INSTITUTE
SUMMER 2023 EDUCATION PROGRAMS
NPS / JACOB W. FRANK
INSTITUTE
The varied landscapes of Yellowstone National Park provide opportunities for transformative experiences—whether it’s seeing your first wild wolf in Lamar Valley, witnessing a rare Steamboat Geyser eruption, or listening to gushing waters falling into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone—there is something to behold for everyone. While Yellowstone can speak for itself, Yellowstone Forever’s education team enhances park visits by engaging visitors through a variety of opportunities that highlight the natural and cultural heritages of this incredible landscape.
The Yellowstone Forever Institute, in partnership with the National Park Service, provides educational programming that helps visitors enjoy, appreciate, and better understand the complexities of the world’s first national park. Visitors of all ages can expand their knowledge of the park by participating in one of our programs and come away with a passion for learning and an appreciation of the outdoors that lasts a lifetime.
I hope you will join us in Yellowstone this summer!
Amanda Hagerty Director of Education
Yellowstone Forever
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SUMMER 2023
Private Tours Yellowstone Day Adventures Lodging & Learning Field Seminars 3 5 6 11
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
NPS / JACOB W. FRANK
PRIVATE TOURS
Make the most out of your trip to Yellowstone and book a Private Tour with one of Yellowstone Forever’s educators. We offer four summer tour options from wildlife watching to geyser gazing. All programs will connect participants to the stories behind the fascinating sights and sounds of Yellowstone. Any of these tours can be catered to a family friendly adventure.
ALL PRIVATE TOURS INCLUDE:
• Delicious field breakfast and lunch catered by Tumbleweed Bookstore & Cafe in Gardiner, Montana
• Hot beverage service
• Pick-ups only available in Gardiner, Montana (up to 10 miles out of town) and Mammoth Hot Springs.
• High-powered scopes and binoculars
• Other field equipment, as needed
Private Tour Base Rate is $710 for full-day Private Tour including meals (breakfast and lunch).
Pricing will be adjusted based upon your group size. Please visit Yellowstone.org/experience for detailed information.
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NPS / JACOB W. FRANK
PRIVATE TOUR OPTIONS
YELLOWSTONE DAY HIKING
This tour is designed for those who want to explore Yellowstone on foot and to have a more active adventure in Yellowstone. Participants will explore Yellowstone’s backcountry.
LAMAR VALLEY WILDLIFE WATCHING
This tour is designed for those who want to focus on viewing and learning about wildlife along Yellowstone’s famous northern range. This tour heads out early in the morning for the best chance of catching Yellowstone’s charismatic megafauna when they’re most active.
GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE
This tour is designed for those who want to explore the natural and geologic history of Yellowstone with epic views of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. The morning will be spent wildlife watching along Yellowstone’s famous northern range on the way to the Grand Canyon area.
GEYSERS, MUDPOTS, AND HOT SPRINGS
This tour is designed for those who want to explore Yellowstone’s geyser basins and learn about the supervolcano just beneath the surface. Yellowstone is home to the world’s greatest concentration of hydrothermal features – more than 10,000.
PRIVATE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
This tour is designed for photographers of all skill levels – beginners to professional –who want to learn how to beautifully capture Yellowstone.
Private photography tours have slightly different pricing than what was listed previously; photography tours start at $860. If you are interested in a private photography tour, please email us at institute@yellowstone.org.
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NPS / JACOB W. FRANK
NPS / NEAL HERBERT
YELLOWSTONE DAY ADVENTURES
Join us as we explore the stunning northern range and Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park, home to a diverse array of wildlife including bears, elk, bison, wolves, bighorn sheep, moose, and pronghorn. Our high-powered optics will allow you to feel up close and personal with these magnificent animals as we observe them in their natural habitats.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Our expert Yellowstone Forever field educator will guide you to the best viewing spots and share the stories behind Yellowstone and its diverse species, bringing the park’s history and ecology to life. This tour offers the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the beauty of Yellowstone’s wildlife and landscapes.
Tours are offered every Friday from June 2023 through September 2023. They depart at 8:00 a.m. from the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters located in Gardiner, Montana. Minimum age requirement is 5 years old.
