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There’s always something new to discover at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Throughout the year, engaging speakers and hands-on workshops bring experts, educators, and our community together to explore alpine plants, conservation, gardening, nature, and more. Come learn, create, ask questions, and deepen your connection to the natural world.
Summer Speaker – Dr. Tracee Metcalfe
In summer 2026 we hosted Dr. Tracee Metcalfe, an internal medicine physician and mountaineer, and the first U.S. woman to summit all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, including K2, Annapurna, and Nanga Parbat. She provided her unique point of view on mountain climbing at very high altitudes, and her deep connection to the people and communities of the Himalaya region.
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Science Elevated Speaker Series: The Colorado River & Changing Climate
In November 2022, the Gardens hosted Brad Udall, Senior Water & Climate Research Scientist, Colorado Water Institute, Colorado State University. This special speaker event focused on the changes in climate and effects on water in mountain communities. Climate scientists agree that the Colorado River Basin is already much warmer and will continue to get warmer – over 1°C since the mid 20th century and potentially 2°C or more by mid-century – resulting in reduced streamflows and increased system losses. Udall explained what this means for the ecosystem and all those dependent who live and recreate in the Vail Valley and surrounding area.
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Pollinators of the American West
In 2025, the Gardens were thrilled to host a special evening that brought together experts and community members for “Pollinators of the American West: Meet Your Pollinator Neighbors”. Guests learned plenty about the bees, butterflies, beetles, and moths that shape our lives in ways most of us hardly realize.
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Alpine Explorers! Following in Their Footprints
In 1887, two of the world’s most famous botanists hiked up Grays Peak together, collecting alpine plants and making discoveries that would influence science for generations. Alice Eastwood went on to save thousands of plant specimens during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Alfred Russel Wallace, who was with Charles Darwin in co-discovering the theory of evolution, was with Alice Eastwood on Grays Peak and would go on to influence the future of botany as we know it. This Summer 2025 presentation by Denver Botanic Gardens curator Amy Schneider brings their incredible story to life.
Speaker: Amy Schneider, Assistant Curator in Horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens
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2026 Spring Gardening Workshops
Hosted in the Education Center at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, these sessions bridge the gap between world-class inspiration and backyard reality. Attendees learn to apply the iconic design styles of masters like Piet Oudolf and Penelope Hobhouse specifically to the unique climate of the Vail Valley, native alpine plants, and species that can handle the extremes of temperature, sun, and moisture. Learn mapping and orientation of your garden or landscape space on paper. Learn color theory and plant selection. Discover tips and tricks of soil prep.
From Blueprint to Bloom: Professional Garden Design with Vicky Galarraga: