Bettie Course: Stream Ecology and Fly-Fishing - Meadow Streams

Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Education Team directly supports the organization's mission by offering a wide range of educational opportunities, focused on building a love of wild places and inspiring people to act to preserve them. Educational offerings include half-day, full-day, and multi-day adult programs led by expert instructors, as well as scenic ecology bus tours for the whole family, guided hikes, and special programs just for kids and families.

Rocky Mountain Conservancy

An introduction to stream ecology and fly-fishing, just for women!

Estes Park Visitor's Center

Bettie Courses: Women & Conservation

A collection of courses created by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to connect women to conservation efforts through educational experiences. Bettie Courses are inspired by the work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, a foundational instructor at the Conservancy.

Are you ready to get your feet wet?This two-day course begins with an in-the-field introduction to stream ecology, followed by an afternoon introduction to fly-fishing techniques. The goal of Day One is to provide a holistic understanding of waterways, where to find fish, and the essential gear and techniques to get started. On Day Two, we'll spend the day exploring different fly-fishing spots around Rocky Mountain National Park, with lots of time to practice and get in-the-moment coaching and guidance to develop your skills. This course is taught by Sarah of Rambling Ruby Rose, a local fly-fishing guide and longtime outdoor educator.The meadow streams option is ideal for those who prefer a more leisurely pace and shorter distances. This session focuses on nearby, more accessible fishing spots. If you would like to cover more terrain and move at a faster pace, please check out the mountain streams option: <a href="https://bit.ly/bettiemountainfishing25" title="https://bit.ly/bettiemountainfishing25" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://bit.ly/bettiemountainfishing25</a>Who: This Bettie Course is offered to women ages 16 and up. Participants below the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult participant.When: Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 9:00am to 3:00pm and Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 7:30am to 1:30pmWhere: We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center at 500 Big Thompson Ave in downtown Estes Park, and travel together to various locations within Rocky Mountain National Park in Conservancy vehicles.Program Level: Easy/Moderate – These programs are most appropriate for those with some hiking experience. Expect to travel 1 to 2 miles over the course of the program and to be on your feet for several hours at a time. Participants should be comfortable navigating unmaintained trails/uneven terrain along streams. Prior experience hiking or walking above 8,000 feet is recommended.What to Bring:<ul><li>Our <a href="https://rmconservancy.org/learn-with-us/field-institute/essential-gear-for-field-institute-courses/" title="https://rmconservancy.org/learn-with-us/field-institute/essential-gear-for-field-institute-courses/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">10 Essentials for Field Courses</a> is a good place to start!</li><li>Bag lunch each day.</li><li>Where the bugs are, the fish are. Be prepared to deal with biting insects.</li><li>We will be in and around the water both days. Wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet.</li><li>All fishing gear, will be provided and gear rental is included in your registration fees. If you have your own gear, you're welcome to use that.</li></ul>All participants over age 16 must have a valid Colorado State Fishing License to participate. Please purchase your license before the course!You can purchase a license online from CO Parks &amp; Wildlife here: <a href="https://www.cpwshop.com/licensing.page?&amp;e4q=3b5b0e64-6e0a-428f-ba31-fa7c57589a0e&amp;e4p=dad9e669-9195-45d2-99c0-4d92899d8aed&amp;e4ts=1683142846&amp;e4c=aspira&amp;e4e=snasoco01&amp;e4rt=Safetynet&amp;e4h=efd528427d6c59c46217aaacc8e3dd40" title="https://www.cpwshop.com/licensing.page?&amp;e4q=3b5b0e64-6e0a-428f-ba31-fa7c57589a0e&amp;e4p=dad9e669-9195-45d2-99c0-4d92899d8aed&amp;e4ts=1683142846&amp;e4c=aspira&amp;e4e=snasoco01&amp;e4rt=Safetynet&amp;e4h=efd528427d6c59c46217aaacc8e3dd40" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CO Parks &amp; Wildlife Licenses</a>Licenses can also be purchased in person from the following local Estes Park businesses:<ul><li>Estes Angler LLC</li><li>Estes Park Mountain Shop</li><li>Kirk's Mountain Adventures</li><li>Lake Estes Marina</li></ul>All fly-fishing gear will be supplied. Participants are also welcome to bring their own gear.This course is all in-person in Estes Park, CO.Questions? Contact us at education@rmconservancy.org.These courses are offered through Rocky Mountain Conservancy, where scholarships are provided through the Magnificent Mountain Women Scholarship Fund. For more information about scholarships, please submit an application by completing the form here: <a href="https://forms.gle/9pBNUS7g8t48KwJR8" title="https://forms.gle/9pBNUS7g8t48KwJR8" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://forms.gle/9pBNUS7g8t48KwJR8</a>Please note that Bettie Courses are not eligible for member discounts.

Bettie Courses are inspired by the life and work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who was a foundational instructor at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute. Her research on alpine tundra ecology has been instrumental to mountain ecology, and her advocacy all throughout the state of Colorado has left a legacy for all who value land stewardship and conservation. Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Bettie Courses focus on accessible programs that introduce women to the outdoors through a variety of programs and topics. Courses emphasize science, ecology, and building the outdoor skills and confidence needed to explore and defend wild places.

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Bettie Course: Stream Ecology and Fly-Fishing - Meadow Streams

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