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June 2019
NEW! Early Wildflowers of RMNP
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 to discover their adaptations for survival and interesting stories behind their beautiful faces. Identification techniques will be honed, and participants will gain confidence using a…
Find out more »Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Rockies: Plants for Hunger & Health
Explore the flora of the park with a former RMNP interpretive ranger and Master Herbalist. Focus on plants that have been used historically as food and medicine and those in current use by Native American tribes. Herbal remedies based on popular traditions, herbal lore and cultural customs will be complemented with knowledge of therapeutic value discovered by scientists for a holistic portrayal of medicinal plants found in the Rocky Mountains. Discover the edible plants, their pharmacology, identification, conservation and ethics…
Find out more »NEW! Untangling the Mystery of RMNP Native Orchids
What is an orchid? The orchid family (Orchidaceae) is the largest family of flowering plants, about 35,000 species. Surprisingly there are about 26 species native to Colorado with many growing in the montane and subalpine zones of RMNP. Our day includes learning the characteristics of the orchid family, orchid terminology, their symbiotic relationship to other plants, history of uses, and looking at specific orchid species found in RMNP. We will see how many species we can find and identify in…
Find out more »Wildflowers of RMNP
Explore the wonder and diversity of the park’s wildflowers with a former Rocky Mountain National Park interpretive naturalist. The park’s vertical topography allows for a variety of habitats; this class will search out lush wildflower displays from montane meadows to high alpine ridges. Get up close with the mountain flora to discover their adaptations for survival and interesting stories behind their beautiful faces. Hone identification techniques, and gain confidence using a flower key. Day 1: montane and subalpine wildflowers; Day…
Find out more »July 2019
NEW! Alpine Wildflowers: The Beauty & Resourcefulness of Life in Miniature
Spend a day in the rugged environment of the alpine tundra and explore how life survives and thrives. Plants have adapted to these harsh conditions allowing for a lushness that begs to be seen and experienced up close. We will explore the ecosystem; specifically, how alpine plants adapt to extreme forces. The class is scheduled to make the most of the seasonal wildflower display. Come play up top in the crystalline air with spectacular views! Meets at the RMC Field…
Find out more »August 2019
Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Rockies: Plants for Hunger & Health
Explore the flora of the park with a former RMNP interpretive ranger and Master Herbalist. Focus on plants that have been used historically as food and medicine and those in current use by Native American tribes. Herbal remedies based on popular traditions, herbal lore and cultural customs will be complemented with knowledge of therapeutic value discovered by scientists for a holistic portrayal of medicinal plants found in the Rocky Mountains. Discover the edible plants, their pharmacology, identification, conservation and ethics…
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…
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