Location:      Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar & Conference Center

                        1895 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado

Time:   8:30 AM-4:30 PM                 

Course Description: Bears are the iconic symbol of the American wilderness.  North America has three of the world’s eight species.  Historically, the Park had two of the three…now only one. Learn the natural history of all three N. American species…their evolution, behavior and habitat needs.  With illustrated classroom sessions and field trips, you will learn which areas of the Park provide proper black bear habitat, what they eat and their population status.  In addition, instruction as to where to view and safely photograph N. American bears will be provided.

Course Level:  II

Short-distance walks throughout the day on primarily level terrain (possible sites include Moraine and Horseshoe Park along with sites along Trail Ridge Road)

Brief Instructor Biography (additional information available at www.rmna.org): Perry Conway Conway has been a full-time nature photographer, naturalist and bear guide for over 30 years.  He has studied and photographed bears in both North and South America.  His images have been used in a wide variety of textbooks, natural history publications, multi-media shows and as wall décor.

Instructor’s Website:   www.perryconway.com

Expectations:  Professional conduct will be expected from participants at all times.  Individual ideas will be respected.  Except during course breaks, cellular phones, pagers, and personal entertainment devices are strictly prohibited in the classroom and during field sessions.

Car-pooling:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars courses utilize car-pooling to limit vehicles traveling into the Park.  Car-pooling makes it easier to keep the group together, reduces transit time, and allows courses greater access because fewer parking spaces are required at destinations.  In addition, it provides an opportunity for participants to discuss course material in small groups during transit.  Typically, a few participants from each course volunteer the use of their vehicles for car-pooling to course locations.

Tentative Course Schedule:

   8:30 AM – Noon         Illustrated classroom session followed by a short hike looking at bear needs

  Noon                          Lunch

  1:30 PM – 4:30 PM     Field trip into Park’s bear habitat and final course synopsis

What to Bring:

§         Sack lunch, snacks, energy bars, and Water                          

Remember to Bring the 10 Essentials:

Rocky Mountain National Park recommends that hikers always carry the 10 essentials in their daypacks.  

     Raingear                                     Map and compass                       Flashlight or headlamp

     Sunglasses and sunscreen            Candles                                      Matches or other fire starter

     Pocketknife                                 First-aid kit                                 Extra layers of clothing

     Sack lunch, snacks, and water                                                     

Note:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars recommends that participants for all courses dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy hiking boots/shoes.  Participants should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.

Teacher Recertification Credit: 

Most seminars are eligible for teacher recertification credit through the Centennial Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES).  The fee is $25.00 per seminar (.5 unit) or $25.00 per series of threaded seminars (1.0 - 3.0 units).   A list of threaded seminars can be found online at www.rmna.org.  Participants must enroll in all seminars of a threaded series in order to qualify for the $25.00 multi-unit fee. Please be prepared to pay for this credit with a check, made payable to BOCES, on the first day of a seminar or on the final day of a threaded series of seminars.