DETAILS:
• Program is offered every Friday from June 2023 - September 2023
• Tours run 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Pack a breakfast and lunch to-go
• Departing from the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters Building in Gardiner, Montana
• Adults $95, Youth (5-12 years old) $59 Discount for youth will be applied at checkout
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NPS / JACOB W. FRANK
NPS / NEAL HERBERT
YF / MATT LUDIN
LODGING & LEARNING
Our award-winning Lodging & Learning packages are developed through a partnership with Yellowstone National Park Lodges. These packages combine the best lodging locations with an exceptional immersive field education experience. All packages are led by Yellowstone Forever’s naturalist educators who are among the best expert field educators in Yellowstone. You’ll spend your days in the field with a small group experiencing the park, and your nights in one of Yellowstone’s beloved lodges. This educational option is a favorite for those who want to immerse themselves in the park, but would prefer a private and modern lodging option.
SPRING WOLF & BEAR DISCOVERY
LOCATION: Mammoth Hot Springs
PROGRAM START DATES: May 2, May 8, May 9, May 15, May 16, May 22, and May 23
PROGRAM LENGTH: 4 days
COST: $1,465 per person, double occupancy; $1,999 per person, single occupancy
Yellowstone’s famous northern range is a prime location to view wolves and bears in the spring. This package is designed to take advantage of both rare opportunities. A Yellowstone Forever field educator will share up-to-date information about Yellowstone wildlife biology, behavior, and ecology throughout daily outings. Each evening, participants will return to their comfortable accommodations at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
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NPS / JIM PEACO
LODGING & LEARNING
YELLOWSTONE FOR FAMILIES OLD TIMES ON THE GRAND TOUR
LOCATION: Grant Village
PROGRAM START DATES: May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, and August 14
PROGRAM LENGTH: 4 days
COST: $1,825 per person, double occupancy; $5,800 family of four (2 adults, 2 children in one room); $2,559 per person, single occupancy
This package is designed for families with children (ages 8- 12) who want to have a truly memorable experience in Yellowstone. Families will be led by a Yellowstone Forever field educator who handles all the logistics while ensuring everyone gets to see Yellowstone’s most popular features. This family learning adventure connects both children and adults to the Yellowstone experience through activities that integrate scientific observation, art, and more.
LOCATION: Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake
PROGRAM START DATES: May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21, August 28, and September 4
PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 days
COST: $3,565 per person, double occupancy; $4,359 per person, single occupancy
This program is designed for those who want to enjoy some of the best experiences Yellowstone has to offer while traveling in style. In this allinclusive package, you’ll be transported in a vintage 1930’s White Motor Co. “Historic Yellow Bus” while visiting the most popular destinations in the park.
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YNP LODGES
LODGING & LEARNING
TRAILS THROUGH YELLOWSTONE
LOCATION: Canyon
PROGRAM START DATES: June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21, September 4
PROGRAM LENGTH: 4 days
COST: $2,099 per person, double occupancy; $3,069 per person, single occupancy
Designed for those who want to enjoy a more active adventure in Yellowstone National Park, program participants will spend time exploring Yellowstone’s wild backcountry. Hike along some of the most scenic trails the park has to offer, explore features and unique backcountry habitat far from crowds and noise. Each day hikers will venture out with a Yellowstone Forever field educator to explore a region of the park. Daily outings begin early to beat the crowds and increase odds of seeing wildlife that are most active at dawn.
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NPS / NEAL HERBERT
NPS / JACOB W. FRANK
NPS / JACOB W. FRANK
NPS / JACOB W. FRANK
LODGING & LEARNING
ESSENTIAL YELLOWSTONE FALL WOLF & ELK DISCOVERY
LOCATION: Yellowstone Lake
PROGRAM START DATES: June 19, July 3, July 17, July 31, August 14, August 28
PROGRAM LENGTH: 4 days
COST: $2,015 per person, double occupancy; $2,715 per person, single occupancy
This program is designed for those who want to enjoy the full spectrum of the Yellowstone experience in a truly immersive way. Fascinating thermal features, colorful canyons, exciting wildlife, and beautiful lake scenery are but a few of the highlights of this package. Each day the group will venture out with a Yellowstone Forever educator to learn about and explore a region of the park, while incorporating short, scenic hikes throughout the program.
