K-12 groups

The Mountain Research Station welcomes K-12 schools and program operators to partner with us to use the station for instruction in environmental sciences. At this time the station does not directly offer K-12 programs with curriculum, but instead we partner with program operators who have their own curriculum and teaching staff/volunteers. The station can provide facilities and site support for visiting K-12 program operators.

Contact us

Please connect with the Station Director Dr. Scott Taylor to discuss your program as well as your facility and support needs. Day programs as well as overnight programs can be supported. Please visit our facilities page as well as our user fees page.

All program operators must comply with the Mountain Research Station Child Protection Policy (see below).

Education partners

Looking for a partner to help your K-12 group visit the MRS? Our key partners include:

Niwot Ridge LTER

We share our passion for science and long-term ecological research with school aged children and others through a combination of formal and informal education and outreach initiatives. We develop curriculum kits and teaching materials, host field trips, and co-run nature camps.

Wild Bear Nature Center

Since 1995, Wild Bear Nature Center has connected people of all ages to nature through hands-on education. What began with 25 children and founder Jill Dreves’ vision has grown into a thriving community resource serving thousands each year in the Peak-to-Peak region.

CU Science Discovery

CU Science Discovery, founded in 1983, is a University of Colorado Boulder outreach program connecting K–12 students and teachers to current science. It offers interactive, hands-on STEM experiences using CU expertise, resources, and students to engage learners in real-world science.

Cal-Wood Education Center

Since 1982, Cal-Wood has connected hundreds of thousands to Colorado’s mountains through environmental education, retreats, wildfire restoration efforts, and more. Its mission is to inspire appreciation for nature and expand access to outdoor learning for youth and adults.

Child protection policy

The Mountain Research Station is a University of Colorado facility. The MRS requires that all CU and non-CU program operators who run programs for children at the MRS meet the minimum requirements set forth in the Mountain Research Station Child Protection Policy. Program Operators who do not meet these requirements may not be allowed to use the MRS facilities.

Policy statement

In operating Programs for Children, the university’s primary responsibility is to protect the health and safety of participating Children. Program Operators shall design and operate Programs for Children in compliance with state and federal law as well as this policy and related procedures.

An employee who suspects that a Child participating in a Program for Children is being abused, mistreated, or neglected shall report such information to law enforcement immediately and shall notify the supervisor of the program. University employees who are mandatory reporters under Colorado law (see C.R.S. § 19-3-301) shall report pursuant to the provisions in that law.

This policy applies to all university-operated and university-contracted Programs for Children and to all Unaffiliated Program Operators.

See full MRS Child Protection Policy (PDF)

Explore MRS

Visit

Welcome researchers, students, and the public! See what's happening at the station, check a weather forecast, and plan a safe, enjoyable trip.

Interpretive trails

Explore our three self-guided interpretive trails to learn about the unique geology, ecology and wildlife that make the Colorado Front Range such a special place.

Flora, fauna, & funga