PROGRAM INFORMATION
Spring in Yellowstone is a season of renewal, and nowhere is that more evident than on the park’s northern range—home to some of the richest wildlife habitat in North America. Based out of the historic Lamar Buffalo Ranch, this 3.25‑day seminar immerses participants in the landscapes known as the “Serengeti of North America,” where young animals take their first steps into the world.
Over the course of three full field days, you’ll explore the Northern Range and so much more in search of the youngsters that can be found across Yellowstone: bison calves bounding through new grass, pronghorn fawns tucked safely in sagebrush, elk calves learning to navigate the herd, and, perhaps, wolf pups near their den sites, black bear and grizzly cubs trailing their mothers, and fox kits emerging from their dens.
Each day will begin early to take advantage of prime wildlife viewing hours and soft morning light. Your instructor will guide you to key wildlife hotspots, help you interpret animal behavior, and provide insight into the ecological relationships that define this landscape. Between sightings, you’ll learn about the adaptations that allow Yellowstone’s wildlife to thrive, the role of phenological cycles in Yellowstone’s ecosystem, and the ways spring births form the rhythms of the ecosystem.
Come experience spring in Yellowstone through the wide eyes of its newest arrivals—and deepen your understanding of the wild lives unfolding across this extraordinary landscape.
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.
DAY 2
New Life on the Northern Range
With spring in swing on the Northern Range, the day will be spent, exploring Yellowstone’s most diverse wildlife habitat. With a focus on exploring the phenology of Yellowstone’s species and understanding the interconnected trophic cascades necessary for new life, the day will be spent wildlife watching and feature a naturalist hike.
DAY 3
Hidden in Hayden
Venturing South, the day will bring us through the Hayden Valley and out to Yellowstone Lake. Opportunistic wildlife watching along the way will culminate in a focus on the birds and fish that call this place home.
DAY 4
Phenological Phenomena
While Spring means often new life, this is just the foundation for the rest of the year in the lives of Yellowstone’s wildlife species. Investigations into the phenological calendar and the implications of anthropogenic climate change will shape conversations as wildlife watching and hikes are spread across the park.
DAY 5
CHECK OUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, and goes through Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 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 1000 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.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT & PACKING LIST:
Refer to the Lamar-Based Field Seminars – General Information document for the suggested packing list.
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-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.
Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Kyle Wonders | Lead Field Educator
Kyle started his career as a wildlife biologist, but quickly realized his true passion lay in environmental education. Over the last five years, he has worked to combine wildlife biology with environmental education through roles as Citizen Science Coordinator with a western Montana watershed group, curriculum designer for a zoological museum, and a Beaver Conflict Resolution Specialist with the National Wildlife Federation. He brings his passion for the natural world to his work as an educator as he creates connections to place through authentic experiences in and on the landscapes he works within. Kyle has a deep curiosity for the ways that wildlife finds itself so intrinsically interconnected with geology, history, and in so many ways our lives. He is an avid bird-watcher, fly fisherman, and backpacker who strives to experience and connect with the natural world in as many ways as possible.
