DATES: MAY 17 – 21, 2026
TUITION & LODGING: $1,317
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Why do birds sing? Why do wolves howl? What does courtship look like for a grizzly bear? This course will investigate Yellowstone’s wildlife with the goal of understanding what exactly these creatures are doing, and why. Students will observe animals in the field, displaying, fighting, hunting, foraging, and caring for their young. Field time will be supported by engaging lectures, to provide context for what students see themselves.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program begins with an evening orientation where participants will have the opportunity to get acquainted and learn about the program. During this session, we’ll review the itinerary, introduce key seminar concepts, and provide guidance on what to pack for the field each day.
DAY 2
Birds: Courtship, Nesting, and Predation
Explore the lives of birds during their most vibrant season. We’ll begin by examining vocal and visual displays—their purposes and how to interpret them. Next, we’ll look at bird communication and behavior within the broader community, considering how different species interact with one another and their environment.
DAY 3
Mammals: Herbivores & Omnivores
This session will explore Yellowstone’s most common mammals—such as bison, pronghorn, and ground squirrels—and examine their social dynamics, displays, and behaviors in relation to the landscape. Later, we’ll investigate tracks and signs left by these and other species, learning how interpreting them offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the animals that made them.
DAY 4
Carnivores
On our final day, we’ll turn our attention to Yellowstone’s charismatic carnivores. With luck, we may glimpse the complex social lives of wolves and coyotes as they care for new pups at den sites, or observe bears freshly emerged from hibernation—possibly dispersing their young or seeking mates. We’ll also watch for elusive members of the weasel and feline families. Throughout the day, we’ll explore how these predators shape the ecosystem around them.
DAY 5
CHECK OUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and goes through Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Max Capacity: 12
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 2
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- For more information about our activity levels, please visit our Activity Level webpage here.
- Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
- To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
- All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
- To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT & PACKING LIST:
Refer to the Lamar-Based Field Seminars – General Information document for the suggested packing list.
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:
- Personal notebook or journal to take notes (plus writing utensil)
- Binoculars
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.
Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
No required readings, but participants may enjoy the following:
- Bumann, G., & Young, J. (2024). Eavesdropping on Animals: What We Can Learn from Wildlife Conversations. Greystone Books.
- Young, J., & Gardoqui, D. (2013). What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World. Mariner Books : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Cedar Mathers-Winn, M.S.
Cedar Mathers-Winn is a naturalist, biologist, and educator based in Bozeman, MT. He earned his Master’s degree studying animal communication in southwestern Montana, and has studied ecology and animal behavior in mountain forests, tropical Australia, and the Sonoran Desert. As an instructor, Cedar emphasizes the wonder and wildness of things that are everywhere but easily ignored.
Amanda Evans, Lead Field Educator
Amanda Evans is a Lead Field Educator for Yellowstone Forever. After extensive wildlife and outdoor education experience in a variety of ecosystems derived from a lifelong passion for wildlife, she has lived and worked on the edge of Yellowstone for the past five years. She feels that it is through firsthand experience with the natural world that people build the strongest connections to it. Her goal is to use education to foster the same appreciation she feels and to inspire others to preserve and protect nature in all spaces.
