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

NATURE JOURNALING & GEOLOGY

Class we will begin by discussing the practice and goals of nature journaling. Then students will explore key concepts in geology and how they relate to the unique features and history of Yellowstone.

DAY 3

SNOW SCIENCE & WINTER FORESTS

Participants will first investigate the science of snow and its impact on the ecology of the area. After, students will explore the plants and trees that manage to survive the winter, their winter adaptations, and their role on the landscape.

DAY 4

BIRDS OF WINTER

Today we will learn about the resident bird species of the GYE; their lives, behaviors, and distinguishing features.

DAY 5

MAMMALS & TRACKING

This day will begin with a focus on the biology and ecology of mammals in Yellowstone, with specific focus on Yellowstone’s wolves. This will be followed by an exploration of tracking and interpretation of animal sign.

DAY 6

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER (STUDENT PRESENTATIONS)

For the final class, naturalists will discuss what they have learned in the context of the broader ecology of Yellowstone and the surrounding ecosystem. Afterward, students will give a short presentation on a topic of choice. This will be followed by an award ceremony and dinner!

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, and goes through Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.

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 406-848-9128.

General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Gardiner – Winter General Information document.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 2

• Be prepared for hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
• 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.

• Personal field journal of your choosing

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 406-848-9128.

General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Gardiner – Winter General Information document.

TESTIMONIALS

“I warn you, I may do another one some time.” – Paul, CO

“The people, the campus, and the educational experience. It was magical and I will never forget it.” – Teresa, CO

“So many memorable moments. Too numerous to mention. Amanda Evans was fabulous she anticipated our needs and presented an incredible amount of information continuously. We were always inspired by her, she kept our interest peaked at all times. Amanda curated the park as we drove from site to site never missing an opportunity to teach. The other speakers were so knowledgeable and engaging, I enjoyed and learned from each one of them.” – Patti, MT