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Introduction to Yellowstone’s Plants

Introduction to Yellowstone’s Plants

$562.50
Dates:
July 24 - 26
Location:
Gardiner, Montana
Meals Included?:
No
Instructors:
Elena Ulev
Audience Type:
Adult
Program Type:
Field Seminars
Program Subject:
Plants
(Activity Scale)
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Yellowstone is home to more than 1,000 plant species from tiny flowers to towering trees. Join this lecture and field-based course and learn basic techniques to identify native flowers, shrubs, trees and lichens. We will begin by discussing the evolution and anatomy of plants then focus on how to easily identify them in the field by determining what plant family they belong to. Students will also learn how dozens of native plants can be used for food, medicine, dye and cordage as well as how animals utilize them to survive. We will also be recording our observations in nature journals. Students will leave this field seminar with a greater understanding and appreciation for the unique flora of Yellowstone National Park.

About the instructor

Elena Ulev is a naturalist guide and environmental educator based out of Missoula, Montana. She has a B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology and has spent the last 23 years working in western Montana as a field biologist and writer for the U.S. Forest Service and as an educator for the Montana Natural History Center and the Lifelong Learning Center. She has seen over 200 species of birds in Montana so far, and her favorite is the short-eared owl. Elena loves sharing her curiosity and enthusiasm about nature with all ages and backgrounds.

Download Program Information:

Introduction to Yellowstone's Plants 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.