The Adventure That Changed Alpine Science!

Alpine Explorers! Following in Their Footprints

Picture this: July 19, 1887. Two of the world’s most famous botanists are hiking up Grays Peak together, collecting alpine plants and making discoveries that would influence science for generations.

One was Alice Eastwood – the fearless female botanist who would later save thousands of plant specimens by carrying them down 17 flights of stairs during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

The other was Alfred Russel Wallace – the man who co-discovered the theory of evolution alongside Charles Darwin.

But what brought these scientific legends to Colorado? How did they meet? And what did they discover on our 14,270-foot peak?

This incredible story was recently brought back to life when Denver Botanic Gardens curator Amy Schneider and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens recreated their exact journey – following their footsteps, collecting the same species, and uncovering new details about this historic expedition.

Join us for ALPINE EXPLORERS! FOLLOWING IN THEIR FOOTPRINTS” to hear:

  • The fascinating backstory of how these scientific giants met

  • Details of their Colorado alpine adventure

  • What plants they collected and why it mattered

  • How modern botanists recreated their 135-year-old journey

Speaker: Amy Schneider, Assistant Curator in Horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens

Wednesday, July 30 @ 5:30PM

Education Center in Ford Park 

Tickets: $15, Member Discount Available

This is more than a history lesson – it’s an adventure story that connects Colorado’s alpine treasures to world-changing scientific discoveries.

Reserve your spot today!

Parking: Vail Village Parking Structure -Free
Ford Park Parking Lot -$2/hour, first hour free

Date

Jul 30 2025
Expired!

Time

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Cost

$15.00

Location

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center
522 S. Frontage Rd. E., Vail, CO

Category

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