Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Field Institute is always looking for exceptional instructors with expertise in a wide range of disciplines to develop new and exciting courses. If you have an idea for a course, let’s talk!
Field Institute courses offer a unique, in-depth educational experience for adults, with a focus on spending time outdoors in Rocky Mountain National Park’s diverse learning environments. We provide world-class courses, led by talented instructors with a variety of professional and educational backgrounds. We work with artists, scientists, educators, writers, rangers, outdoor professionals, and expert “amateurs” who are committed to sharing their knowledge, skills, and expertise with others who love Rocky Mountain National Park and wild lands.
Single day Field Institute courses are typically four to eight hours long. Multi-day courses usually happen over two or three consecutive days. Some courses begin or end with a classroom session, while others take place entirely outdoors in Rocky Mountain National Park and other public lands.
Sample course topics include:
- Cultural and natural history of Rocky Mountain National Park and the neighboring communities, including Grand Lake and Estes Park
- Outdoor skills: birding, tracking, fly-fishing, plein air arts, photography, and beyond
- Natural science topics related to RMNP: botany, geology, wildlife biology, ecology, etc.
If you’re interested in leading a Field Institute course with Rocky Mountain Conservancy, please reach out to the Education Manager at education@RMConservancy.org. Please include your name, phone number, proposed course topic/title, brief description of the course, and whether your course would take place on the East or West side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
We are currently accepting course proposals for the summer 2025 Field Institute season. Summer courses must be confirmed with Field Institute staff by October 31, 2024.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Responsibilities:
The Field Institute Coordinator will work with potential instructors to set an agenda and develop a syllabus for each course. We will handle all the logistics, including:
- Marketing via the Conservancy website, Eventbrite, social media, print media, and other channels
- Managing participant registration and communication, including sending course information and updates to participants
- Securing entry permits and fee waivers for Rocky Mountain National Park or other public lands as necessary
- Reserving classroom space in Estes Park or Grand Lake and providing presentation technology
- Providing transportation (including a driver) for participants and the instructor
- Providing safety equipment for the group
- Printing and distributing course materials to participants
- Collecting feedback from participants and Conservancy staff, and sharing relevant feedback with instructors
Instructor Responsibilities:
Field Institute Instructors are responsible for developing and delivering the course content, with support from Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Instructors are expected to:
- Outline learning objectives and course activities
- Provide a list of required equipment for participants
- Develop a thorough and engaging lesson plan for adult learners
- Communicate any material needs, such as a screen and projector or field equipment, to the Field Institute Coordinator
- Deliver high-quality educational programming to the group
- Participate actively in the course evaluation process and be responsive to feedback
——————————————————————————————————————
Sample Course Agenda:
8:00 – 8:15 a.m. – Check in at the classroom or travel together to the first field location
8:15 – 8:30 a.m. – Introductions and course expectations
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. – Field session OR Illustrated classroom lecture
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Break, travel to the next location
10:30 a.m. – 12 noon – Field session
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch break in the field (full-day courses) OR Wrap up discussion, course concludes (half-day courses)
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Field session
2:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Break, travel to the next location
2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Field session
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Wrap up discussion, course concludes
Email education@RMConservancy.org or call 970-586-3262 if you’re interested in becoming a Field Institute Instructor!
Featured classes
Introduction to Alpine Ecosystems – 2 Days
Join us for a fascinating journey into the unique world of Alpine Ecosystems with expert naturalist, Kathy Brazelton! Click here for more information and to sign up! Rocky Mountain Conservancy […]
Families on the Water – Introduction to Fly-Fishing
Rocky Mountain Conservancy invites your family to get on the water for some fly-fishing! Join Sarah, owner of Rambling Ruby Rose Fly-Fishing Guides, in this outdoor exploration experience for children […]
Kawuneeche Summer Lecture Series
Kawuneeche Valley Summer Lecture Series This summer, Rocky Mountain Conservancy is excited to sponsor a series of free, public talks at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on the west side of […]
Browse All Our Classes
Calendar of Events
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
S Sun
0 events,
1 event,
Wildflowers of Rocky Mountain National Park – 2 Days
Explore the wonder and diversity of Rocky Mountain National Park’s wildflowers with experienced RMNP interpretive naturalist, Leanne Benton. Click here for more information and to sign up! Rocky Mountain Conservancy uses the Eventbrite platform to manage our registrations. Please click the link above to visit our Eventbrite page for this course.
