Join the semi-desert EcoQuest! The inaugural EcoQuest for the new Eagle County EcoFlora Project focuses on mountain ball cactus (Pediocactus simpsonii), the highest elevation cactus in North America! EcoQuests are botanical scavenger hunts that are open to everyone, and will each feature a different native plant for our community scientists to focus on throughout the 2025 growing season.
The Eagle County Ecoflora Project invites botany-enthusiasts of all levels to observe, study and conserve native Rocky Mountain plants using iNaturalist, an easy-to-use mobile app. All you need is a sense of curiosity and to start exploring! Always remember to use Leave No Trace guidelines to recreate responsibly.
Join our friends at Walking Mountains Science Center for the first Hike Through the Ecosystems event of the summer, where you can look for mountain ball cactus and other semi-desert flora with fellow nature-lovers at the beautiful Sweetwater Campus near Dotsero! This hiking series focuses on the various ecosystems of Eagle County, starting with semi-desert. More information and sign up here!
Below is the schedule for the Eagle EcoFlora events this summer. Join Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and our friends at Walking Mountains Science Center to explore the incredible botanical diversity of Eagle County!
- Weds, 6/18 Montane at Stag Gulch – led by Walking Mountains Science Center. Sign up here
- Thurs, 6/19 Zoom: Intro to EcoFlora and iNaturalist (online) – led by Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (Nick Courtens Series). Sign up here
- Thurs, 7/3 Subalpine at Wilder Gulch – led by Walking Mountains Science Center. Sign up here
- Sun, 7/20: Woodlands at Maloit Park – led by Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (Nick Courtens Series). Sign up here
- Weds, 7/30: Alpine at Uneva Meadow – led by Walking Mountains Science Center. Sign up here
