Butterflies of Yellowstone

$607.50

Dates:
July 13 - 15

Location:
Gardiner, Montana

Meals Included?:
No

Instructors:
George Bumann, M.S.

Audience Type:
Adult

Program Type:
Field Seminars

Program Subject:
Plants, Wildlife

Flitting among the bluebirds and bison, from mud puddles to lupine, butterflies abound in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—several species of which can found here and few other places on Earth. We will explore as many of the nearly 135 species living in Yellowstone as possible as well as their sensitivity to local plants, weather, and the passage of the seasons. As you study their field marks, flight characteristics and preferred foods, you will also learn how many butterflies are greatly influenced by the soils, geology, and that some even fill themselves with antifreeze and spend winter in a state of suspended animation! On the second day, of the course you will become a citizen scientist as you participate in the 20th annual Yellowstone Butterfly Count. Your observations will be recorded in the national database that researchers used to track butterfly trends across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

About the instructor

George Bumann, M.S., can draw, sculpt, and teach about all aspects of Yellowstone. He has a degree in wildlife ecology and works as a professional artist and educator. His art and writing have appeared in popular and scientific publications, and his sculptures can be found in collections throughout the United States and abroad.

Download Program Information:

Butterflies of Yellowstone Course Letters

More Information:

Lodging | Audience Descriptions

We are continually updating and refining our COVID-19 mitigation measures to ensure the health and safety our guests, staff and volunteers. Read our COVID-19 guidelines for program participants.

SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.

Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.

Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.

Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are possible. Good coordination is recommended.

Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.

WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.

Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.

Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.

Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.

Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.