Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Denver
- 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Colorado Ecosystems: Reading Colorado Through Its Plant Communities
Vegetation can offer a clue to where you are in Colorado: the Gardens’ course asks participants to use surrounding plant communities to gauge elevation and location, while considering how plants and wildlife are connected.
A course built around ecological contrasts
The course surveys native Colorado ecosystems, from plains grasslands and mountain meadows to subalpine forests and alpine tundra. It examines how plant communities can help indicate elevation and location, as well as relationships between Colorado’s plants and wildlife.
That breadth makes the class relevant to both gardening and a wider understanding of the state’s habitats. The description gives one overall course outline, not separate topics for the two sessions.
Further reading: Colorado Ecosystems | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗
Biology, conservation travel and Front Range birding
Instructor Sheridan Samano has a master’s degree in biology from the University of Colorado Denver and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science from Texas A&M University. Samano is also co-founder and principal consultant of ReefsToRockies.com, which the Gardens describes as a sustainable, conservation-based travel company.
Samano’s book, “Best Birding Hikes - Colorado's Front Range” (2020), offers a further local connection to a course that considers how plant communities and wildlife relate. The listing does not name specific class activities.
Further reading: Colorado Ecosystems | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗
Useful on its own or toward a gardening certificate
Colorado Ecosystems fulfills a core requirement for Denver Botanic Gardens’ Rocky Mountain Gardening Full Series Certificate. The certificate focuses on gardening and landscape knowledge for the Front Range; its courses can also be taken individually, so this class does not require signing up for the whole series.
The Gardens describes the certificate as suited to learners ranging from beginners and newcomers to Colorado to experienced gardeners and landscape professionals. The program is endorsed by the Colorado Nursery Association.
Further reading: Colorado Ecosystems | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗ · Rocky Mountain Gardening Full Series Certificate | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗ · Adult Programs | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗
A habitat survey, not a date-by-date syllabus
The announced curriculum pairs a broad habitat range with two ways of interpreting it: plant communities as clues to elevation and location, and relationships between plants and wildlife. The Gardens describes the subject as one two-session course rather than publishing a separate topic for each meeting.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 · Course session
- Colorado Ecosystems course
Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Course session
- Colorado Ecosystems course
Before you register
Two weekday sessions
Tuesday, November 10, and Thursday, November 12, 2026. Each session is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Course fee and admission
The listed course fee is $136, or $105 for Denver Botanic Gardens members. The listing does not say whether general Gardens admission is included. Registration is available through the event’s ticket link.
Adults
The Gardens lists the course for adults but does not specify a minimum age.
Check which cancellation policy applies
The Gardens’ general education policy charges a 15% cancellation fee for cancellations made more than one week before a class. Cancellations with less than one week’s notice are non-refundable. The policy also says registrations are not refunded for dissatisfaction with a class or program or for inclement weather.
If the Gardens cancels a program, a full refund is available; cancellations for low registration or other extenuating circumstances are communicated by email, with a refund or exchange offered. The policy also says certificate-program classes follow their certificate program’s policy. Because this course fulfills a certificate requirement, confirm with the Gardens which terms apply to this registration. For weather-related cancellation information, the Gardens lists its Weather Advisory Line: 720-865-3620.
Education and Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗ · Colorado Ecosystems | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗ · Rocky Mountain Gardening Full Series Certificate | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗
Arrival at York Street
Address and entrance
The event lists Denver Botanic Gardens, York Street, at 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206. The Gardens identifies the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center at 1007 York Street and the Freyer–Newman Center at 1085 York Street as entrances to the main gardens. The course page does not say which building or entrance to use for class check-in, so confirm that detail with the Gardens. Use the map links to plan directions from your starting point.
Colorado Ecosystems | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗ · Parking, Transportation & Accessibility - York Street | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗
Transit, parking and bicycles
The Gardens lists RTD routes 24 at York and Josephine streets and 10 on 12th Avenue. Limited free parking is available in the parking complex between York and Josephine streets during regular operating hours; it is for Gardens visitors, and overnight parking is not allowed. Street parking is available in Cheesman Park or Congress Park where posted.
Free EV charging is available to Gardens visitors in two-hour increments in the public garage, on the main parking level north of the elevator bank. Because of height limits, vans should use the top deck; RVs are not permitted in the parking complex. Bike racks are at the York Street main entrance.
Parking, Transportation & Accessibility - York Street | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗
Accessibility
The Gardens provides York Street accessibility information online. For details about a specific access need or the course check-in location, contact the Gardens before your visit.
Parking, Transportation & Accessibility - York Street | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗ · Colorado Ecosystems | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗
Before you make a plan
Can I take the course without pursuing the full gardening certificate?
Yes. The Gardens says the certificate courses can be taken individually, and Colorado Ecosystems fulfills one core requirement for the full series.
Colorado Ecosystems | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗ · Rocky Mountain Gardening Full Series Certificate | Denver Botanic Gardens ↗
Does the course include an outdoor field exercise?
The event description does not announce a field exercise or specify whether the course is in person, online or hybrid. Check with the Gardens if the format matters to your plans.
Does the course fee include general Gardens admission?
The event listing gives the course fee and member price but does not say whether general admission is included.
Location & Google Maps
Denver Botanic Gardens, York Street
1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.