Work on the 2016 NARGS Annual meeting in Steamboat Springs June 23-27 is progressing apace. We will be using the newly rebuilt Colorado Mountain College Campus, which offers spectacular views of the Yampa Valley for the conference, and several local hotels/campgrounds for lodging. A series of local garden tours, hikes to see Rocky Mountain flowers in the wild, plant sales, book sales and signings by local and nationally known authors will round out the conference. A potpourri of regional, national, and international speakers will cover various aspects of the world’s steppes and semiarid mountain ranges with reference to the garden as well as the wild. Several hikes on both Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 showcasing a variety of habitats and suitable for different levels of ability are planned. A great wildflower display this year will hopefully be repeated in 2016.
This conference is a bit longer than some in the past to allow people to truly experience what northwestern Colorado has to offer. Participants will have a variety of transportation methods to access Steamboat Springs. Those with their own cars may want to visit several of the additional public rock gardens scattered throughout our beautiful state. In Steamboat Springs, lectures and other meetings will be held at the Colorado Mountain College, walking distance from our top two accommodation recommendations on page 294.
Hikes will cover a variety of habitats. Expect a wide array of plants in the wild ranging from steppe to lush montane, subalpine, and possibly alpine environments (depending on snowpack and the ability of hikers). We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from Colorado, greater North America, and far afield, for this conference.
Speakers - a teaser
Marcela Ferreyra - Patagonia
Johan Nilsson - The Collections of Gothenburg Botanic Garden
Nick Courtens - Important work at Betty Ford Alpine Garden
Kelly Norris - Recent Work in America’s Heartland
Jim Locklear - The Work of Claude Barr
Tentative Schedule - June 22-27, 2016
Wednesday June 22
Opening lecture at Denver Botanic Gardens
Tour the extensive alpine collection with Mike Kintgen and Staff. Many changes have been made since 2010, including the construction of 6 crevice gardens and the North American Plant Collection Consortium “Alpines of the World” Collection.
Thursday June 23
Travel to Steamboat Springs - in vans or on your own Registration
Plant/book sales
Welcome dinner
Lectures
Friday June 24
Yampa River Botanic Park - welcome breakfast and tours Private Garden tours around Steamboat Springs
Yampa River Botanic Park open
Plant sales continue/book sales and signing
Lectures
Saturday June 25
Hikes
Sunday June 26
Hikes
Banquet
Closing lecture
NARGS Annual Business meeting
Monday June 27
North Routt County private garden tour
A few choice areas of wildflowers in North Routt.
*Option of early van returning to Denver for those who need to get back.
Tuesday June 28
Vans return to Denver.
Travel
Airports
Yampa Valley Regional Airport
<www.yampavalleyregionalairport.com> <www.yampavalleyregionalairport.com/ground-transportation.html>
It is possible to connect to Steamboat Springs through Denver, prices seem to be lower than expected. The airport is located 22 miles west of Steamboat Springs. The possibility of a van service is being worked out at this time.
Denver International Airport
<www.flydenver.com>
DIA will offer the cheapest flights into the region and participants have the option of riding in a van from Denver on June 23rd (price and details not available at press) or renting their own car.
Ground transportation to and from Steamboat Springs
Vans will travel from Denver on June 23rd and return on the 27th and 28th. (There will be a cost for riding in the vans)
Car rentals
Visitors also have the option of renting their own car in Denver or at Yampa Valley Regional Airport. This will give visitors the greatest amount of freedom to stop at leisure prior to and after the conference.
Accommodation
Hotels
The committee recommends the following hotels in Steamboat Springs.
Rabbit Ears Motel - rate of $139
<www.rabbitearsmotel.com>
Nordic Lodge - rate of $149
<www.nordiclodgeofsteamboat.com>
Fairfield Inns and Suites
<www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sbsfi-fairfield-inn-and-suites- steamboat-springs>
Hampton Inn and Suites
<hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/colorado/hampton-inn-and- suites-steamboat-springs-SBSCOHX/index.html>
Budget options
Steamboat Springs does offer
a wide array of lodging, and budget options exist; however, the committee has recommended what we feel are the best options.
Camping
There will also be camping options for those who would like to be closer to nature and enjoy what Routt County offers.
Colorado mountain College dorms
The dorms are available at CMC for $60 a night and include single, double and triple options (so 3 people sharing could stay for $20 each per night). More details will follow.
Other costs and other details are currently being confirmed. We expect
booking to be open January 1, 2016.
