Yellowstone Forever Institute Winter Catalog 2019-2020 by Yellowstone Forever

YELLOWSTONE FOREVER G GOIN L! A DIGIT

INSTITUTE 2019

2020

Though Yellowstone National Park is spectacular in every season, the park in winter is truly a magical place. A winter visit will leave you with lasting memories of incredible wildlife watching, steaming geyser basins, and dramatic snowy landscapes.

YELLOWSTONE FOREVER INSTITUTE STAFF

Visitors of all ages can expand their knowledge of the park by participating in any of Yellowstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s numerous educational programs. From observing wolves against a snowy backdrop in Lamar Valley to witnessing a wintertime eruption of Old Faithful, Yellowstone sparks a passion for learning and an appreciation of nature that lasts a lifetime.

Brad Bulin Senior Naturalist Educator

The Yellowstone Forever Institute helps connect thousands of visitors to the park each year with in-depth programs. Together, Yellowstone Forever and the National Park Service work to provide a full range of opportunities that help visitors learn about and enjoy all that Yellowstone has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you to Yellowstone National Park!

INSTRUCTORS

Virginia Miller Lead Instructor Michael Rosekrans Lead Instructor MANAGEMENT Alison Becker Program Manager Carolyn Harwood Bulin Supporter Engagement Manager Katy Fast Program Coordinator

Cam Sholly, Superintendent YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Amanda Hagerty Assistant Director, Institute Programming Zachary Park Assistant Director, Institute Operations Robert Petty Senior Director of Education

John Walda, Interim President & CEO YELLOWSTONE FORE VER

Katie Roloson Campus Manager, Operations

Yellowstone Forever, in partnership with the National Park Service, provides educational programming that helps people enjoy, understand, and appreciate the wildlife, geology, and cultural history of the park. Join the Yellowstone Forever Institute this winter on a journey of discovery and engage with Yellowstone like you never have before.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW DOES ALL THIS WORK?

LODGING & LEARNING

STEP 1 | Preview our winter offerings on the following pages.

PRIVATE TOURS

YOUTH & COLLEGE

CITIZEN SCIENCE

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY AND TEACHER INITIATIVES

FIELD SEMINARS

STEP 4 | Pack your bags and prepare for your adventure!

12 LODGING 13 INSTRUCTORS ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

H HH HHH

Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails. Be prepared to hike on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet. 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.

HHHH

Be prepared for brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1,000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions. Good coordination is required.

HHHHH

Be prepared for brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1,500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions. Good coordination is required.

WINTER SPECIFICS Flexibility is a virtue in this winter wonderland, where snow and temperature can change arrival and departure times or other program details. Instructors may choose different trails or destinations depending on snow conditions. In the rare event of extremely cold weather, program activities may be modified or cancelled to protect your safety. In the winter, you must come through the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, because all interior park roads are closed to wheeled vehicles.

STEP 2 | Visit our website for detailed program information at Yellowstone.org.

STEP 3 | Register on our website or via phone at 406.848.2400.

Financial aid may be available for your program; contact us for more information. Yellowstone Forever supporters receive discounts on programs. Participants who are not yet supporters receive an introductory subscription to our magazine, Yellowstone Quarterly.

DO YOU NEED SKIS OR SNOWSHOES? In some of our winter programs, you will need cross-country skis or snowshoes. Snowshoes are provided for all Lodging & Learning programs and Field Seminars where required and may be available for your Private Tour or Youth program, based on availability. Skis are provided for some of our programs, but please check our website or call us for details and local rental options.

FIELD SEMINAR CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY PLEASE READ THIS POLICY BEFORE REGISTERING FOR YOUR PROGRAM Once you register for a program, your registration is subject to the following cancellation policy. If you cancel: 90 days or more prior to the start of your program, 100% of your payment will be refunded minus a $50 per person processing fee. 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, 50% of your payment will be refunded minus a $50 per person processing fee. 30 days or more prior to the start of your program, 25% of your payment will be refunded minus a $50 per person processing fee. If you cancel with fewer than 30 days before the start of your program, your full payment will be forfeited. Travel Insurance | To guard against unexpected circumstances, we strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance to protect against loss should you have to cancel your registration. For full cancellation and refund details for all programs, including Private Tours, Lodging & Learning, Youth & College, and Teacher programs, please visit our website. All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please visit Yellowstone.org to see current program offerings.

406.848.2400 | Yellowstone.org

WINTER 2019 –2020 INSTITUTE PROGRAMS

LODGING & LEARNING Lodging & Learning packages combine just the right amount of education and recreation. You’ll be based at park hotels and taught by Institute naturalist guides who are intimately familiar with Yellowstone. Packages are offered in partnership with Yellowstone National Park Lodges and include daily field trips, lodging, meals, in-park transportation, and optional evening programs. This is our vacation package that covers almost everything and provides fun and discovery, too. Minimum age is 12. Rates are double/single occupancy and don’t include taxes or utility fees. Rates vary throughout the season, depending on demand.

