programs through the Rocky Mountain Conservancy provide hands-on learning experiences for people seeking in-depth contact with recognized experts in diverse environmental fields. Ever wondered which plants in the outdoors are edible or medicinal? They have a class on that! They even offer iPhone photography courses!
Bettie Courses: Women & Conservation
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy developed an incredible collection of courses to connect women to conservation efforts through educational experiences. Named after Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, a foundational educator at the Conservancy, these Bettie Courses pay tribute to her by inspiring women, and those that identify as women, to learn about conservation efforts and get outside.
