The Rocky Mountain Conservancy has a busy schedule of Fall tours and educational programs in October including some very special events to help commemorate the 150th anniversary of Isabella Bird’s remarkable visit to the Estes Valley.
Each Friday morning through the end of October (6th, 13th, 20th and 27th) the Conservancy offers a one-of-a-kind history tour, “Women of Rocky.” Focusing on Isabella Bird and many other local legends including homesteader Esther Burnell and Wigwam Tea Room proprietor Anna Wolfrom Dove, this scenic bus tour will take participants on a historical adventure throughout the Estes Valley. One recent participant said, “This awesome tour hit all the marks: great presentation with Inspiring stories about women who excelled in the Park; stops at beautiful spots; and info about more resources about the topic.”
The cost is $50 for adults and $25 for children. For more information and to register, visit the Rocky Mountain Conservancy website at www.RMConservancy.org.
It’s not too late to enjoy the golden aspens and excitement of the elk rut on the Fall Color Scenic Ecology Elk Tour which runs from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 28th, 29th, and 30th and Oct. 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Enjoy the spectacular display of elk mating behavior with an expert guide discussing elk ecology. The cost is $50 for adults and $25 for children. For more information and to register, visit the Rocky Mountain Conservancy website at www.RMConservancy.org.
Join the Rocky Mountain Conservancy at The Old Gallery in Allenspark on Tuesday, Oct. 10th, at 5 p.m., for Science Connections, a speaker series connecting scientists and our local community. Dr. Derrick Taff will discuss his research into attitudes by hikers and boulderers of the problem of human waste in the backcountry and visitor use strategies for mitigating the impact. Taff was selected this summer as the Conservancy and RMNP’s inaugural scholar-in-residence, with his research also supported by the nonprofit organization Leave No Trace. The Old Gallery is located at 14863 CO-7 in Allenspark. There is no cost for the program, but RSVPs on the Conservancy website or by emailing education@RMConservancy.org help ensure adequate seating for all attendees.
Continue the celebration of Isabella Bird’s arrival to the valley and summit of Longs Peak 150 years ago with a presentation Oct. 21st at 4 p.m. at the Estes Valley Recreation Center by historian Dr. Ruth Alexander as she shares the stories of influential women in the valley and Rocky Mountain National Park. In a presentation called “How Shall We Tell Their Story?,” Dr Alexander will consider
the longstanding cultural and historical importance of women of diverse backgrounds to our community and our understanding of Rocky’s past and will offer time at the end of the presentation for questions. Admission is $5, and Rocky Mountain Conservancy Members receive free admission. For information and to register, visit the Rocky Mountain Conservancy website at www.RMConservancy.org.
On Oct. 25th, the Conservancy is proud to co-sponsor with the Estes Valley Library a second presentation by Dr. Alexander on her new book, “Democracy’s Mountain: Longs Peak and the Unfulfilled Promise of America’s National Parks.” Alexander’s book offers a compelling history of Longs Peak and its climbers, while also illuminating Rocky Mountain National Park’s struggle to fulfill three fundamental obligations: to facilitate visitor enjoyment, protect natural resources, and manage the park as a site of democracy. Ruth explores the Park’s shortcomings and successes in living up to its promises and identifies significant choices Rocky faces in the present. The book will be of interest to climbers, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park, and anyone who cares about America’s national parks. Admission is free for the program which begins at 6 p.m. in the library’s Fireside Theater. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing (cash or checks preferred).
For more information on any of these events, including requests for scholarships to participate, visit RMConservancy.org or email education@RMConservancy.org.