WINTER IN WONDERLAND HHH

6-DAY PROGRAM | START DATES: December 16, 23, 30 January 6, 13, 20, 27 | February 3, 10, 17, 24 Includes 4 nights at Mammoth Hotel and 2 nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. All-Inclusive Package | Prices vary. Visit our website for pricing information. Explore the full breadth of wonderland in our most comprehensive winter package. This package includes a northern range experience with time spent in the park interior. Search for wolves and other exciting wildlife in Lamar Valley. Explore the most popular geyser basins in the park, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and more. Enjoy numerous ski outings in Yellowstone’s winter wilderness. This program includes ski rental and professional cross-country ski instruction.

OLD FAITHFUL WINTER EXPEDITION HH

5-DAY PROGRAM | START DATES: December 22, 29 January 5, 12, 19, 26 | February 2, 9, 16, 23

Includes 2 nights at Mammoth Hotel and 3 nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge All-Inclusive Package | Prices vary. Visit our website for pricing information. Travel to the park’s interior to explore world-famous geyser basins, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and more. Enjoy walks and snowshoe outings while learning about Yellowstone’s unique geologic features, history, and ecology with an expert naturalist guide. This package is capped off with a private group dinner with your naturalist guide. SPECIAL OFFER | Register for the Old Faithful Winter Expedition package and get a free Yellowstone Day Adventure wildlife-watching tour the day after the program. Simply ask your naturalist guide during the program orientation to sign you up!

WINTER WOLF DISCOVERY HH

4-DAY PROGRAM | START DATES: December 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 January 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 | February 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 Includes 4 nights at Mammoth Hotel | Prices vary. Visit our website for pricing information. Delve into the winter world of Yellowstone’s wolves with experts who share their knowledge about wolf ecology and management. Search for wolves and enjoy snowshoeing the park’s northern range, including the snow-cloaked Lamar Valley.

Perfect for all ages and ability levels, Private Tours provide a truly customized experience. Registering is easy: simply choose from the options below, and your Yellowstone Forever Institute instructor will provide an adventure designed around your needs and interests. If you’re bringing children along on your tour, we’ll connect them to the stories behind the fascinating sights and sounds of Yellowstone and help them earn their Yellowstone National Park Junior Ranger patch. Meals and lodging are not included. Consider staying with us at our Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus and save 25% on your tuition (October 31, 2019, through March 31, 2020).

STEP 1 | INTERESTS

What are your primary interests? (You can choose multiple options.) M Wolves

M Snowshoeing

M General Wildlife

M Geology

M Natural History & Ecology

M History

M Snow Tracking

M Other?

USE THIS PAGE TO PLAN!

M Skiing

STEP 2 | ACTIVITY LEVEL

Want to hop on skis or snowshoes and explore Yellowstone’s backcountry? Or do you prefer leisurely roadside stops? Choose an activity level from the Activity Level Scale on page 1 of this catalog. We’ll make sure everything matches your desired activity level. MH

M HHHH

M HH

M HHHHH

M HHH

STEP 3 | DAILY RATES PER GROUP

Daily rates include instructor guide services, transportation for the day, high-power spotting scopes, binoculars, bear spray, and teaching aids. Hot beverages are provided if you choose an early morning start time. Book multiple days for a more in-depth experience. Park admission, meals, and lodging are not included. M 1–5 participants $650 M 6–14 participants $880 M 15–28 participants $1,760 Tour length is approximately 8 hours per day. Early start times are strongly recommended to have the best chance of seeing wildlife. Rates effective through March 31, 2020, and do not include taxes.

For more information or to register, please visit Yellowstone.org or call us at 406.848.2400.

406.848.2400 | Yellowstone.org

PRIVATE TOURS

YOUTH & COLLEGE Youth & College programs provide rich learning experiences that engage young people with the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Forever and the National Park Service are committed to working with teachers and leaders of youth organizations and schools to inspire students to become active stewards of all wild places—in Yellowstone and their home communities. Lodging may be available at the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus.

STEWARDSHIP OF PUBLIC LANDS College-age groups | Year Round Monday–Friday or Friday-Monday

Introduce your students to the stewardship of public lands through the science, history, and politics of Yellowstone National Park. Examine resource issues such as wolf introduction, bison management, climate change, and recreation use to learn approaches to challenges on public lands, how land managers address different viewpoints, and what role civil society plays in the stewardship of these lands. Students may also have the opportunity to meet with agency employees and private citizens to understand various perspectives.

