Plant ID Using Dichotomous Keys in Rocky Mountain National Park

Learning techniques to use a field guide with dichotomous keys to identify native plants can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help! The process of using dichotomous keys is the most accurate way to identify native plants and the best way to learn characteristics of plants.

Participants will be introduced to the three major plant groups, plant identification terminology and characteristics of the 15 Big Plant Families in Rocky Mountain National Park. Participants will practice using dichotomous keys in the field learning general features while moving toward more detailed features to identify plants. Learn to use keys with ease, confidence, and enjoyment.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up.

Program level: Moderate – This program is appropriate for most participants. Expect to travel 1-2 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 wooded areas. Transportation will be in a 15-passenger van with bench seats and a narrow aisle that requires stepping up to enter. Prior experience hiking or walking above 8,000 feet is recommended.

This program has a classroom session and a field session.

When: Thursday, June 11th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm (classroom) AND Friday, June 12th from 9:00am to 3:00pm (outdoors)

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.
• Ackerfield's Flora of Colorado 2 Ed.
• Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary
• Hand lens (loupe)

About Your Instructor: Marlene Borneman spends much of her time in Rocky Mountain National Park locating and photographing wildflowers in their native habitats. Her passion in Colorado flora began in 1974 and has only grown. As a member of the Colorado Native Plant Society, in 2013 she won the photo award for Native Plant Landscapes. Marlene is a certified Colorado Native Plant Master and the author of Rocky Mountain Wildflowers 2Ed., The Best Front Range Wildflower Hikes, and Rocky Mountain Alpine Flowers.

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!

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here:

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at [email protected] or by phone at 970-586-3262.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team