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Decoding the Language of Nature

Decoding the Language of Nature

SOLD OUT
Dates:
August 31 - September 4
Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Meals Included?:
No
Instructors:
George Bumann, M.S., Jon Young
Age:
18+
Program Type:
Field Seminars
(Activity Scale)

Sold out: Please sign up for the waitlist.

Mother nature rarely shouts, and when she does speak, she's most often in a whisper. Are you listening? Do you 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 in which to read the nuances in the natural world in a new and unprecedented way—through the art and science of bird and animal language, and tracking. 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).

Testimonials

"This course opened my eyes, awakened my senses and showed me a path I will follow for the rest of my life. I am grateful beyond words." - Kathryn, CO

"George Bumann was the highlight in so many ways! Knowledgeable, modest, approachable, clever, funny, charming, etc." - John, CA

"The instructors, Jon Young & George Baumann (& special guest presenter Jeff Reed) complemented each other so well & made a great team. Their deep passion for & connection with the natural world was palpable. Their knowledge of animal behaviors & communication & their commitment to imparting the value & power of nature connection to others is something I hope many others will be able to experience. Their mentoring skills & teaching techniques...including relating incredible stories of their animal experiences & lifetime learnings...were impactful and memorable. This experience was immersive & affected me deeply." - Diane, MT

Download Program Information:

Decoding the Language of Nature Course Letter

More Information:

Lodging | Age Restriction Details

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.