2025 OBFS Annual Meeting
Resilience and Adaptation, Fear, and Triumph (RAFT)
The 2025 Annual Meeting will take place from September 15th to 19th at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, Colorado. This year’s theme, Resilience and Adaptation, Fear, and Triumph: A RAFT to Field Station Success in a Turbulent World, will be woven throughout the conference, with engaging plenary speakers, interactive workshops, and vibrant social events. In turbulent times, let’s paddle our RAFT together!
This Year’s Host Site
The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) is located on Colorado’s Western Slope in the historic townsite of Gothic, near the popular tourist destination of Crested Butte, CO. Established as a field station in 1928, RMBL occupies lands once inhabited by the Ute Tribes and later developed into a silver mining town in the late 1800s. Many buildings from the mining era are still in use today, serving various purposes, including as a coffee shop and student housing. Today, RMBL is home to one of the largest annual migrations of field biologists and provides full logistical support for scientists, educators, and students. As researchers tackle increasingly complex questions about our dynamic world, RMBL remains a vital resource for uncovering nature’s fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes.
Meeting Overview
Monday, September 15th: Pre-Meeting Workshops
Tuesday, September 16th: Field Trips/3 pm Start of Annual Meeting/Evening Plenary
Wednesday, September 17th: Morning Plenary/Concurrent Sessions/Lightning Talks & Poster Session/Evening Plenary/Social Event
Thursday, September 18th: Concurrent Sessions/RMBL Station & Science Tours/Auction and Dance Party
Friday, September 19th: Departure Day – Meeting Adjourns/Post-Meeting Workshops/OBFS Development Event with Miles O’Brien in Crested Butte
Meeting Inclusions
The registration cost of $450 will cover all meals, programming, and entertainment from Tuesday Dinner – Friday breakfast.
Additional program days, meals, some field trips, and housing choices are available at an extra cost.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations made before September 8, you will receive a refund of your payment minus $100 and any actual credit card fees (typically 2.9%) incurred. Cancellations on or after September 8 will be refunded your payment minus $200 and actual credit card fees incurred.
Parker McMullen Bushman
United for the Outdoors – Strengthening Connections and Belonging for a Resilient Future
In an era marked by uncertainty, backlash, and rapid social and environmental change, how do field stations remain not just afloat—but thriving? Drawing inspiration from the RAFT theme—Resilience, Adaptation, Fear, and Triumph—this keynote explores how we cultivate belonging and resilience in our institutions, especially when navigating changing political and cultural headwinds.
Parker McMullen Bushman will guide us through stories and strategies for moving from fear to fortitude, and from isolation to inclusion. We’ll reflect on how to build coalitions across differences and lead with courage as we imagine the future of field stations in a shifting world.
Meet Parker McMullen Bushman, a trailblazer in the conservation and environmental movements. Parker is the CEO/Founder of Ecoinclusive Strategies and the Founder of Summit for Action, as well as the current Board President for the National Association for Interpretation. Named by Outside Magazine as one of the 20 Most Influential People in the Outdoor Industry in 2022, Parker is dedicated to reshaping environmental fields to be more inclusive, accessible, and equitable.
With over 25 years of experience in non-profit leadership, conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation, Parker brings deep expertise and heart to their work. Their career includes impactful years working at field stations—most notably serving as Director of Education at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station, where they led innovative programs that connected youth and adults to coastal ecosystems through hands-on science and interpretation. These formative years reinforced Parker’s belief in the power of place-based learning and the critical need for equity in environmental spaces.
Parker’s passion for justice, accessibility, and inclusion stems from their lived experiences navigating the unequal representation of people of color in green spaces and environmental organizations. Today, they tackle these systemic issues through direct action, transformative education, and national advocacy—empowering the next generation of environmental leaders to reimagine what belonging looks like in the great outdoors.
Saving Red Lady
The High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) will share the inspiring story of their 47-year campaign to protect Mount Emmons—affectionately and colloquially known as “Red Lady”—from molybdenum mining. This remarkable David vs. Goliath tale highlights HCCA’s unwavering commitment to conservation, as they mobilized community members, engaged political leaders, partnered with legal experts, and leveraged media support to safeguard this iconic mountain. Their journey is powerfully captured in the award-winning documentary “High Country”.
Beyond their Red Lady success story, HCCA is dedicated to protecting the health, integrity, and beauty of the public lands, waters, and wildlife of Colorado’s Gunnison Country. More information on their work can be found at www.hccacb.org
Meeting Schedule
Schedule is subject to change.
