Spring is your time for wildlife watching! The snow is finally melting, making way for green sprouts of grass as babies of every species begin to make their arrival. You'll look for bear cubs, wolf pups, bison calves, elk calves, bighorn lambs, and lots of young birds. You'll use spotting scopes and binoculars and take short walks to better vantage points. You'll also talk about why species choose certain birthing grounds and how they protect and raise their young. You'll be outside from before dawn throughout the day to after sundown, with plenty of free time to enjoy all aspects of Yellowstone's vibrant spring.

About the instructor

Shauna Baron holds a B.S. in Biology, and a M.S. in Science Education. She has nearly 30 years of experience as an outdoor educator. She has participated in numerous wildlife studies throughout the U.S., including wolves, bear, pelicans and ravens. Shauna saw her first wild wolf while volunteering with the Yellowstone Wolf Project in 1996, and she has been working to protect carnivores and wild ecosystems, ever since. Shauna spent 13 years as a resident instructor for the Yellowstone Forever Institute, where she specialized in creating outdoor education programs for disabled veterans, inner-city youth, as well as autistic youth groups. Today, she continues to share her knowledge of the natural world, working as a naturalist guide in Yellowstone National Park. She is a published author and editor. When she is not writing or guiding a group, she can be found sitting on a hill watching wildlife, with a scope to her eye or book in her lap.

Testimonials

"Shauna Baron, MS, is perhaps the most gifted, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and personable instructor I have had during my attendance at the Field Programs. Her ability to impart scientific information interwoven with unique, personal experiences to connect with the level of most attendees is an incredible gift. Shauna's exuberance and passion for all things wild made being a part of this program particularly satisfying for me. I hope to see course offerings led by her in the future. Shauna Baron is a true gem!" - Karen, MO

"Shauna Baron's skills & breadth of knowledge made this program unforgettable!! And of course, getting to stay at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch is simply priceless!! Thanks to Katie & team for taking such great care of the Ranch! Volunteers like Christian were beyond amazing!!" - Michelle, ID

"Lots! Volunteers at ranch were welcoming and warm and very capable. Shauna was the most knowledgeable field biologist-interpreter I've ever met - really phenomenal. And, seeing wildlife!" - Peter, NY