HIGH SCHOOL FIELD EXPERIENCE Classes in grades 9–12 | Year Round Monday–Friday or Friday–Monday

Let Yellowstone be your high-school classroom in this curriculumbased, experiential learning program. Your students will participate in multidisciplinary activities, including geology, wilderness ethics, and wildlife management, and meet with park natural resource professionals when possible. Hands-on citizen science projects will develop critical thinking skills, collect needed data, and foster a sense of stewardship for public lands. This high-school program is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards.

MY YELLOWSTONE ADVENTURE Youth ages 12–18 | Year Round Monday–Friday or Friday–Monday

Bring your group to Yellowstone to experience an introduction to the natural and cultural history of the park. Students explore canyons, waterfalls, and geyser basins, while learning about the significance of parks and wild places. During the day, they’ll enjoy activities such as animal tracking, wildlife watching, photography, painting, and hiking, and may have the opportunity to interact with park rangers, researchers, and artists. In the evening, students can work on photography and writing projects.

Financial aid is available for youth programs!

YELLOWSTONE EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE The Yellowstone Education Collaborative (YEC) is a partnership of the National Park Service (NPS) and Yellowstone Forever that provides a range of immersive educational experiences for participants who want to learn about, engage with, and experience Yellowstone National Park in new and deeply meaningful ways. With a commitment to program quality and instructional excellence, the YEC partnership encompasses the missions of both organizations to educate people about Yellowstone, engage new audiences, and cultivate and inspire the next generation of stewards of America’s parks and wild places. With shared resources, complementary program design, and collaborative program delivery, NPS and Yellowstone Forever can efficiently and effectively deliver programs that provide a full spectrum of educational opportunities. Whether from a distance, for a day, or for a longer, in-depth, immersive experience, come join our educational team to explore Yellowstone’s living classroom! The following youth programs are offered by our partners at the National Park Service.

EXPEDITION YELLOWSTONE Classes in grades 4–8 | School Year Monday–Friday or Friday–Monday

Explore the geology, ecology, and human history of Yellowstone with National Park Service rangers. This curriculum-based, residential school program teaches students about the natural and cultural history of Yellowstone while promoting stewardship and preservation in the park and in home communities. Students, teachers, and parent chaperones participate in active, interdisciplinary learning experiences during the day, such as hikes, field investigations, discussions, creative dramatics, and journal writing. Evening classroom activities enhance the daytime lessons and allow students to investigate current issues affecting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

YELLOWSTONE FIELD TRIPS

Classes in grades K–12 and college | Flexible Days Only visiting the park for a day? Yellowstone Field Trips range from 30 minutes to full-day explorations of natural and cultural resource topics in Yellowstone. Your students will participate in age-appropriate activities conducted on the park’s northern range, and can include hikes, career talks, and citizen science activities, or short programs at interior park locations. Field trips are also available for college groups with specific subject matter requests and may be coordinated with resource experts.

Classes in grades K–12 | Flexible Days Too far to visit the park in person? You can still bring America’s first national park to life for your students—virtually. Yellowstone National Park rangers will visit your classroom or school auditorium for an educational program via video conference. Distance learning programs are a great introduction to Yellowstone’s natural and cultural resources, national parks, and the National Park Service idea of preservation and shared stewardship of public lands. Rangers will work with you to match programs to your instructional needs using platforms such as Skype and Google Hangout.

RANGER IN YOUR CLASSROOM Classes in grades K–12 | Flexible Days

Invite a Yellowstone National Park ranger to travel to your Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming school to provide engaging, hands-on activities. Teachers may choose programs that meet educational goals.

To learn more about Youth & College programs, please visit Yellowstone.org

CITIZEN SCIENCE You can be the scientist during your next Institute program! Through Yellowstone Forever’s Citizen Science Initiative, Institute participants have the chance to help scientists gather the information they need to make good decisions about the management of Yellowstone’s natural resources. This winter, you can help the park understand how ungulates (hoofed animals) in Yellowstone compete for limited resources in the park. You’ll record data that will be used to evaluate bison, elk, mule deer, and pronghorn herd demographics, and collect scat samples for diet composition studies and DNA analysis. You might even get to track individual animals using radio telemetry! Citizen science programs are woven into many Institute programs.

406.848.2400 | Yellowstone.org

DISTANCE LEARNING

The Yellowstone Art & Photography Center offers a variety of art-focused options for visitors they won’t find anywhere else. The art center, open through the summer months, takes an in-depth look at the crucial role that art has played in Yellowstone becoming the world’s first national park. Visitors can learn about the history of art in the park starting with the 1871 Hayden Expedition, view contemporary featured artists, and watch our artists-in-residence work to capture the beauty of Yellowstone. We also offer free daily art programs that enable visitors to practice a new art form and learn how to interpret the park through their own creative vision. All the center’s programs are free and open to all age levels, and no art experience is required. Visitors can quickly pop in for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two. The Yellowstone Art & Photography Center is open daily during the summer 10 am – 6 pm and applications for summer 2020 artists-in-residence are due by February 1, 2020. For more information, visit Yellowstone.org/artist-in-residence

