High in the Alpine: Flowers, Birds, & Small Mammals of the Tundra

Partnership with the Forest Conservancy

Cushion plants, krummholz, horned larks, pikas… Come explore the alpine tundra on top of Independence Pass (12,095 ft) with the Forest Conservancy Master Naturalists Francine Liebel, Donna Chase, or Carol Kurt! This outing will open your senses to the new ways of seeing this seemingly monotonous landscape and will give you a renewed appreciation for the incredible plants and animals that live there.

The class meets in the North Lot at North Star Nature Preserve. We will carpool up Independence Pass.

About the Instructors:

Francine Liebel graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. For 30 years, she practiced small animal medicine and surgery in Ohio and Kentucky. After moving to Snowmass Village, she became a volunteer with the Forest Conservancy where she helped develop their Naturalist and Master Naturalist educational program. She is a Master Naturalist with the FC, specializing in the Alpine Tundra. Janis Huggins has been her mentor.

Carol Kurt has a BA from Smith College and is a Master Naturalist with the Forest Conservancy. She has been Chair of the Aspen Chapter of the Colorado Mountain Club since 1999 and has served on their Board and is currently on their Foundation. She leads Adventure Travel trips for them.  She is passionate about being a steward of our resources for future generations.