LOCATION: Mammoth Hot Springs
PROGRAM START DATES: September 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
PROGRAM LENGTH: 4 days
COST: $1,465 per person, double occupancy; $1,999 per person, single occupancy
Yellowstone’s famous northern range is a prime location to view wolves in Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs is the best place in the park to view the annual elk rut. This package is designed to take advantage of both rare opportunities. A Yellowstone Forever field educator will share up-to-date information about Yellowstone wildlife biology, behavior, and ecology throughout daily outings.
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NPS / NEAL HERBERT
LODGING & LEARNING
ROOSEVELT RENDEZVOUS
LOCATION: Roosevelt Lodge
PROGRAM START DATE: September 8
PROGRAM LENGTH: 4 days
COST: $1,789 per person, double occupancy; $2,085 per person, single occupancy
This program features three days of learning, exploration, and fun in Yellowstone. During the day, you will choose from a variety of full-day and half-day trips. Late afternoons and early evenings are reserved for rest and reflection. Read, explore the surrounding trails, have a drink on the Roosevelt Lodge porch, chat with other participants in the main lodge, or relax in your cabin. Roosevelt Rendezvous creates an intimate social atmosphere allowing participants to learn from each other and build lasting relationships with the park, as well as with each other.
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NPS / JACOB W. FRANK
FIELD SEMINARS
Our world-class Field Seminars examine specific aspects of the park ecosystem through a combination of fun field excursions and presentations. Our seminar leaders are experts in their fields and include professors, naturalists, scientists, and acclaimed photographers, writers, historians, and artists. This option is a favorite for those who want to participate in a highly educational, fully immersive Yellowstone experience.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
May 2-3
NOLS Wilderness Medicine Staff
$345
Gardiner, Montana
YELLOWSTONE BIRDS: AN INTRODUCTION
May 15-16
Forrest Rowland
$312.50
Gardiner, Montana
POETRY AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
May 22-25
Chris La Tray
$1,162.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
OWLS OF YELLOWSTONE ADVANCED SPRING WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
May 8-11
Meg Sommers
$832.50
Gardiner, Montana
A CELEBRATION OF BIRD MIGRATION
May 12-13
Katy Duffy, M.S.
$275
Gardiner, Montana
YELLOWSTONE BIRDS: PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
May 17-19
Forrest Rowland
$562.50
Gardiner, Montana
YELLOWSTONE BIRDS: ADVANCED
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
May 20-22
Forrest Rowland
$562.50
Gardiner, Montana
May 27-28
Katy Duffy, M.S.
$375
Gardiner, Montana
YELLOWSTONE SPRING WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
May 27-29
Kevin League
$802.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
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NPS / NEAL HERBERT
FIELD SEMINARS
YELLOWSTONE
WOLVES & THEIR STORIES
May 30–June 2
Amanda Evans
$812.50
Gardiner, Montana
SPRING BABIES
May 31–June 3
Shauna Baron, M.S.
$1,162.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
BEARS OF GREATER YELLOWSTONE
June 5–8
Mark Haroldson and Sue Consolo-Murphy, M.S.
$955
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: YELLOWSTONE BABIES
June 5-9
Kate Ochsman
$1,062.50
Gardiner, Montana
A WALK THROUGH TIME: GARDNER CANYON GEOLOGY
June 10
Karen Williams, Ph.D.
$312.50
Gardiner, Montana
THE GEOLOGY OF ECOLOGY
June 5–8
Paul Doss, Ph.D.
$1,162.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
DRAWING
YELLOWSTONE’S LANDSCAPES
June 15-17
Alan Petersen, M.A.
$802.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
PAINTING MORAN’S YELLOWSTONE
June 19-23
Daniel Hidalgo and Kara Hidalgo
$1,492.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
ROADSIDE GEOLOGY OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
June 29-July 2
Robert C. Thomas, Ph.D.
$1,162.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
YELLOWSTONE’S BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS
June 25-27
Debra Dirksen, PhD.; John Dirksen, M.S.; and Orville
(Butch) Bach, Jr., Ed.D.
$832.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
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FIELD SEMINARS
RAVEN RENDEZVOUS
July 4-7
Colleen Marzluff, M.S. and John Marzluff, Ph.D.
$1,197.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
WOLVES, DOGS,
AND HUMANS
July 14-17
Joanna Lambert, Ph.D.
