Wetland Ecology & Plant Identification in Rocky Mountain National Park

Biodiversity hotspots, wetlands are home to an oversized range of plants (and animals). In this 2-day course, participants will gain an understanding of wetland plant ecology and learn to identify major wetland plant families, with a focus on willows, sedges, rushes, and grasses. We'll spend the first afternoon in the classroom, where instructor Denise Culver will give an illustrated lecture introducing plant family terminology and characteristics. On the second day, we'll be outdoors in Rocky Mountain National Park all day, getting up close with various wetlands and practicing our new plant-identification skills. Since we'll be in and around the water, be prepared to wet-wade or wear waterproof boots on Day 2.

Who: Adults and teens ages 16 and up. This is a Level II course. Expect short-distance walks throughout the day, primarily on level terrain.

When: Tuesday, August 13, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm, AND Wednesday, August 14, from 8:00am -4:00pm

Where: Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO and travel together into Rocky Mountain National Park.

What to bring:

• RMC’s Field Institute 10 Essentials,
• Bag lunch on Wednesday,
• Pants and shoes that you don't mind getting wet or waterproof boots (and a spare set for afterwards),
• Hand lens or magnifying glass,
• Your favorite fieldguide (optional).

About your Instructor: Denise Culver is a retired botanist for the Colorado Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University. She has over 30 years experience working in Colorado and Wyoming. She is the author of “Field Guide to Colorado’s Wetland Plants: Identification, Ecology and Conservation” and “Common Wetland Plants of Colorado’s Southern Rocky Mountains."

Conservancy members get 15% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email! Limit 2 per membership.

Not a Conservancy member? Learn more and sign up 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.

Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team