Monday, September 15th
Workshop #1: Inclusive by Nature: Building Equitable Field Stations for All
Full-day workshop with breaks, 25 max participants, in-person
Workshop #2 & #3: Expand Your FSML Horizons with The Virtual Field
25 max participants, Available in two independent parts:
Part one (hybrid): (Monday morning, 9:30 – noon): Virtual Field Orientation and Discussion
Part two (in person): (Monday afternoon, 1:30-4:00): Virtual Field Hands-On Training
Workshop #4: Best Practices for Small Boat Operations at Field Stations
1:30 – 4:00 pm, 20 max participants, hybrid
Friday, September 19th
Workshop #5: SCRREE: A new tool for designing and evaluating effective public engagement with science
9:30 – Noon, 30 max participants, in-person
Workshop #6: Get Your FSML Grant Reviewed Before You Submit It
9:30 – Noon, 25 max participants, in-person
Tuesday Field Trip Options
Judd Falls Hike
Easy Hike (2 miles, 300 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 9 am – 10:30
Meeting Location: billy barr Community Center/ Dining Hall
Cost: Free
Description: The group will hike from RMBL to the nearby Judd Falls, learning about RMBL’s field station and science along the way. Participants will need to bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers), and a hat or visor. The maximum group size is 20 people (including two RMBL guides).
Copper Creek
Easy Hike (3.5 miles, 700 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 8 am – 12 pm
Meeting Location: RMBL Coffee Lab
Cost: Free
Description: The group will hike from RMBL into Cooper Creek to see a beautiful waterfall, Copper Creek, and mountain vistas. Participants will need to bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers), and a hat or visor. The maximum group size is 18 people (including two RMBL guides).
Mexican Cut Tour (FULL)
Moderate Hike (minimum 2 miles, 1000 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 7:50 am – 3:30 pm
Meeting Location: Community Center/Dining Hall
Cost: Free
Lunch: Participants can sign up for lunch when they register and prepare a sack lunch at the RMBL Dining Hall or bring their own lunch and snacks.
Description: The group will drive approximately 30 minutes for this relatively easy ~1-hour hike up into the Mexican Cut Nature Preserve; however, be prepared for steady elevation gain as you are going from 10,600-11,200ft. See stunning lakes, mountain vistas, and a tour of ongoing 35+ year RMBL research projects (including paedomorphic and cannibalistic tiger salamanders and range-shifting caddisflies). Participants should bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers), and a hat or visor. The maximum group size is 15 people (including RMBL guide).
North Pole Basin Hike
Moderate Hike (minimum 3 miles, 1,000 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 7:50 am – 3:30 pm
Meeting Location: Community Center/Dining Hall
Cost: Free
Lunch: Participants can sign up for lunch when they register and prepare a sack lunch at the RMBL Dining Hall or bring their own lunch and snacks.
Description: The group will drive approximately 30 minutes for this relatively easy ~3-hour hike up into North Pole Basin, though steady elevation gain is involved as you are going above treeline. See stunning lakes, streams, waterfalls, mountain vistas, RMBL research projects, and funky buildings (with funky history, including Newt Gingrich’s Contract for America). Please bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers) and a hat or visor. The maximum group size is 15 people (including RMBL guide).
Virginia Basin/Avery Hike
Advanced/Strenuous Hike (6 miles, 3,200 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 7:50 am – 3:30 pm
Meeting Location: Community Center/Dining Hall
Cost: Free
Lunch: Participants can sign up for lunch when they register and prepare a sack lunch at the RMBL Dining Hall or bring their own lunch and snacks.
Description: The group will hike from RMBL to Avery Peak (12,653 ft). The first half of the hike is moderate but steady elevation gain through aspen and pine forest into Virginia Basin (2 miles from RMBL). Hikers may turn back to RMBL from Virginia Basin. If continuing to Avery Peak, hikers will take a number of steep switchbacks to the ridge for another ~1,000 feet of elevation before reaching the peak to overlook RMBL and the western Rocky Mountains. Please bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers), and a hat or visor. The maximum group size is 20 people (including two RMBL guides).
Crested Butte Walking History Tour
Time: 10 am & 1:30 pm
1.5 Hours, easy terrain, outdoors
Meeting Location: Crested Butte Museum – 331 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224
Cost: $20/person
Description: Crested Butte became a registered National Historic District in 1974 to preserve our distinctive buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Join an Elk Avenue Walking Tour to learn about the history of the buildings, mining history, and stories from the community. 90 minutes, max of 15 people per tour.
What to Bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, extra weather layers (sweater/rain jacket), comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, small fanny pack, backpack, or purse to carry your personal belongings, sunscreen, camera, or cell phone for taking pictures
Fantasy Ranch Horseback Ride on Snodgrass Mountain
Time:
Morning session: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Afternoon Session: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
1.5 hours, easy terrain, outdoors
Meeting Location: Fantasy Ranch Stables – 935 Gothic Road, Mount Crested Butte, CO 81225
Cost: $145/person, tips appreciated
Enjoy a 1.5-hour ride through wildflower fields, across streams, pass by beaver ponds, and wind through an aspen grove before returning to the stables. Morning and afternoon rides available. Each ride accommodates up to 16 people.
