Bats of Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park

In this course, bat ecology expert Jeremy Siemers will introduce participants to the evolution, ecology, behavior, anatomy, threats, and population status of Colorado’s bats in an illustrated lecture, complete with video and acoustic materials. Participants will also learn about the various types of survey equipment used to monitor bat populations across Colorado. After the classroom session, the group will travel together to nearby foraging habitat to observe and listen to bat activity.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up.

Program level: Easy – Appropriate for most participants. Expect frequent short walks with ample breaks. Participants should be comfortable navigating both maintained trails and unmaintained meadows or wooded areas. Transportation will be in a 15-passenger van with bench seats and a narrow aisle that requires stepping up to enter. Please note that the field session of this program begins at dusk.

This program has a classroom session and a field session.

When: Friday, July 24, 2026 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Where: Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517, and travel together to various locations within RMNP in Conservancy vehicles. All required fees and permits for park entry are included in your registration.

What to Bring:

• 10 Essentials for Field Institute Courses
• Headlamp or flashlight (optional but helpful)

About Your Instructor: Jeremy Siemers has worked with bats for more than 20 years and is the lead zoologist for the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, a research program at Colorado State University. He has conducted surveys and monitoring of bats throughout Colorado in habitats ranging from caves and mines to stock ponds and cattle troughs. He is also involved in the North American Bat Monitoring Program, a continent-wide effort to monitor bats.

Refund Policy:

Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the course are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made fewer than 30 days in advance are not eligible for a refund.

Our programs proceed rain or shine, and participants should be prepared for inclement weather. However, should we decide to cancel a program due to unsafe weather or emergency conditions, we will notify participants by email and automatically issue full refunds.

Conservancy members get 10% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email!

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here: Conservancy Membership

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at education@RMConservancy.org or by phone at 970-586-3262.