TEACHER INITIATIVES Educators play a critical role in connecting young people to parks and wild places. To honor this, the Yellowstone Forever Institute offers teacher-specific initiatives like financial aid and teacher workshops that make it easier to share Yellowstone with your students. Get Inspired in Yellowstone! FINANCIAL AID Yellowstone Forever supporters are proud to provide financial aid for educators taking one of the Institute Field Seminars outlined in the next pages of our catalog. Applications are available on our website. TEACHER WORKSHOPS A variety of Teacher Workshops will be available summer and fall of 2020. Watch for announcements in our summer 2020 catalog!

406.848.2400 | Yellowstone.org

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

REGISTRATION BEGINS JULY 31, 2019

FIELD SEMINARS Field Seminars examine specific aspects of the park ecosystem through a combination of fun field excursions and engaging classroom presentations. Our seminar leaders are experts in their fields and include professors, naturalists, scientists, and acclaimed photographers, writers, historians, and artists. Courses are based at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch Field Campus in the park’s northeast corner. NEW THIS YEAR all winter Field Seminars have lodging dates and pricing built into the program. You will see rates for triple occupancy (lodging with two other participants), double occupancy (lodging with one other person), and single occupancy (cabin to yourself). Double and single occupancy options have limited availability on a first-come, first-served booking. Lodging is available for check-in at 4 pm on the first evening and lodging check-out is at 9 am on the final course date. Courses begin with an evening orientation at 7 pm the first day except for catered classes (see symbol note below) that begin at 5:45 pm. On-site lodging is required for Lamar Buffalo Ranch courses, and dates are non-negotiable. Please visit our website for minimum participant ages and other details about each course. Rates do not include taxes. Supporter registration begins July 31, 2019, at 8 am Mountain Standard Time. General registration begins one week later. CATERING Look for the “C” denoting Field Seminars that have catering provided. We are able to accommodate all food restrictions and diets. Gratuity for caterer is already included in the Field Seminar tuition; tipping is not necessary for caterers. Catering includes all dinners on the first night (check-in), breakfast through dinner on full days, and a continental breakfast on the last morning (check-out).

trips, hikes, discussions, and field journaling, we will spend our days observing and learning about wolves in their natural habitat. Our evenings will be spent around the campfire or in the classroom sharing our discoveries and deepening our understanding of wild places.

Spend a Thanksgiving to remember relaxing with kindred spirits amid the inspiring winter landscape at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch. Search for wildlife such as wolves, elk, bison, and otters, and take snowshoe rambles through a snowy wonderland while pondering Yellowstone’s wildlife, geology, and history. Learn to capture your experiences in a creative field journal, or spend time doing your own thing. In the evening, settle in with existing and newfound friends to recount the day’s adventures and enjoy engaging evening programs. We’ll provide the main dish for a group potluck dinner to celebrate on Thanksgiving Day.

LIVING HISTORY OF YELLOWSTONE’S WOLVES HH

WATCHING WILDLIFE WITH A SCIENTIST’S EYE HH

The winter season is the perfect time of the year to be a scientist in Yellowstone. You’ll be gathering information as you observe wolves, bison, and other animals with a trained wildlife biologist. Learn how each species fits in the ecosystem, identify behaviors, and examine more closely how and what the animals are eating. You’ll also meet other scientists working in Yellowstone and will have the opportunity to discuss their methods and findings. Like any seasoned wildlife scientist, you are likely to be up early and out late watching animals and gaining experience in basic wildlife research.

NEW! ADVANCED WINTER WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY H

Is your camera one of your best friends? Do you want to learn more about wildlife and how to tell their stories? Then come immerse yourself with fellow enthusiasts in the heart of Yellowstone’s northern range. At the Buffalo Ranch, you will wake up right in the middle of this magical place! Witness the struggle for winter survival as its inhabitants go about their lives. We’ll spend most of the time in the field, so you will have ample opportunities to photograph wildlife and learn about their behaviors, all the while practicing techniques and the ethics of wildlife photography. We will be out early to take maximum advantage of the light and animal movements and work on critiques in the evening.

C NEW! WOLF SPIRIT: SCIENCE &

SOCIETY—A WILDERNESS RETREAT HH

The relationship between humans and wolves has had a long and turbulent history—from near eradication of wolves, to their emergence as our most treasured canine companions. In an intimate, small-group setting, we will explore the individual stories of Yellowstone’s most charismatic wolves and work to find parallels among our own personal histories. Using wolves as our barometer, we will explore how the life lessons of reciprocity, compassion, and individuality within wolf packs can elevate joy within our own lives when we return to everyday society. Through a combination of field

Spend a few days with a biologist who has studied Yellowstone’s wolves since their reintroduction in 1995. You’ll visit places important to their history in the park. Learn about wolf behavior through the lives of famous individuals, never-before-seen pack behavior, and other incredible stories amassed since the wolves’ return to Yellowstone. You’ll also discuss what we’ve learned about wolf ecology and management. The Lamar Valley is the only place in the world where such a class can be taught. Don’t miss this opportunity!

