DATES: JANUARY 2 – 5, 2025
PRICE: $981 | TUITION & LODGING
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
GROUP SIZE: 13
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 3
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Gray wolves are just one of approximately 6,000 mammal species on Earth today. But for humans they are very much more than just a biological species, and always have been. Why do gray wolves loom so large in myth and legend? Why are wolves – the closest living relative of ‘man’s best friend’ – so often despised and ruthlessly persecuted? In this seminar, we will explore the complicated 70,000+ year relationship that modern humans have had with gray wolves since we first encountered them dispersing from Africa into Eurasia. Through engaging lecture, lively discussion, and as much time possible in the field observing wolves (weather and conditions permitting), we will discuss our own evolutionary history and how we interact with wolves and other predators on the landscape. We will discuss ways of knowing and understanding another species from many perspectives – ecology, behavior, genetics, culture, and psychology. Woven throughout our discussions will be an exploration of the seemingly dichotomous relationship that humans have with wolves versus our beloved dog companions and how humans can simultaneously revile and revere another biological species.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day.
DAY 2
WILDLIFE WATCHING & LEARNING IN THE FIELD
Participants will spend each morning in the field looking for wolves and observing their behavior with a goal of spending as little time as possible in the vehicle. If other canids are encountered (red fox, coyote) observation will be made of them as well. Also, we will spontaneously take advantage of all amazing wildlife sightings!
After a morning spent in the field, participants will return to the Lamar Buffalo Ranch for a late lunch, a bit of down time, then a lecture. At some point each day participants will be given the option of going on a guided natural history hike in which animals will be observed. Depending on time, an early evening animal viewing drive might also be an option.
Evenings will include lecture, films, or facilitated group discussion.
DAY 3
WILDLIFE WATCHING & LEARNING IN THE FIELD
Participants will spend each morning in the field looking for wolves and observing their behavior with a goal of spending as little time as possible in the vehicle. If other canids are encountered (red fox, coyote) observation will be made of them as well. Also, we will spontaneously take advantage of all amazing wildlife sightings!
After a morning spent in the field, participants will return to the Lamar Buffalo Ranch for a late lunch, a bit of down time, then a lecture. At some point each day participants will be given the option of going on a guided natural history hike in which animals will be observed. Depending on time, an early evening animal viewing drive might also be an option.
Evenings will include lecture, films, or facilitated group discussion.
DAY 4
WILDLIFE WATCHING & LEARNING IN THE FIELD
The group will start the day with early morning wildlife viewing, followed by a hike or snowshoeing session. Depending upon the weather lunch will be in the field or Ranch . After returning to the Ranch mid-afternoon, a lecture and/or roundtable discussion will be held. The class will formally end at 4:00 p.m.
DAY 5
CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and goes through Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
Optional Airport Shuttle: We provide an optional airport shuttle for those interested. The shuttle service is provided on the first day of the program with a 1:00 p.m. pickup and the last day of the program with a departure from the Lamar Buffalo Ranch at 8:00 a.m.
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Pickup Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Drop off Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Pickup Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Departure Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
If you opt-in to the shuttle service, please ensure that your flight booking will allow for you to be picked up and dropped off during the above timeframes.
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3
- Be prepared for brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
- To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
- All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
- To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
- Lopez, Barry. 1978. Of Wolves & Men. Charles Scribner’s Sons.
- Smith, Douglas W., et al. 2020. Yellowstone Wolves: Science and Discovery in the World’s First National Park. The University of Chicago Press.
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
TESTIMONIALS
“I can’t think of any way it could be improved. It was outstanding.” – Sarah, ID
“I don’t think it could be improved. It was great. Joanna kept everything interesting and fun. Never a dull moment. I really hated to see it end. Saw a lot of wolves as well as other animals and learned information on the species that I had not known before.” – Susan, SD
“Unforgettable wildlife viewing with the amazing Joanna Lambert!! And staying at the Buffalo Ranch is a pure privilege!!” – Michelle, ID
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Joanna Lambert, Ph.D.
Joanna Lambert, Ph.D. is a scientist and tenured professor of animal evolutionary ecology and conservation biology at the University of Colorado – Boulder. She has a deep passion for the natural world resulting in a career spent publishing and teaching about the ecology, evolution, and conservation biology of wild mammals. Her wildlife research has taken her to every continent on the planet though she has spent most time working in equatorial Africa (>30 years) and more recently in Yellowstone National Park where she studies canid biology. One of her proudest recent conservation-related contributions has been in the effort to restore gray wolves to her home state of Colorado, an initiative founded on the science of reintroduction and recovery of wolves to Yellowstone National Park.
***Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.