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.

DAY 2

Wildlife Watching

With a focus on wildlife, days will consist of a mixture of early morning roadside wildlife watching and early afternoon wildlife discussions. In the mid-afternoon the class will go for a hike (or snowshoe depending on snowpack) and have lunch in the field. The class will return late in the afternoon for free time.

Guest speakers for the week may include:

• Rick McIntyre, award-winning author, and retired Yellowstone Wolf Project Biological Science Technician
• Yellowstone Wolf Project Research Associates
• Joanna Lambert, Ph.D., canid researcher and tenured professor of animal evolutionary ecology and conservation biology at the University of Colorado – Boulder

DAY 3

Wildlife Watching

With a focus on wildlife, days will consist of a mixture of early morning roadside wildlife watching and early afternoon wildlife discussions. In the mid-afternoon the class will go for a hike (or snowshoe depending on snowpack) and have lunch in the field. The class will return late in the afternoon for free time.

Guest speakers for the week may include:

• Rick McIntyre, award-winning author, and retired Yellowstone Wolf Project Biological Science Technician
• Yellowstone Wolf Project Research Associates
• Joanna Lambert, Ph.D., canid researcher and tenured professor of animal evolutionary ecology and conservation biology at the University of Colorado – Boulder

DAY 4

Wildlife Watching

With a focus on wildlife, days will consist of a mixture of early morning roadside wildlife watching and early afternoon wildlife discussions. In the mid-afternoon the class will go for a hike (or snowshoe depending on snowpack) and have lunch in the field. The class will return late in the afternoon for free time.

Guest speakers for the week may include:

• Rick McIntyre, award-winning author, and retired Yellowstone Wolf Project Biological Science Technician
• Yellowstone Wolf Project Research Associates
• Joanna Lambert, Ph.D., canid researcher and tenured professor of animal evolutionary ecology and conservation biology at the University of Colorado – Boulder

DAY 5

CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, and goes through Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, 2025, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025.

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 2

• Be prepared for hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
• 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

“Amanda is an amazing instructor. Her knowledge and ability to tell stories and present information really made the seminar worthwhile. She is a gem.” – Brett, WA

“Amanda is an incredible naturalist and leader and super-star in this program. The volunteer staff did a great job with everything we needed. Super professionals!” – Paul, WA