Science Education and Citizen Science at RMBL 

“What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing.” – Aristotle 

This summer at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) has shown, more than ever, that learning is not confined to a classroom; it happens best when people are immersed in the environment and actively engage with science. Thousands of visitors traveled to Gothic in 2025, each bringing their curiosity and leaving with a deeper understanding of high-altitude ecosystems. Thanks to our Visitor Center team and docents, those moments of discovery became lasting connections. 

Science in Action for All Ages 

Education is at the heart of our mission. The Visitor Center connects the public with RMBL’s science, history, and vision for the future. This summer, guests left with more than memories of Gothic’s stunning scenery. They also gained insight into the groundbreaking research unfolding here. Docents brought these topics to life, translating complex studies on biodiversity, climate change, and ecological processes into accessible, inspiring conversations. 

Our Interpretive Wildflower Tours on Snodgrass, the Gothic campus, and Judd Falls, now in their third year, provided an up-close look at the alpine ecosystem’s incredible diversity. 125 people participated, generating $8,225 in important revenue for our general fund. Guests learned how flower timing can be an early signal of climate shifts, and how pollinator relationships are sensitive to even small environmental changes. These tours reminded visitors, from young children seeing their first columbine to experienced naturalists deepening their knowledge, that science is something you can touch, see, and experience. 

Citizen Science: Inviting Everyone 

RMBL has a unique gift for turning observers into participants. Through citizen science, we invite the public to contribute to real research, whether it’s tracking the first bloom dates of wildflowers, identifying bird species, or making simple weather observations that feed into long-term climate datasets. These contributions, small as they may seem, help scientists detect trends, test hypotheses, and broaden the geographic reach of their studies. 

This summer, visitors joined in biodiversity monitoring projects and phenology tracking, gaining scientific skills and an appreciation for the patience and precision required in research. Citizen science docents supported Dr. Rick Williams in the Herbarium, mounting collected plants and flowers, assisted by Dr. Carol Boggs with butterfly surveys, and worked with Dr. Rachael Cohen on pollinator research.  

By including the public in these projects, RMBL fosters a shared sense of responsibility for the environment, turning guests into advocates for science and conservation. 

The Ripple Effect of Public Engagement 

The impact of public education at RMBL extends well beyond Gothic, as guests share what they’ve learned with friends, family, and their communities. A single guided tour can ripple outward, sparking conversations in schools, inspiring personal conservation actions, or even encouraging young people to pursue careers in science. 

This summer’s outreach was amplified by ideal conditions: a spectacular wildflower bloom, sunny weather, and increased visibility thanks to a Denver Post feature. But the true impact came from our people. Every docent and staff member offered not just facts but context, not just information but inspiration. That combination is what turns a pleasant visit into a transformative experience.

During a very busy July, docents also contributed 54 hours in the Visitor Center, answering questions and engaging guests.
 

“We provide personalized service! Every guest entering the Visitor Center receives a warm welcome and accurate information. Our main mission is to make friends and build lasting relationships.” – RMBL Visitor Center Staff 

 Looking Ahead: Year-Round Learning Opportunities 

As RMBL expands its year-round programming, we are building on the momentum of this season’s success. Our strategic plan places community education and public engagement at its core, ensuring that RMBL remains a place where science is alive, accessible, and relevant to all. Plans include expanded winter education programs, school partnerships, and more citizen science initiatives that bridge the gap between research and everyday life. 

This summer proved Aristotle right: we learn by doing. At RMBL, that means joining a field biologist on the trail, studying alpine insects under the microscope, or recording the first frost. It’s education rooted in experience, and one that connects people to place, science to story, and curiosity to action. 

To our docents, staff, and supporters: thank you for making this possible. You are the bridge between cutting-edge research and the public’s understanding of our world. Together, we are building not just knowledge, but a community of lifelong learners and stewards of the environment. 

 By the Numbers: 2025 Performance 

• Year to date through July: Net sales reached $188,860, up 25 percent over the same period in 2024. We greeted 19,532 visitors, a 14 percent increase year over year.
   

• August momentum: Through mid-August, 3,651 guests visited the Visitor Center (compared with 5,836 for all of August 2024). We project $60,000 in net sales, more than an 18 percent increase over August 2024 

• Interpretive Wildflower Tours (June–August): 125 participants joined tours at Snodgrass, Gothic, and Judd Falls.
   

• A notable trend this year has been the number of people traveling to our field station on e-bikes, with many arriving every day. 

• Judd Falls docents: 20 docents, one or two per day, spent 277 hours on the Judd Falls trail, engaging and educating more than 9,221 visitors about RMBL science and Gothic history, and encouraging a stop at the Visitor Center for a deeper experience.
   

• Citizen Science docents: Volunteers supported Dr. Rick Williams in the Herbarium, mounting collected plants and flowers, assisted Dr. Carol Boggs with butterfly surveys, and worked with Dr. Rachael Cohen on pollination research.
   

• Visitor Center support: During a very busy July, docents contributed 54 hours in the Visitor Center, answering questions and engaging with guests.
   

Keys to Our Continued Success 

“We provide personalized service! Every guest entering the Visitor Center receives a warm welcome, and accurate information. We are there to offer travel advice, information about the Lab, or just a friendly face. We learn visitors’ names, and we schedule adequate staff, so that we can spend quality time with every person.” – Rick Horn 

–Article written by RMBL contributor, Jeni Blacklock

Photo: Rick Horn – The amazing and informative staff of the Weldon and Rosalie Weekley Visitor Center and Store.