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Botanical Preamble

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Emily Griffoul and Nanette Kuich – Botanical Preamble  Emily Griffoul, Conservation Scientist, and Nanette Kuich, Education Director at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, will introduce the science of botany. The morning will be a classroom introduction to botany basics and the afternoon will be spent observing and keying local plants. Please bring … Continued

The Colorado Alpine EcoFlora Project

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Emily Griffoul, Conservation Scientist – An Introduction to the Colorado Alpine EcoFlora Project Are you interested in alpine plants and want to contribute to science? Join Betty Ford Alpine Garden’s Conservation Scientist, Emily Griffoul, for an introduction to the Colorado Alpine EcoFlora Project, a community-science botany project powered by iNaturalist, the … Continued

From the Ashes of Dinosaurs

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens From the Ashes of Dinosaurs – Dinosaur Extinction and the Rise of Modern Birds and Mammals The major extinction event that changed the earth from a world dominated by dinosaurs to one where their descendants, birds and mammals, now rule is remarkably exposed in Colorado. Join Dr. Tyler Lyson, Associate Curator … Continued

Dinosaurs Among Us – Exhibit Opening

Explore the link between birds of today and their extinct ancestors – the dinosaurs. This captivating exhibit highlights the unbroken line between the charismatic dinosaurs that dominated the planet for nearly 170 million years and modern birds. Large-scale illustrations bring to life the connection between ancient dinosaurs and birds of today. At Betty Ford Alpine … Continued

Winter Snowshoe Tour

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Enjoy a snowshoe through the winter wonderland of the these beautiful gardens.  You’ll learn about alpine flora and mountain environments, identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. WEDENSDAYS — Winter Web of Life You’re also welcome to take advantage of  a self-guided Tree Trail snowshoe tour through … Continued

Chefs In The Garden

This sell-out cooking demonstration fundraiser series supports Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.  July 13 – La Nonna Ristorante July 20 – La Tour Ristorante July 27 – Pollyanna Productions Aug 3 – Zino Ristorante Aug 10 – Red Canyon Catering Aug 17 – To Be Announced Tickets are $25/person and include a cooking demonstration by a … Continued

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING SERIES: CREVICE GARDENING; Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Why plant tons of stone rather than make gardens that take less effort? Crevice gardens are the perfect solution in a changing climate and especially for dry moutain environments. Kenton Seth, co-author of the new book, The Crevice Garden, will discuss how to create a design and illustrate some beautiful examples. His book will be available for … Continued

IDENTIFYING PLANT FAMILIES OF THE AMERICAN WEST

Did you ever wonder what characteristics make up different plant families? Recognizing families is a shortcut to plant identification. Join BLM State Botanist Carol Dawson and use her book (provided) as a reference to discuss plant families. Then we will use the Gardens for some hands-on work. Bring your lunch, water and be prepared for time … Continued

Pollinator Month Workshop

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Carmen Weiland, Queen Bee of Honey Operations and Master Beekeeper at Knapp Ranch joins us to talk about bees, and what makes them so important in our high alpine environment. This workshop provides an opportunity for hands-on learning and is appropriate for all ages. Includes honey tasting and a chance to … Continued

Chefs in the Gardens Series

Celebrated as North America’s highest botanical garden, the class teaches culinary secrets from some of Vail’s best cooking talent.  A six-part series of cooking demonstrations featuring some of the valley’s most celebrated chefs.  Samples of the delectable dishes are included. The Chefs in the Gardens series is held every Thursdays through August 12 in the … Continued

Betty Ford Alpine Garden Family Classes

Join scientist and artist, Kyle, for activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Betty Ford Alpine Gardens hosts nature-themed activities that are fun for the whole family. Our activities are designed to inspire your child’s creativity. In this hour and a half session they will make discoveries about nature that will also … Continued