CHRISTMAS IN LAMAR HHH

Spend a Christmas to remember relaxing with kindred spirits amid the inspiring winter landscape at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch. Search for wildlife such as wolves, elk, bison, and the elusive fox and take snowshoe rambles through a snowy wonderland while pondering Yellowstone’s wildlife, geology, and history. Each evening, you’ll settle in with existing and newfound friends to recount the day’s adventures and enjoy engaging evening programs. We’ll bring the main dish for a group potluck dinner to celebrate on Christmas Day.

NEW YEAR’S WILDLIFE WATCHING HH

DEC 28 AT 7 PM – JAN 1 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch | George Bumann, M.S. | 191206 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $650 | Double: $750 | Single: $1,050 Close the old year and start the new one at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch, where the wildlife can be spotted right outside your front door. Bring your friends to enjoy the daily outings to look for wolves, bison, elk, and bighorn sheep. Engage in lively discussions about these animals and other valley inhabitants. Class ends early on New Year’s Eve, but all are welcome to stay and ring in the New Year here in the heart of Yellowstone.

NEW! YELLOWSTONE’S DARK SKIES H

JAN 2 AT 7 PM – JAN 6 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch | Lynn Powers, M.S. | 200101 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $600 | Double: $700 | Single: $1,000 Celebrate the day and the dazzling dark night skies over Yellowstone and observe meteor showers in this astronomy class. Each evening you’ll explore the dazzling dark night sky over the Lamar Valley— navigating with star maps and planisphere, finding planets with your own eyes, and studying stars and nebula through binoculars and telescopes. In daytime sessions, you’ll study astronomy, safely view the sun, learn star stories, and learn how to choose a telescope.

406.848.2400 | Yellowstone.org

THANKSGIVING IN LAMAR HH

NEW! WOLVES, DOGS, AND HUMANS HHH

photography, and tips to keep you safe. In class sessions, you’ll focus on fundamentals of exposure, composition, and equipment. So, pack your digital camera and a sturdy tripod, and join us in Yellowstone’s wild winter.

Archeological and genetic evidence has demonstrated that humans have a closer and more ancient history with wolves (and, ultimately, domestic dogs) than any other animal species on the planet. Wolves started self-domesticating themselves more than 36,000 years ago, scavenging near human hunting sites. Over time, this interaction resulted in humans selecting for traits that led to the fully domesticated wolf that we call “dog.” Ironically, wolves remain one of the most persecuted species on the planet and have been exterminated throughout much of their range—an issue that rages today throughout Europe and the United States, particularly around Yellowstone National Park. This Field Seminar will touch on these topics and give participants a rich understanding of just how unique our relationship is with Canis lupus—not just now, but in the evolutionary past as well.

COUGARS: YELLOWSTONE’S SELDOM SEEN CARNIVORES HHHHH

C NEW! LAMAR VALLEY WOLF WEEK:

SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION HH - HHH

JAN 11 AT 5:45 PM – JAN 15 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch Carolyn Harwood Bulin and Shauna Baron, M.S. | 200103 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $1,100 | Double: $1,200 | Single: $1,500 Immerse yourself in the wolf’s winter world during this special-edition Lamar Valley Wolf Week in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Yellowstone wolf restoration. Each day after a hearty breakfast, head out for early morning road trips to look and listen for wolves. Learn what scientists have discovered about one of the most visible wolf populations in the world as we travel in their footsteps exploring wolf habitat, and learning about pack behavior and the historical perspective of wolf restoration, 25 years later. After the morning wolf action winds down, stretch your legs on a naturalist-led snowshoe excursion or enjoy the afternoon on your own. Dinner is followed by a presentation from local experts.

SNOW TRACKING HH

JAN 15 AT 7 PM – JAN 19 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch | Brad Bulin, M.S. | 200104 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $625 | Double: $725 | Single: $1,025 The white page of snow records stories written by the animals. Learn to decipher these stories from an expert tracker in the prime wildlife habitat of Yellowstone’s northern range. In this professional-level class, you will learn classic tracking techniques, such as measuring gaits and distinguishing species, as well as specialized techniques for reading tracks in the snow. You’ll also learn the tricks of casting tracks in the snow and how to deal with melted-out footprints.

