DATES: JUNE 25 – 28, 2025
TUITION: $1,192
LOCATION: GARDINER, MT
GROUP SIZE: 12
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 1
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Explore the diverse ecosystem of Yellowstone through the lens of nature journaling! Beginners and advanced journalers alike will hone observation skills through visits to some of Yellowstone’s pristine natural resources.
Class time will be in the field led by two of the finest nature journaling educators in the northern Rockies. Field sessions will begin with instruction followed by opportunities to practice journaling individually and with guidance.
In nature journaling participants use their senses to perceive the world around them including flora, fauna, geological formations, and weather. Participants will notice how organisms appear, move, live, and interact with their environment while the using writing to help ask questions, make observations and reflect on what is seen. Nature journaling uses sketching to create useful drawings that teaches one to see and notice the natural world.
No writing or art skills necessary. Bring curiosity and a sense of wonder to learn lifelong skills. A materials list will be provided.
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
Two half-day sessions at selected locations throughout the park where participants will have 1/2 – 1 hour instruction followed by individual journaling opportunities. Instructors will monitor participants and offer individual instruction as needed. At the conclusion of each session participants will share their work.
DAY 3
Two half-day sessions at selected locations throughout the park where participants will have 1/2 – 1 hour instruction followed by individual journaling opportunities. Instructors will monitor participants and offer individual instruction as needed. At the conclusion of each session participants will share their work.
DAY 4
Two half-day sessions at selected locations throughout the park where participants will have 1/2 – 1 hour instruction followed by individual journaling opportunities. Instructors will monitor participants and offer individual instruction as needed. At the conclusion of each session participants will share their work.
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 and goes through 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 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 1
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- 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.
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:
Suggested Packing List located in General Information document under the ‘Whom to Contact’ tab.
- insect repellent
- sit pad or portable chair
- hat with good brim
- optional: field guide(s) of Yellowstone
- Art supplies: If you would like to purchase a basic kit of the following supplies, please email your instructors at [email protected]
- Journal
- Pencil and eraser or ink pen
- Color medium of choice – colored pencils, watercolor pencils or watercolor paints
- If using watercolor paints – bring a round brush #6, #4 and a fine detail brush if you have them
- Bring water and a water container appropriate for your medium
- Paper towel and/or towel
- Paint pallet or flat plastic surface
- Optional: small ruler, magnification
- Yellowstone Park field guides
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.
Kathy Settevendemie & Valerie Bayer
Kathy Settevendemie is a longtime fine arts educator and resident of Montana. Her work in nature journaling focuses on native plants and on providing nature journaling education to people of all walks of life. She is an advocate of nature journaling as a means of fostering curiosity, exploring the natural world and connecting with nature. Kathy is excited to investigate Yellowstone and record observations as she works with others learning about the flora and fauna of the park’s diverse ecosystem.
Valerie Bayer
Valerie is a Master Naturalist who has been teaching natural history to youth and adults since 2010. In addition, she is a Certified Nature Journal Educator experience in teaching nature journaling to people of all ages and skills since 2020. Valerie has kept her own practice of nature journaling for 16 years. As the Executive Director of Northern Rockies Nature Journaling, she believes a nature journal is a tool to engage with nature, advance natural history education and, ultimately, promote stewardship of our landscapes.