Self-Organized Field Trips
RMBL is collecting names of those interested in the activities below and will help connect everyone who wants to join in.
Mount Crested Butte Hike – Embark on a scenic hike up the iconic Crested Butte Mountain, starting from the base area of the ski resort. For those looking for a more relaxed option, there may be an opportunity to take a chairlift partway up (availability dependent on Vail Resorts, with a fee), allowing you to either hike the remainder or simply enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
Mountain Biking – If mountain biking is your thing, you’re in the right place. The iconic 401 Trail is just down the road, and a wide network of trails stretches across Gunnison County. There are several local companies to rent bikes from.
Rafting in Almont, CO – This activity is dependent on river water levels in September, but when conditions allow, it’s a fantastic experience – especially with the vibrant fall foliage adding to the scenery.
Fly Fishing, Guided and Independent – Gunnison County offers great fly fishing opportunities, with plenty of spots to explore and several local guide services available. Whether you prefer to go on your own or with a professional, RMBL will collect names and connect interested anglers.
Concurrent Sessions
Block 1 (Wednesday, 10:30-noon MDT):
- Session 1: Sage Advice from Retired FSMLS directors/managers ( bbcc main hall,in-person only)
- Session 2: Field-Based STEM Education: Engaging Youth Through Hands-On Science at Field Stations (outdoors or under the tent, in person only)
- Session 3: Field Stations on Public Lands (virtual, classroom)
Block 2 (Wednesday, 1:30-3:00 MDT):
- Session 1: FSML and LTER: Divergent Models w/ Shared Challenges, Lessons, and Potential (hybrid, bbcc main hall)
- Session 2: Addressing ADA Compliance at Field Stations (hybrid, classroom)
- Session 3: Taking your field Station Far Afield: A state-wide vision for engaging historically marginalized students in field-based programming (in person only, classroom)
- Session 4: Running and Maintaining a Historic Mountain Field station: a facilities tour (in-person only, walking around the townsite)
Block 3 (Thursday, 8:30-10:00 MDT):
- Session 1: Friend and Fund Raising at Biological Field Stations (in-person, bbcc main hall)
- Session 2: Engaging educators in authentic science at biological field stations (hybrid, classroom)
- Session 3: Project Management for Impactful Field Courses (hybrid, classroom)
- Session 4: Running and Maintaining a Historic Mountain Field station: a facilities tour (in-person only, walking around the townsite)
OBFS Benefit Auction and Party
Every year we host an auction to raise money for OBFS so that one day we can hire a staff person to serve in a leadership position and help guide the organization to new heights! The (all-volunteer) board is working hard to make sure these funds will be sustainable and truly transformative for the organization. The auction is always a highlight of the conference!
The auction theme this year is the same as the conference theme: “RAFT Resilience and Adaptation, Fear, and Triumph: A RAFT to Field Station Success in a Turbulent World “. If you are inclined to wear a costume (not necessary, but fun!), feel free to use the theme “River Attire” to help guide you!
In order to make the auction a success, we need donations of items FROM YOU for our silent and live auctions. These can be handmade items, field station swag, trips to your field station, regional specialties (i.e. dried hot peppers from Mexico, maple syrup from New York, bourbon from Kentucky, you get the idea…), performance art (poetry, dad jokes, dancing, a song, etc.), professional services, outdoor gear, stuff for kids, or any other creative idea you have!
In order to make the auction sorting go smoothly, you must fill out this form with as much detail as possible before dropping off your item at the registration desk.
https://forms.gle/reReNNeYV33wnJ1t7
Please don’t reach out to Lara Roketenetz (ldr11@uakron.edu) if you need or want more information!
Miles O’Brien OBFS Development Event
Friday, September 19th
While the date has been confirmed, further details surrounding this event are still being planned
Miles O’Brien is a veteran, independent journalist who focuses on science, technology and aerospace.
Lodging Options
Stay On-Site
Each cabin at RMBL is unique, with its own character and features. Because of this variety, it’s challenging to describe every cabin level precisely. Our staff will do their best to match attendees with accommodations that align with their preferences. If you have specific amenity needs, please be sure to note them in the ‘Housing Comments’ section of your registration.
For more information about staying on the RMBL campus, please visit this page: OBFS Conference Housing Options
Canvas Tents: no heat, electricity for lamps and charging small personal devices, single occupancy (approx. 4 beds) = $10/night
Budget: electric space heaters, no water, limited to no insulation, student cabins and weatherports (approx. 30 beds) = $17/night
Basic: electric space heaters, limited to no insulation, sink water, cooking cabins (approx. 16 beds) = $32/night
Mid-rate: warm, may or may not have sink water (approx 23 beds) = $40/night
High: comfortable, warm, water with shower (approx 40 beds) = $56/night
Premium: comfortable, heat and water, indoor toilet (approx 24 beds) = $95/night
Added nights outside of the base registration will include an additional $28.10/day station fee in addition to the nightly housing rate.