WINTER WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY H

JAN 19 AT 7 PM – JAN 24 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch | Meg Sommers | 200105 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $750 | Double: $875 | Single: $1,250 Calling all photographers, novice and veteran alike! Yellowstone National Park in winter is a magical place! The summer crowds of people are gone, and a thick blanket of snow transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Now is the time to learn tips for photographing Yellowstone’s winter wildlife action. You’ll spend most of our four days together out in the field, finding out where the animals, big and small, are and what behavior to expect—keys to finding them for your photos. You’ll also practice techniques, the ethics of wildlife

JAN 24 AT 7 PM – JAN 28 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch | Colby Anton, M.S. | 200106 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $600 | Double: $700 | Single: $1,000 Meet the “ghost of the Rockies.” You’ll be introduced to these elusive cats of Yellowstone by the wildlife biologist who knows them best. Through illustrated presentations and field instruction, learn what cougars eat and how often they kill prey; how wolves affect their hunting success, habitat use, and energetic efficiency; and what current and past research has revealed about cougars in the Yellowstone area. You will also learn the detective work needed to find cougars—and go looking for them! You must be in good shape and have sturdy winter hiking boots that provide ankle support, because cougars live in steep, rocky, and rugged terrain.

THE ART OF WINTER LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY H

JAN 28 AT 7 PM – FEB 2 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch Terry Donnelly and Tom Kirkendall | 200107 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $900 | Double: $1,025 | Single: $1,400 Crystalline blue skies, magical twilight colors, frosted trees, sandstone canyons. Photographing Yellowstone in winter is an experience you won’t soon forget. This workshop provides access to remote locations via bus and snowshoes, presenting intimate contact with the park’s pristine winter spectacles. Field trips utilize the premium light hours of dawn and dusk, often extending into evening hours for star and sky photography.

COYOTE AND RAVEN: FACTS AND FOLKLORE H

Coyotes and ravens are two of the most common animals in the Lamar Valley. They are so common that many people see them as they do the trees and sagebrush—background for the charismatic megafauna. But coyotes and ravens are two of the smartest species in Yellowstone. And, Old Coyote and Raven are two of the world’s great tricksters as well as creative beings of great power. Who are these remarkable animals and why did they become such great mythic characters? To answer these questions, we’ll watch them as they patrol the Lamar Valley, and we’ll discuss both their more mundane and fascinating roles in the ecosystem while we explore their place in myth and folklore.

THE INTELLIGENCE OF ANIMALS HH

What is the raven’s word for eagle? How does a wolf know when to give up the chase? How do animals pass on information through time? Delve into these and other questions of animal intelligence by directly observing Yellowstone’s winter wildlife. You’ll learn to decipher body

C NEW! YELLOWSTONE & YOGA: A WINTER YOGA SKI RETREAT HHHH

NEW! WORDS RUN WILD HH

Yoga and skiing in Yellowstone: What could be better? Come to your mat each morning with awareness, and allow asana and pranayama to deepen your connection to self and to Yellowstone. You will strengthen and stretch ski muscles while improving balance and concentration. Days continue with afternoons on skis, perhaps gliding on groomed surfaces or creating your own tracks through powdery snow. Learn about Yellowstone’s history, geology, and wildlife ecology and develop personal connections to winter and Yellowstone. Evenings will focus on Yellowstone history and yoga philosophy.

Open your mind and test your mettle in Yellowstone’s fierce and beautiful winter. We’ll spend mornings in the field, observing wildlife and the landscape and practicing the art of taking field notes. We may take short hikes to get to the best places for our work. Afternoons we’ll adjourn to the studio to explore an organic way of writing, which draws on your unconscious, creative mind; listen to each other’s drafts; and work with techniques and readings. You’ll leave this workshop with lots of new drafts and sensory memories from the wild!

INTERPRETING WILDLIFE SIGNS HH

FEB 18 AT 7 PM – FEB 22 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch | Brad Bulin, M.S. | 200204 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $600 | Double: $700 | Single: $1,000 Yellowstone’s diverse animal population offers a great opportunity to see an amazing array of behaviors written in the snow, the plants, and even the rocks. Learn to walk with “open eyes” that help you see the signs these animals leave behind—evidence of their food choices, territories, travels, and activity patterns. You will also try to figure out what the animals were doing and have fun answering the more interesting question of why they were doing it. Your new skills will reveal the world of wildlife anywhere you walk in the wild.

C YELLOWSTONE BY SKI OR SNOWSHOE HHH

FEB 22 AT 5:45 PM – FEB 26 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch Julianne Baker, M.A. and Shauna Baron, M.S. | 200205 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $950 | Double: $1,050 | Single: $1,350 Immerse yourself in Yellowstone’s winter landscape, where hot springs, deep snow, and crisp air combine to create a winter wonderland. This is your opportunity to live in the heart of wolf, bison, and elk country and to either hone or learn new ski or snowshoe skills as you gain a deeper understanding of the wildlife and geology of the park’s northern range. Excursions may include early morning wildlife watching. Each day will include explorations of quiet, snow-laden trails by ski or snowshoe. You’ll return to delicious catered meals and the warm camaraderie of your fellow adventurers.

