Experience the beauty of autumn in Rocky Mountain National Park and learn about how plants and animals prepare for the coming winter.
The days are getting shorter and there is a new crispness in the air. As autumn arrives, these climate factors trigger changes in Rocky’s plants and animals – berries are ripening, leaves are changing color, animals are heading into winter burrows, birds are migrating, and deer, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep engage in lively courtship displays. This course will peer into the lives of the plants and animals that create one of the most beautiful and exciting seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park. Come spend a few hours with us, exploring the magic of autumn in the Rockies!
Who: Adults and teens ages 16 and up. This is a Level II course. Expect short-distance walks throughout the day, primarily on level terrain.
When: Tuesday, September 24, from 8:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO and travel together into Rocky Mountain National Park.
What to bring:
- Please be prepared to spend a full day outdoors in RMNP, including time above 10,000 ft.
- RMC’s Field Institute 10 Essentials,
- Hand lens or magnifying glass (optional but recommended),
- Your favorite Rocky Mountain guidebooks (optional)
About your Instructor: Leanne Benton is a former ranger-naturalist in Rocky Mountain National Park and has led wildflower walks in the park for over 25 years. She has studied and photographed the park’s wildflowers since her first summer in the park, and continues to expand her botanical knowledge, most recently into edible and medicinal uses of plants.
Conservancy members get 15% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email! Limit 2 per membership.
Not a Conservancy member? Learn more and sign up here: Conservancy Membership
If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at education@RMConservancy.org or by phone at 970-586-3262.