Please Note:
- Guests will need to bring their own bedding, towels, and toiletries. If you are in a lower-level cabin, a warm sleeping bag is required. A recommended packing list can be found here.
- Most cabins are rustic and do not have indoor plumbing. Outhouses are commonplace.
- Attendees without showers in their cabins will have a shower house to use.
- Accommodations are shared, and roommates should be expected.
- Cabin levels are assigned on a first-requested basis.
- All housing levels have excellent Wi-Fi
- Pets are not allowed anywhere on the RMBL campus.
Stay Off-Site
If you prefer to stay off-site during the OBFS Annual Meeting, we’ve secured a discounted group rate at the Elevation Hotel & Spa in Mt. Crested Butte, just a 10-minute drive from RMBL.
Reservation link: OBFS Conference Guest Booking Link
Pet-friendly rooms are available at the Elevation Hotel & Spa for $35/night per dog (max two).
- Call or email the hotel directly to request a pet-friendly room:
- Phone: 970-251-3000 | Email: questions@elevationresort.com
For more lodging options, visit the Crested Butte Lodging Guide.
Meals at RMBL
Registration includes meals for the duration of the conference, beginning with Dinner on Tuesday night through Breakfast on Friday. Attendees coming early or staying late will have the option to purchase additional meals during registration. Breakfast – $11.50, Lunch – $16, Dinner – $20
Meals are prepared by a dedicated culinary team and served buffet-style with meat and vegetarian options.
RMBL is not able to provide regular vegan options. More restrictive diets, including vegan and complicated allergies, cannot be guaranteed; however, an area to prepare meals may be arranged if requested in advance. There is no discount on the registration cost for included meals not eaten in the RMBL Dining Hall.
For all dining hall questions, please email our Dining Hall Manager, Robin DeLong, at cook@rmbl.org
Travel To Gothic, CO
Carpooling
Sign up to join or create a carpool here: OBFS Group Carpool
Driving
RMBL physical address: 8000 CR 317 Crested Butte, CO 81224
Car Rentals
Denver – Car Rentals | Denver International Airport (flydenver.com)
The Gunnison Airport has three rental companies, Hertz, Avis, and Budget.
Flying
The closest airport is Gunnison, CO (GUC) – 34 miles/50 minutes from Gothic
Shuttles from the Gunnison Airport to Gothic
Montrose, CO (MTJ) – 70 miles/2 hours*
Grand Junction, CO – (GJT) – 163 miles/3 hours
Colorado Springs, CO – (COS) – 204 miles/ 4 hours
Denver, CO – (DIA) – 251 miles/ 4.5 hours
Bus from Denver
There is now twice-per-day bus service between Crested Butte and Denver, CO. The service is operated by Bustang, and the cost is about $45.00 one-way. Tickets can be purchased on the Bustang Outrider m-Tix mobile App (Android/iOS) The bus arrives/departs from Union Station (1701 Wynkoop St. Denver, CO) and arrives/departs the Crested Butte 4-Way Stop (North of 6th and Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, CO 81224). Travel Time: 5 hr 35 min
Denver to Crested Butte Bus Tips and Tricks
Denver to Crested Butte
Morning Trip
- Depart Denver: 6:30 am
- Arrive in Crested Butte: 12:30 pm
Afternoon Trip
- Depart Denver: 1:50 pm
- Arrive in Crested Butte: 7:35 pm
Crested Butte to Denver
Morning Trip
- Depart Crested Butte: 5:15 am
- Arrive in Denver: 10:50 am
Afternoon Trip
- Depart Crested Butte: 1:15 pm
- Arrive in Denver: 7:00 pm
Traveling between Denver Union Station and Denver International Airport (DIA)
Every 15-30 minutes the Denver RTD A-line train travels between Denver International Airport and Denver Union Station. The cost is $10.50 one way, and the trip takes 37 minutes. Go to the Denver RTD for more information. Please plan accordingly.
Gunnison Airport and Crested Butte Bus Stop Shuttles
RMBL staff will be operating shuttles from the Gunnison Airport and the Crested Butte 4-Way Bus Stop on select dates. Check options during registration.
Gunnison Airport Shuttle = $20 each way
Crested Butte 4-Way Bus Stop = $5 each way
Virtual Program
How to Register
Please create an RMBL Portal account here: RMBL Portal Home
Once you are on your account’s homepage, select the button “Register for your Event”. Choose the “Organization of Biological Field Stations Virtual Meeting”. Follow all prompts and pay the $40 fee by credit card or request an invoice be sent separately.
After you register, the meeting program and links will be sent via email by Friday, September 12, 2025.
Please email admin@rmbl.org with any questions.