For more information or to register, please visit Yellowstone.org or call us at 406.848.2400.

C LAMAR VALLEY WOLF WEEK HHH

FIRST | MAR 2 AT 5:45 PM – MAR 6 AT 9 AM | 200301 SECOND | MAR 9 AT 5:45 PM – MAR 13 AT 9 AM | 200302 THIRD | MAR 16 AT 5:45 PM – MAR 20 AT 9 AM | 200303 Lamar Buffalo Ranch | Shauna Baron, M.S., Brad Bulin, M.S., Carolyn Harwood Bulin OCCUPANCY | Triple: $1,050 | Double: $1,150 | Single: $1,450 Immerse yourself in the wolf’s winter world. Each day after a hearty breakfast, grab a sack lunch and head out for early morning road trips to look and listen for wolves. Learn about their habitat, behavior, history, and management. After the morning wolf action winds down, stretch your legs on a naturalist-led snowshoe excursion or enjoy the afternoon on your own. Dinner is followed by a presentation from local experts or listening for howls under the stars. This special week includes catered meals that begin with dinner the first evening and end with breakfast on the last day.

BIRDS OF WINTER H

MAR 21 AT 7 PM – MAR 23 AT 9 AM Lamar Buffalo Ranch | Katy Duffy, M.S. | 200304 OCCUPANCY | Triple: $300 | Double: $350 | Single: $500 Armchair birding the first evening will prepare us for our winter adventure—we’ll view images and discuss the finer points of bird identification, ecology, and natural history in the classroom. The next day we’ll drape binoculars around our necks and head outdoors to the late-winter world of Yellowstone’s birds. We’ll visit a variety of habitats looking for birds that spend winter here, early migrants passing through, and the earliest returning summer residents.

Writers have been captured by Yellowstone’s beauty and mystery even before the park was founded. Yet, this place is also a wild laboratory; the scientific discoveries and inquiries pouring out of Yellowstone can be deeply evocative. We’ll discover the ways your own personal field observations and the latest in Yellowstone science may inspire your writing or poetry.

REGISTRATION BEGINS JULY 31, 2019

language, behavior, and vocalizations for clues to help you more finely tune into your surroundings. Watch how different species interact with each other and their environment. And consider how this information applies to other species—including those you may know from home.

LODGING Exclusively for Program Participants: All winter Field Seminars have lodging dates and pricing built into the program. You will see rates for triple occupancy (lodging with two other participants), double occupancy (lodging with one other person), and single occupancy (cabin to yourself). Double and single occupancy options have limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Lodging is available for check-in at 4 pm on the first evening and lodging check-out is at 9 am on the final course date. On-site lodging is required for Lamar Buffalo Ranch courses and dates are non-negotiable. LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH FIELD CAMPUS Far from other development, the Lamar Buffalo Ranch in Yellowstone’s northeast corner offers comfortable lodging in a wilderness setting. The historic ranch played an important role in two conservation success stories: the restoration of bison in the early 20th century, and the reintroduction of wolves in 1995. Today, you can stay at this unique location when participating in Lamar-based Field Seminars, where waking up to the sound of howling wolves or grunting bison is not uncommon. You’ll enjoy a three-bed log cabin with a propane heater, a bathhouse with private showers, and a common building with a fully equipped kitchen where you prepare your own meals unless catering is included in your program. The ranch operates off-grid, powered in part by an on-site micro hydroelectric facility, a solar power array, and custom battery bank engineered by the Toyota Corporation.

Exclusively for Private Tour Participants: When you learn with us, you can stay with us! Consider staying with us at our Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus and save 25% on your Private Tour (October 31, 2019, through March 31, 2020). It’s easy to book your lodging when signing up for your program; inquire when you register. YELLOWSTONE OVERLOOK FIELD CAMPUS Perfect for families and groups, the Overlook Field Campus features comfortable cabins on 80 acres, awe-inspiring views, and easy access to the northern section of the park. Cabins have self-serve kitchens for preparing meals and open floor plans perfect for group dining and evening activities. Enjoy our educational learning libraries. Groups that need a formal classroom setting can arrange to use the classrooms at Yellowstone Forever 1.5 miles down the hill in Gardiner, Montana. The Yellowstone Overlook is available for Private Tour participants and Youth & College groups. Nightly Rates BROWN FAMILY OR DAVIS CABIN

$420 per night for up to 12 people

BUNSEN PEAK CABIN

$175 per night for up to 5 people

PHOTOS NPS/JACOB FRANK: COVER, ii, 6, 11; MATT LUDIN: ii, 2, 5, 8, 12; THOMAS LEE: ii; MARIA BISSO: 12; LAUREN BELTRAMO: 13

