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Field Institute

Our Field Institute classes are field-based, hands-on learning experiences taught by experts in the field. A wide range of topics are available, including wildflowers, mammals, birds, cultural history, outdoor skills, photography, painting and writing.

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Scenic Ecology Bus Tours

We offer a variety of educational bus tours that are appropriate for all ages! Sit back, relax, and let us guide you through an exploration of some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s unique life zones, including several trips to the alpine tundra. Tour descriptions and tickets are available at the link below. Tours are offered June through October.

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Upcoming Tours

Family and Children Programs

We always have fun on these courses designed especially for families and children! Kids & Family programs provide an introductory opportunity for exploration of our favorite spots in Rocky in an accessible and educational environment. Summer programs include family introductions to climbing and fly-fishing, as well as guided hikes and other pop-up programs throughout the park and in the Estes Valley. Check out our upcoming events through the link below.

Bettie Courses: Women and Conservation

The legacy of Beatrice Willard: We are excited to offer new and exciting courses for our community and members. In the fall of 2022, Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute began offering Bettie Courses. These courses are named after Dr. Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who inspired the educational seminars in the park and was one of the first instructors of the Field Institute programs. Bettie initiated some of the first alpine environment research in the early 60s and focused her research on the tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Her research ultimately was instrumental to mountain ecology and management of the tundra in RMNP, and her land protection advocacy throughout the state of Colorado left a legacy for all women who value land stewardship and conservation. To honor and recognize this remarkable woman, these Bettie Courses were created to encourage women, and those that identify as women, to learn about conservation efforts and get outside. 

In honor of Jan Robertson, a Rocky Mountain Conservancy board member for 20 years, the Conservancy established a scholarship fund to remove financial barriers to entry for Bettie Courses. Email education@RMConservancy.org to learn more about the scholarship fund and apply. 

It is our honor to dedicate these initiatives to the work begun by Bettie and Jan, and to those who share their passion.

Upcoming Bettie Courses

Education and Outreach

Through partnerships with local organizations, corporations, and aligned members of the community, Rocky Mountain Conservancy works to fulfill its mission promote stewardship of Rocky Mountain National Park and similar lands through education and philanthropy. It is our goal to connect individuals with our majestic public lands by increasing access through programming.

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