DATES: JUNE 27 – JULY 1, 2026
TUITION & LODGING: $954
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 3
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Join naturalist and author Whitney Tilt for a three-day immersive seminar exploring the vibrant and diverse world of Yellowstone’s wildflowers. Based out of the historic Lamar Buffalo Ranch in the heart of the Lamar Valley, this field-based course offers participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the region’s flora through guided hikes, hands-on identification, and engaging discussions.
Whitney Tilt, a longtime resident of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and a leading voice in regional plant knowledge, brings his expertise and passion to this unique learning experience. Participants will explore a variety of habitats—from sagebrush steppe to alpine meadows—learning to identify native wildflowers, understand their ecological roles, and appreciate the seasonal rhythms of Yellowstone’s plant life.
Whether you’re a budding botanist, an avid hiker, or simply curious about the natural world, this seminar offers a rich opportunity to connect with Yellowstone’s landscapes through the lens of its wildflowers.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Welcome & Orientation
The program begins with an evening orientation where participants will have the opportunity to get acquainted and learn about the program. During this session, we’ll review the itinerary, introduce key seminar concepts, and provide guidance on what to pack for the field each day.
DAYS 2 – 4
Morning Field Excursions
- Exploring lower and higher elevation habitats and lodgepole pine and mixed conifer forests
- Identify common wildflowers found in the various habitats
- Discuss plant adaptations, climate impacts, fire ecology, and conservation
Afternoon Field Excursions
- Visit streamside habitats
- Ecology walks: focusing on plant-pollinator relationships and wildlife connections
- Group led plant ID challenges
DAY 5
CHECK OUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026, and goes through 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Group Size: 13
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1,000 feet in undulating terrain.
- For more information about our activity levels, please visit our Activity Level webpage here.
- 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.
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 Gardiner-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.
Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT & PACKING LIST:
Refer to the Lamar-Based Field Seminars – General Information document for the suggested packing list.
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:
Journal and writing utensil
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Whitney Tilt
Early in his career, Whitney was a wildlife technician with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as a cattle rancher. He went on to serve in leadership roles for a number of national conservation organizations, including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the National Audubon Society, and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association Fisheries Fund. Whitney also authored two books, Flora of the Yellowstone and Game on, A Bird Hunter’s Table, Reloaded.
