Wetlands and Wildlife: Elk, Moose, Willows & Fencing Strategies in RMNP

The riparian communities – willow, aspen and their associated wildlife species – in Moraine and Horseshoe parks have changed greatly since the implementation of the Elk and Vegetation Management Plan began in 2009. We’ll spend some time inside the fences, one of the major components of the Plan, to see those changes first hand, and discover some of the Plan’s not-so-obvious results over the past 15 years. Participants will come away with a greater understanding of riparian community ecology and dynamics, the science that drives management actions such as fencing, and knowledge of what we might expect in future years. This program has a brief classroom session, but participants should plan to spend most of the day outdoors and will encounter some marshy areas.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up.

Program level: Moderate – These programs are most appropriate for those with some hiking experience. Expect to travel 1 to 3 miles over the course of the program and to be on your feet for several hours at a time. Participants should be comfortable navigating both maintained trails and unmaintained meadows or marshy areas with unstable footing. Prior experience hiking or walking above 8,000 feet is recommended.

When: Friday, July 18, 2025 from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Where: Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517, and travel together to various locations within RMNP in Conservancy vehicles. All required fees and permits for park entry are included in your registration.

What to Bring:

• 10 Essentials for Field Institute Courses.
• Waterproof shoes for hiking through marshy areas

About Your Instructor: Gary Miller retired from Rocky Mountain National Park in 2013 after working as both a naturalist/interpreter and as a biologist during the early years of the Elk-Vegetation Management implementation. Prior to that, he held positions with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (now Colorado Parks and Wildlife) including wildlife researcher, research leader and statewide ecologist. During that time, he conducted or oversaw research and management of both game and nongame species, including their ecology, population dynamics, diseases, and restoration of native species.

Refund Policy:

Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the course are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made fewer than 30 days in advance are not eligible for a refund.

Our programs proceed rain or shine, and participants should be prepared for inclement weather. However, should we decide to cancel a program due to unsafe weather or emergency conditions, we will notify participants by email and automatically issue full refunds.

Conservancy members get 10% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email! Limit 2 per membership.

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join 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.