$990
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
INTRODUCTION TO YELLOWSTONE’S PLANTS
July 24-26
Elena Ulev
$562.50
Gardiner, Montana
YELLOWSTONE NATURALIST: SUMMER SESSION
July 27-August 1
Amanda Evans
$1,867.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
BUTTERFLIES OF YELLOWSTONE
July 13-15
George Bumann, M.S.
$607.50
Gardiner, Montana
BEGINNER’S FLY FISHING
July 9-12
Steve Harvey
$1,184.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
COYOTES & WOLVES: YELLOWSTONE’S EVOLUTIONARY COUSINS
July 19-22
Joanna Lambert, Ph.D.
$1,162.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
RUNNING WILD: TRAIL RUNNING IN YELLOWSTONE
July 20-23
Anthony Pavkovich, M.A.
$620
Gardiner, Montana
GLACIAL GEOLOGY UNDERFOOT
July 24-25
Karen Williams, Ph.D. and William Locke, Ph.D.
$502.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
INTRODUCTION TO YELLOWSTONE’S BIRDS
July 28-30
Elena Ulev
$425
Gardiner, Montana
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FIELD SEMINARS
SUMMER DAY HIKING
August 1-4
Sam Archibald, M.E.M.
$812.50
Gardiner, Montana
WOLVES & WILLOWS
August 3-5
Brenna Cassidy, Ph.D. student
$802.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
FLY FISHING YELLOWSTONE’S BACKCOUNTRY
August 7-10
Ron Amendola and Mark
Amendola
$1,162.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
MIXED MEDIA & WATERCOLOR
FIELD JOURNALING
August 9-12
Suzie Garner, MFA
$812.50
Gardiner, Montana
YELLOWSTONE’S PREQUEL: WILDLIFE & HUMANS IN THE PLEISTOCENE
August 17-21
Jeff Reed, Ph.D. and Joanna Lambert, Ph.D.
$1,285
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
CAPTURING YELLOWSTONE’S NIGHT SKY
August 14-17
Kevin League
$812.50
Gardiner, Montana
ROCKY MOUNTAIN THUNDER: BISON
RUT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
August 12-15
Kate Ochsman
$1,132.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
MICROBIAL DIVERSITY OF YELLOWSTONE HOT SPRINGS
August 19-20
Eric Boyd, Ph.D.
$342.50
Gardiner, Montana
DREAM OF THE CAVE WITCH: CROW INDIAN MYTHOLOGY OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
August 23-26
Franco Littlelight
$1,132.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
LATE SUMMER DAY HIKING
August 28-31
Sam Archibald, M.E.M.
$812.50
Gardiner, Montana
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FIELD SEMINARS
YELLOWSTONE FLOODS
& LANDSCAPE CHANGE: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
August 28-31
Grant Meyer, Ph.D.
$1,132.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
FLY FISHING THE WILD BACKPACKING TRIP
September 2-9
Jesse Logan, Ph.D. and Steve Harvey
$1,852.50
Gardiner, Montana
RAPTORS OF YELLOWSTONE
September 16
Katy Duffy, M.S.
$375
Gardiner, Montana
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
BUGLE BOYS: ELK RUT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
September 28-October 1
Kate Ochsman
$812.50
Gardiner, Montana
DECODING
THE LANGUAGE OF NATURE
September 2-6
George Bumann, M.S. and Jon Young
$1,562.50
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
ADVANCED FALL WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
October 3-6
Meg Sommers
$832.50
Gardiner, Montana
YELLOWSTONE
TRAINS,
TRAVELERS, AND TRINKETS: HISTORY OF TOURISM IN YELLOWSTONE
September 6-9
Elizabeth “Betsy” Watry, M.A.
$812.50
Gardiner, Montana
NATURALIST: FALL SESSION
September 20-25
Amanda Evans
$1,387.50
Gardiner, Montana
Photos
NPS / Neal Herbert
12 14
NPS / Jim Peaco
YF / Matt Ludin
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
NPS / Neal Herbert
YF / Matt Ludin
NPS / Jay Elhart
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
13 15
NPS / Neal Herbert
NPS / Neal Herbert
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
NPS / Neal Herbert
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
NPS / Diane Renkin
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