DATES: FEBRUARY 13 – 15, 2025
PRICE: $969 | TUITION & LODGING
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
GROUP SIZE: 12
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 3
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Night Skies seminar series is a special treat for those wanting to learn about the nocturnal world of Yellowstone from two different perspectives. Yellowstone’s Snow Moon will offer the opportunity to explore the wildlife of Lamar Valley AND explore the astronomy of the Moon during a romantic full moon weekend. Participants will ponder such questions as what does Yellowstone have in common with the Moon? Participants will compare the geology of the Moon to Yellowstone, looking at the history of the formation, and features on the lunar surface all while learning about Yellowstone’s wildlife! Participants will learn of myths and misconceptions, followed by moonlit snowshowing under the Snow Full Moon.
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
Mornings will offer optional wildlife watching in Lamar Valley.
During afternoon classroom sessions, participants will learn about the Moon, its formation, geology, and cycles.
Evenings will be spent under the Moon’s grandeur, observing its surface and discussing lunar astronomy. Moonlit snowshoe hikes will also be offered each evening.
DAY 3
Mornings will offer optional wildlife watching in Lamar Valley.
During afternoon classroom sessions, participants will learn about the Moon, its formation, geology, and cycles.
Evenings will be spent under the Moon’s grandeur, observing its surface and discussing lunar astronomy. Moonlit snowshoe hikes will also be offered each evening.
DAY 4
CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025, and goes through Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 10:00 p.m.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
Optional Airport Shuttle: We provide an optional airport shuttle for those interested. The shuttle service is provided on the first day of the program with a 1:00 p.m. pickup and the last day of the program with a departure from the Lamar Buffalo Ranch at 8:00 a.m.
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Pickup Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Drop off Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Pickup Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Departure Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
If you opt-in to the shuttle service, please ensure that your flight booking will allow for you to be picked up and dropped off during the above timeframes.
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 Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3
- 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.
- 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 Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Amanda Evans & Lynn Powers
Amanda Evans | Lead Field Educator
Amanda Evans is a Yellowstone Forever lead field educator with over 5 years of experience in Yellowstone. Her passion for wildlife and wild places has taken her to working in California, Texas, Wyoming, Alaska, and Montana. Amnanda feels that it is through firsthand experience with the natural world that people build the strongest connections to it. Her goal is to use education to foster the same appreciation she feels and to inspire others to preserve and protect nature in all spaces.
Lynn Powers, MSSE
Lynn is a member of the NASA Jet Propolsion Labraotry (NASA/JPL) as a Solar System Ambassador and President of the Southwest Montana Astronomical Society. Ms. Powers has spent over 20 years in education and public outreach with a focus on astronomy and enjoys sharing her love of the night sky with the public.
***Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.