COMBATTING THE ANTHROPOCENE:
DATES: FEBRUARY 5-9, 2027
PRICE: $1,078.92 | TUITION & LODGING
(TAXES INCLUDED)
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 3
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The desire to understand and feel close contact with the wild captivates many—but what does that really mean? Is the wildness experienced in Yellowstone today the same wildness experienced in the 1870s? Do wild spaces require a different ethic?
This field seminar aims not only to explore our connections to the wilderness of Yellowstone, but to dive deeper into how our understandings of—and connections to, the wild can shape our relationship with Nature. This modern, human-dominated era, the Anthropocene, presents us with an opportunity to reestablish, and reaffirm our these relationships to Nature. Students will have opportunities to experience the wilds of Yellowstone through wildlife observation, snowshoeing, and activities aimed to discover the stochastic, and self-willed essence of Yellowstone.
Discussions will consider how wildness persists in modern times, what participation in a wild landscape truly entails, and how developing intimacy with wildness can strengthen our connection to the natural world. These conversations will help frame and deepen the course’s field experiences.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day. Additionally, as a group we will begin to explore and compare what each of our relationships to wildness looks like.
DAY 2
To Be Whole to be Complete…
In order to understand wildness both Yellowstone and in our modern world, first we must establish what is even held in the meaning of the word. The day aims to use wildlife sightings and landscape immersion in order to form initial understandings of the idea of wildness. These understandings will then be compared with the ideas of foundational wildness thinkers in order to frame how conservation has evolved around wildness, to create familiarity with modern environmental philosophical norms.
DAY 3
Its Neither the Presence nor Absence of People…
Now that a foundational understanding of wildness has been established, we will begin to explore how the Anthropocene, the epoch defined by the human interference, interacts with an idea that for so long has been connected to a lack of human influence and control. Using Yellowstone, a place that sees millions of visitors annually, as a case study in comparison to the nearby North Absaroka Wilderness we aim to understand the different ways global influence impacts nearby natural landscapes.
DAY 4
Not Abandoning Civilization, Enhancing It…
A critical component of wildness in the Anthropocene is the concept of rewilding. A concept that saw some of its earliest applications within park boundaries. The day we will explore how Yellowstone, a landscape that saw some of the earliest applications of rewilding, can teach us about the potential of rewilding efforts, as well as explore some of the most cutting-edge conversations around rewilding happening today. With examples such as wolf reintroduction, grizzly de-habituation, and so much more, this day will explore this concept through field discussions and hikes to notable sites that detail the rewilded story of this place.
DAY 5
CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2027, and goes through Monday, February 8, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2027, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2027.
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
Optional Airport Shuttle: We provide an optional airport shuttle for those interested. The shuttle service is provided on the first day of the program with a 1:00 p.m. pickup and the last day of the program with a departure from the Lamar Buffalo Ranch at 8:00 a.m.
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Pickup Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Drop off Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Pickup Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Departure Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
If you opt-in to the shuttle service, please ensure that your flight booking will allow for you to be picked up and dropped off during the above timeframes.
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 Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3
- Be prepared for brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- 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.
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 Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
TESTIMONIALS
“The Ranch is in an unbelievable location. Just being there is amazing. Learning how to watch wildlife was new to me.” – Renee, WA
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Kyle Wonders | Lead Field Educator
Kyle Wonders began his career as a wildlife biologist before discovering his true passion in environmental education. Over the past five years, he has blended the two through work as a Citizen Science Coordinator with a western Montana watershed group, a curriculum designer for a zoological museum, and a Beaver Conflict Resolution Specialist with the National Wildlife Federation. He brings his passion for the natural world into his work as an educator, creating authentic, place‑based experiences rooted in the landscapes where he works. Kyle has a deep curiosity for the ways that wildlife finds itself so intrinsically interconnected with geology, history, and in so many ways our lives. An avid bird‑watcher, fly fisherman, and backpacker, he seeks every opportunity to engage with and learn from the natural world.