COLBY ANTON, M.S., has studied large carnivores throughout the West for the past decade, including work with the cougar and wolf projects in Yellowstone National Park. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Colby is researching cougar population dynamics in Yellowstone and how coexistence with wolves and other species affects individual energetic demands. JULIANNE BAKER, M.A., joined the Institute over a decade ago as the first resident instructor after a career teaching environmental science in Michigan. These experiences, combined with multiple outdoor interpretive certifications, have made her a valued mentor for aspiring naturalists. When she’s not teaching, she can be found hiking, skiing, or nature journaling in the wilds of Yellowstone. SHAUNA BARON, M.S., was a resident instructor for the Yellowstone Association Institute for more than a decade. She has studied large and small carnivores and worked with the Coloradobased Mission Wolf captive wolf program and US Fish and Wildlife Service Red Wolf Project, as well as volunteering for the Yellowstone Wolf Project. BRAD BULIN, M.S., is a senior naturalist and field instructor for Yellowstone Forever. He has taught science at the K–12 and college levels and conducted extensive field research on carnivores, raptors, amphibians, and plants. He is a professional wildlife cinematographer who spends considerable time capturing Yellowstone on camera. CAROLYN HARWOOD BULIN is a program manager and field instructor for the Yellowstone Forever Institute. She studied outdoor recreation leadership and management at Northern Michigan University, with emphases in ecology and cultural anthropology. Carolyn is a passionate naturalist who enjoys nature journaling, canoeing, hiking, and tracking and filming mountain lions. GEORGE BUMANN, M.S., can draw, sculpt, and teach about all aspects of Yellowstone. He has a degree in wildlife ecology and works as a professional artist and educator. His art and writing have appeared in popular and scientific publications, and his sculptures can be found in collections throughout the United States and abroad. TERRY DONNELLY brings more than 30 years’ experience to his teaching. His photographic images are notable for their fusion of strong subject matter with revealing light. Terry’s work is featured in books, magazines, and calendars. Fine art prints of his photographs are in private and corporate collections across the country. KATY DUFFY, M.S., identifies raptors on the wing and songbirds by sound. She is a licensed bird bander specializing in owls, hawks, and songbirds, and holds an ecology degree from Rutgers University. She has lived and worked in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for more than three decades, primarily as an education ranger in Yellowstone National Park.

JIM GARRY, M.S., weaves natural history, human history, folklore, and myth into spellbinding stories. A naturalist and folklorist, he has spent most of the past four decades in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. His latest book is The Weapons of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. JAMES HALFPENNY, Ph.D. , travels the world teaching about bears, wolves, animal tracks, and cold ecosystems. He produces educational books, computer programs, and videos. He coordinated the Long-Term Ecological Research and the Alpine Research programs at the University of Colorado. His books include Yellowstone Wolves in the Wild and Scats and Tracks of North America. TOM KIRKENDALL is a professional photographer who has been exploring the outdoors all of his life. His landscape work from around the world has been widely published in calendars, magazines, and books. He uses everything from an 8x10 view camera to a plastic Holga, and keeps a darkroom to process and print his work. JOANNA LAMBERT, Ph.D., is a professor 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 behavior, ecology, and conservation biology of wild mammals, especially primates and carnivores. Her research has taken her to every continent on the planet, though she has spent the most time (30 years) in equatorial Africa and has a particular fondness for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. ILONA POPPER, M.A., is the author of the poetry book Break and her poems have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. She is a naturalist and has published articles and documentary film scripts about wildlife. Ilona has coached and taught writers for more than 40 years. She engages in wildlife conservation and lives with her husband at the edge of Yellowstone National Park. LYNN POWERS, M.S., was inspired to learn more about the sciences after watching the race to space and has had a love of space from an early age. Today she serves as NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, heliophysics ambassador, and president of the Southwest Montana Astronomical Society. MEG SOMMERS shares the beauty and grace of Yellowstone through her award-winning photographs. She visits the park and its environs in all seasons, following her passion to photograph wildlife. She is also an enthusiastic naturalist, and brings her considerable knowledge of the area to the groups she leads. NATHAN VARLEY, Ph.D., is a natural and cultural historian specializing in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where he has lived most of his life. He has studied many of Yellowstone’s large mammals. For his doctorate, he studied the effects of wolf restoration on the park’s northern range elk herd.

406.848.2400 | Yellowstone.org

INSTRUCTORS

PO Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

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Yellowstone.org

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going paperless! This will be our last print catalog! Starting this winter, the Yellowstone Forever Institute catalog will publish exclusively online. Thank you for your support as we save paper and resources. Please subscribe to our email list to receive a copy in your inbox, or learn about our full range of educational programs on social media at @ynpforever. SIGN UP NOW AT YELLOWSTONE.ORG/CONTACT