Decoding the Language of Nature

SOLD OUT

Dates:
September 2 - 6

Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch

Meals Included?:
No

Instructors:
George Bumann, M.S., Jon Young

Audience Type:
Adult

Program Type:
Field Seminars

Program Subject:
Natural History, Wildlife

Sold out: Please sign up for the waitlist.

Mother nature rarely shouts, she almost always speaks in a whisper. Are you listening? Want to know that a coyote has just passed by or that a hawk is about to arrive? If so, you will want to explore the ways to read the nuances in the natural world in a new and unprecedented way. Through the art and science of animal language, you will join renowned tracker and author of What the Robin Knows, Jon Young and Yellowstone naturalist and artist George Bumann on this enlightening program that will change the way you see the world around you—forever.

About the instructors

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.

Jon Young is a leader in the field of nature-based education, and effective nature connection, he is a deep nature connection mentor, wildlife tracker, author, educator, consultant, inspiring public speaker, and storyteller. Jon’s work has appeared in documentaries concerning nature and ecology and he has authored and co-authored several seminal works on deep nature connection and connection mentoring, including What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World (2013), and Coyote's Guide to Connecting to Nature (2007).

Download Program Information:

Decoding the Language of Nature Course Letter

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.