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Bettie Course: Lake Haiyaha Hike
Bettie Course: Lake Haiyaha Hike
Create community, get outside, and enjoy the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park on this hike to stunning Lake Haiyaha - just for women! Click here for more information and to sign up! Rocky Mountain Conservancy uses the Eventbrite platform to manage our registrations. Please click the link above to visit our Eventbrite page for […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Geology of Trail Ridge Road
Geology of Trail Ridge Road
The foundation of Rocky Mountain National Park's awe-inspiring scenery is its bedrock! Join us to learn about how geology shapes Rocky! Click here for more information and to sign up! […]
2 events,
Rocky Mountain Landscape Photography: Creating an Artistic Eye
Take your landscape photography to the next level in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park on this 3-day course with Eli Vega! Click here for more information and to sign up! Rocky Mountain Conservancy uses the Eventbrite platform to manage our registrations. Please click the link above to visit our Eventbrite page for this course.
Science Connections at The Old Gallery
Science Connections at The Old Gallery
Join us for a series of informal, natural science-based talks highlighting the Rocky Mountain National Park region! Connecting the public with specialty science, local research, current events, and fascinating creatures, […]
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Introduction to Alpine Ecosystems – 2 Days
Join us for a fascinating journey into the unique world of Alpine Ecosystems with expert naturalist, Kathy Brazelton! Click here for more information and to sign up! Rocky Mountain Conservancy uses the Eventbrite platform to manage our registrations. Please click the link above to visit our Eventbrite page for this course.
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Families on the Water – Introduction to Fly-Fishing
Families on the Water – Introduction to Fly-Fishing
Rocky Mountain Conservancy invites your family to get on the water for some fly-fishing! Join Sarah, owner of Rambling Ruby Rose Fly-Fishing Guides, in this outdoor exploration experience for children […]
1 event,
Kawuneeche Summer Lecture Series
Kawuneeche Summer Lecture Series
Kawuneeche Valley Summer Lecture Series This summer, Rocky Mountain Conservancy is excited to sponsor a series of free, public talks at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on the west side of […]
1 event,
iPhone Photography: Capturing Rocky Mountain Magic
Join photographer Dawn Wilson in learning techniques and how to use your phone to capture stunning images of Rocky Mountain National Park! Click here for more information and to sign up! Rocky Mountain Conservancy uses the Eventbrite platform to manage our registrations. Please click the link above to visit our Eventbrite page for this course.
2 events,
Bats of Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park – West
Bats of Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park – West
Join us for an unforgettable in-person adventure exploring the fascinating world of bats in Colorado and western Rocky Mountain National Park! Click here for more information and to sign up! […]
2 events,
Which Way Do We Go? Maps & Orienteering Kids’ Course
Which Way Do We Go? Maps & Orienteering Kids’ Course
Ready to learn to explore the world around you, without getting lost? This class will show kids how maps work, how to read a legend, and how to create their […]
Bats of Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park – East
Bats of Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park – East
Join us for an unforgettable in-person adventure exploring the fascinating world of bats in Colorado and eastern Rocky Mountain National Park! Click here for more information and to sign up! […]
0 events,
1 event,
Who’s Eating Who? Kids’ Course
Who’s Eating Who? Kids’ Course
Who's eating who around here anyway? Curious about which predators are at the top of Rocky Mountain National Park’s food web? In this 3-hour kids' program, we’ll explore Rocky Mountain […]
1 event,
Edible & Medicinal Plants of Rocky Mountain National Park – East
Edible & Medicinal Plants of Rocky Mountain National Park – East
Join naturalist Leanne Benton for an exploration of the many useful (and a few dangerous) plant species found in Rocky's eastern regions! Click here for more information and to sign […]
0 events,
1 event,
Wild Mushrooms & Fungi of Rocky Mountain National Park
Wild Mushrooms & Fungi of Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountains are home to unique fungi of all shapes and sizes! Join expert mycologist Jon Sommer to learn more about RMNP's wild fungi Click here for more information and to sign up! Rocky Mountain Conservancy uses the Eventbrite platform to manage our registrations. Please click the link above to visit our Eventbrite page […]
1 event,
Edible & Medicinal Plants of Rocky Mountain National Park – West
Edible & Medicinal Plants of Rocky Mountain National Park – West
Join naturalist Leanne Benton for an exploration of the many useful (and a few dangerous) plant species found in Rocky's western regions! Click here for more information and to sign […]
1 event,
Which Way Do We Go? Maps & Orienteering Kids’ Course
Which Way Do We Go? Maps & Orienteering Kids’ Course
Ready to learn to explore the world around you, without getting lost? This class will show kids how maps work, how to read a legend, and how to create their […]