DATES: AUGUST 25 – 28, 2025
TUITION: $621
LOCATION: GARDINER, MT
GROUP SIZE: 13
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Bears, bison, boardwalks, badges, and more…Oh My! Exploring more than a century of trials and tribulations of managing Yellowstone’s wildlife and burgeoning tourism growth, participants will discover many notable people, places, events, and agencies that significantly influenced ideals of conservation, development, education, and perceptions of nature. From the myth of the Madison campfire story to the Lake fish hatchery to the ranching of bison in Lamar Valley to historic bear “jams” to nationally famous “parkitecture,” and much more, students will encounter numerous sites and scenes that contributed to the multi-faceted evolution of the history, science, and culture of Yellowstone.
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
Mammoth & Lamar:
This first full day in the field will begin in Mammoth learning about the Army era (1886-1918) and the National Park Service (1916-present). Then students will travel to the Lamar Valley and the Buffalo Ranch to explore the history of the bison poaching and the re-population of the Yellowstone bison herd. Discussions of Yellowstone administrative history and wildlife management will occur throughout the day.
DAY 3
Norris, Madison, and Old Faithful:
This day students will travel south to see one of the remaining wayside exhibits at Obsidian Cliff, the exhibits at the Norris Ranger Station (not the geyser basin), Madison, Ranger Station, campfire story location, Mather plaque, and Old Faithful, where they will explore multiple sites, themes, and subjects. However, there may be other relevant stops en route. Discussions of Yellowstone history, science, and culture will occur throughout the day.
DAY 4
Lake, Fishing Bridge, and Canyon:
The last full day in the fields, students will travel south-east to the Lake Fish Hatchery and area, Fishing Bridge Museum and area, and Canyon Village area. In each of these locations, students will visit multiple sites. Discussions of Yellowstone history, science, and culture will occur throughout the day.
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Monday, August 25, 2025, and goes through 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
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 2
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- 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.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
- Runte, A. (2022). National Parks: The American Experience, Fifth Edition. Globe Pequot
- Biel, A.W. (2006). Do (Not) Feed the Bears: The Fitful History of Wildlife and Tourists in Yellowstone. University Press of Kansas.
- Smith. D. (2017). Yellowstone and the Smithsonian: Centers of Wildlife Conservation. University Press of Kansas.
- Gilmore. L. (2017). Canyon Village in Yellowstone: The Model for Mission 66. The History Press.
- Schullery, P. and Whittlesey, L. (2003). Myth and History in the Creation of Yellowstone National Park. University of Nebraska Press. Watry, E and Whittlesey, L. (2012) Images of America: Fort Yellowstone. Arcadia Publishing.
- Whittlesey, L and Watry, E. (2008) Images of America: Yellowstone National Park. Arcadia Publishing. Albright, H. (1999). Creating the National Park Service: The Missing Years. University of Oklahoma 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 Gardiner-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.
Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Elizabeth Watry, M.A.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Watry holds a Master’s Degree in History from Montana State University and is an independent scholar specializing in nineteenth and early-twentieth-century cultural history of the American West. Her primary research interests are exploration, transportation, tourism, and women’s history. She began her love affair with Yellowstone when she was around eight years old, which eventually blossomed into a writing career with five books on the history of Yellowstone and more than a decade of experience as a Yellowstone Forever field instructor. Elizabeth considers sharing her vast knowledge of Yellowstone with everyone to be one of her most rewarding avocations.