Both managers and citizens are grappling with the complexity of how climate change may alter fire disturbance regimes. Is fire still a natural disturbance in these mountain forests? What relationship does fire have with other disturbances such as drought and bark beetle outbreaks? Explore the role of fire in mountain forest ecosystems, typical fire regimes, […]
Concerned about threatened or endangered species, and their preservation as part of our natural world? How do species come to be at the brink of extinction, and how can they be recovered? The answers lie in the landmark Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), the emerging science of conservation biology, and the resulting actions taken […]
This course is intended for the recreational hiker who has little or no experience reading a topographic map or working with a compass. Learn about map sources, map vintage, next generation U.S. topo maps by U.S.G.S. and map symbology. Learn to read contour lines, recognize landforms, calculate percent and angle of slope and become familiar […]
Twilight marks the transition time when nocturnal birds become active. While many daytime species still can be located, Wilson’s snipes, owls, common nighthawks and common poorwills start their nightshift hunting at dusk. Explore the haunts of these elusive birds, and discuss their natural history and ecology as we visit, search and listen. Meets at the […]
Participants will explore Rocky Mountain National Park in search of 3-4 species of owls during the spring courtship and nesting season. Students will be listening for the vocalizations of northern pygmy, northern saw-whet, flammulated and great horned owls. The group will head into the field well before dark as pygmy owls are diurnal which provides […]
This course provides an overview of the history of environmental change in the park with an emphasis on human-caused change. Discuss the history of mining, water engineering, recreational development and tourism, atmospheric inputs of dust and nitrates, wildlife management, and climate change in the context of protecting and restoring natural environments within the park. Understand […]
This course will provide an overview of the region’s past by mixing brief lecture-and-discussion format with visits to historical sites of significance. Site visits will range from an ancient Indian battlefield to early homesteads, from stately resorts to deserted cabins. The course will examine numerous historical sites in the Estes Valley to discover the outlines […]
You cannot hike, bike, climb, or ski in Colorado without encountering lichens, but few people take the time to notice or examine these ubiquitous organisms. Come take your blinders off and come be blown away by the biology and beauty of these fascinating communities of organisms that live where other life forms cannot. In this […]
Birds are far more often heard than seen – but learning to identify them by ear can be a challenge. This course will introduce the most common bird sounds of Rocky Mountain National Park. We will begin with a field trip in the morning to several different habitats, to hear and practice identifying as many […]
Eagles, hawks & falcons are icons of power and speed that capture the human imagination. Rocky Mountain National Park has all three of these aerial athletes. With an illustrated lecture/discussion in the morning followed by an afternoon field trip, participants will learn how these beautiful birds are alike and different with respect to their diet […]
Some of the park’s early blooms are the loveliest, from tiny alpine forget-me-nots to colorful Calypso orchids. Search out these beauties with former Rocky Mountain National Park interpretive naturalist Leanne Benton as we explore from high alpine ridges to lower montane meadows depending on what is blooming. Participants will get up-close with the mountain flora […]
Butterflies are easily observed in every life zone of Rocky Mountain National Park. Learn basic butterfly biology, behavior and identification. In the field, visit several different habitats on the east slope of the park to search for summer species, such as pale swallowtail, blues, several fritillaries, hoary comma and Weidemeyer’s admiral. Learn to identify these […]
