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

Pollinators of Yellowstone:
During a morning lecture, participants will learn about the different pollinator groups of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Following the lecture, the group will head into the field to catch and release diverse pollinator groups and better understand life history and ecology of pollinators.

DAY 3

Bumble Bee Atlas:
During a morning lecture, participants will learn about the Xerces Society’s community science project, the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas. Participants will learn about the importance of bumble bee conservation and how to catch, photograph, and release bumble bees. Following the lecture, the group will follow the Atlas protocol in the field.

*All participants are encouraged to participate in this optional day, which will be free and open to the public.

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and goes through 5:00 PM on Friday, July 25, 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 3

• Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1,000 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.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:

Suggested Packing List located in General Information document under the ‘Whom to Contact’ tab.

• Optics: camera with macro lens or phone with macro attachment and close-range binoculars (optional)
• Insect-catching equipment provided

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.