The Rocky Mountain Conservatory is inviting women to explore the outdoors in a series of courses at Rocky Mountain National Park called “Bettie Courses.”

These courses are named after Dr. Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, a scientist who studied alpine ecology and botany. Willard spent 40 years in Rocky researching plant life and how visitors impact the high alpine tundra.  

Willard is considered someone worth celebrating in the field of conservation because she influenced public policy as well as helped to secure the protective designation for the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument located west of Colorado Springs. Her research plots at Forest Canyon and Rock Cut along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park are also included on the National Register of Historic Places because of the influence of her work.

“Dr. Bettie Willard overcame numerous institutional barriers in her life and career to become a noted expert on the alpine environment and pioneer outdoor education,” the Education Director for the Conservancy Carlie Bangs said in a news release.

Willard worked in the field of botany as a woman in a male dominated field. She even served as an adviser to the Nixon and Ford administrations as the first woman on the Council on Environmental Quality. The council produces an annual report for the president regarding the state of the environment and oversees the federal implementation of environmental impact assessments.

The Rocky Mountain Conservatory is offering these new courses in order to connect other women to the environment and to teach them about conservation in a welcoming and encouraging setting.

One of the Bettie courses begins with learning about water and stream ecology and includes an introduction to fly fishing. The goal is for students to have a holistic understanding to waterways and fish. A local company, Rambling Ruby Rose, provides instruction on casting and fishing techniques.

Registration for courses is available at on their website and selecting the button for upcoming Bettie Courses.  

Scholarships are even available to those who are interested but can’t afford the class fees by contacting the conservatory directly.

In addition to honoring the life of Willard with these courses, the conservancy will also be hosting other learning opportunities to commemorate other notable women and trailblazers in Estes Park. More information for these opportunities will be available at RMConservancy.org.