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July 2019
Hummingbirds: Field Research West of the Divide
Marking individual hummingbirds remains essential to assess population size, migration corridors and survival. Genetic and statistical analyses are complementing and expanding understanding of these important migratory pollinators. Learn about Rocky’s hummingbird populations and their habitats while observing field ornithologists as they safely capture and band these remarkable birds. Visit typical habitats, observe and identify types of food sources, and learn about factors influencing hummingbird survival. Meets at Trail River Ranch near Grand Lake Instructors: Tena & Fred Engelman
Find out more »Painting the Kawuneeche: Intermediate Watercolor Class
This two-day class will take you several steps beyond the basics to a deeper understanding of aerial perspective, linear perspective, simplifying shapes, linking values and more exciting compositional choices to challenge you and take your paintings to the next level. We will paint using the glorious Never Summer Mountains as a backdrop for our inspiration. Time will be spent developing the art of seeing abstractly for more dynamic and stronger compositions. Expect to work with analogous, complementary and discordant colors…
Find out more »What’s Hiding Underwater?
Kids have a natural curiosity about water and want to examine living things up close. Streams and ponds have an abundance of creatures living just below the surface and around the shoreline. Using hand lenses, kids will explore a stream and learn about some of the macroinvertebrates found in the shallow waters of the Big Thompson and Colorado Rivers. Fish biology will be explored, as well as evidence of larger animals and the role different organisms play in the food…
Find out more »NEW! Hike With a Naturalist: Lulu City
Visit a former mining town within Rocky Mountain National Park as participants hike along a pleasant trail through open meadows and mixed pine forests. Participants will have the opportunity to view the headwaters area of the Colorado River along with several historical sites including Shipler Cabin, Shipler Mine, and the site of Lulu City. Both cultural and natural history will be emphasized on this moderate all-day hike. Meets at the Colorado River Trailhead Instructor: TBD
Find out more »August 2019
Bugs, Beetles & Butterflies: Tiny but Amazing Creatures of Rocky
Bugs often are seen as annoying and gross, but they actually are quite extraordinary! They are able to lift impressive weights, fly great distances, and jump to astonishing heights. Learn the basics of our little bug friends through art and exploration as we capture bugs with nets, study them with magnifying glasses and create our own bugs to take home. Learn what bugs are and what they need to live; it may shock you to discover what our tiniest of…
Find out more »NEW! Wild Mushrooms & Fungi of RMNP
Often thought of as something to be avoided, fungi (including mushrooms) represent a vast and diverse group of organisms that play a critical role in virtually every terrestrial environment on the planet. Formerly thought of as plants, it is now know that fungi represent their own kingdom, along with plants and animals. Exemplified by prevalent and often colorful mushrooms, Rocky Mountain National Park has a bountiful and diverse fungal flora. Come learn the basics of mushroom identification, their important role…
Find out more »East Across the Divide: A Trail Ridge Road Bus Adventure
Rocky Mountain National Park holds breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife viewing, and opportunities to connect with the past in this journey from west to east along Trail Ridge Road across the Continental Divide. Join a professional guide to explore some of the park’s history, flora, fauna, and geology along Trail Ridge Road from the comfort of a 14-passenger bus or 12-passenger van. Opportunities for pictures will be provided at many pull-off stops along the way, including the Holzwarth Historic Site, Milner…
Find out more »NEW! The History of Moose in RMNP
Even though not guaranteed we should see moose and even some that have radio collars. The story of present day moose in Rocky Mountain National Park did not get started until 1978. Before 1978 there is some debate on if moose were considered residents of the park. We will discuss why there is some debate and where the present population came from. The focus of the day will be on what they eat, their seasonal behavior, why some are wearing…
Find out more »September 2019
Photographing the Wildlife of Kawuneeche
Seeing wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park is not at all unusual. However, making great photographs of what you see can be challenging and many times results in disappointing images. This field adventure on the park's west side welcomes photographers of all experience levels to learn successful and acceptable methods of wildlife photography, including approaching wildlife subjects and the best photographic methods, equipment and techniques to further an understanding, development and enjoyment of making great wildlife images. (Fee includes meals…
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