The non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute will offer 73 field seminars — including 23 new programs — this summer. The organization, Yellowstone’s official partner for education, offers educational opportunities for park visitors and began accepting registrations Jan. 18.
Field seminars are educational park outings taught by experts focusing on topics such as Yellowstone’s animals, geology, history and more. Most courses last from one to four days and are limited to 13 participants. They are offered from early April to mid October.
“One of our goals of the field seminars is to offer a variety of topics that will appeal to many people,” said Jeff Brown, executive director of the Yellowstone Association. “Those with an interest in science, for example, tend to gravitate toward topics covering geology, wildlife behavior, plant life and the effects of fire in the park. Hiking-based programs are more appealing to people who want an active visit. Workshops covering photography, writing and other topics will be geared to people with a more artistic approach.”
New this year: Lamar Wildlife Getaways are offered every month and include three days of wildlife watching and hiking, catered meals, and lodging at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch, some of the best wildlife habitat in North America.
New wildlife courses include a June bear class that looks at grizzly/human interaction, an August raptor course that meets up with the Yellowstone Raptor Initiative, a September pika study that looks at habitat patterns of this elusive creature.
New hiking courses include a backpacking expedition around the base of Electric Peak and another through the heart of Yellowstone’s canyon country, as well as day-hikes off-trail on the northern range and through lake country.
Additional new topics include making your own Yellowstone video, wilderness route-finding, fly-fishing for families, and more.
Many Field Seminars are held at the Institute’s Lamar Buffalo Ranch Field Campus, where simple and comfortable log cabins are available for $30 per person per night. The Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus in Gardiner, Mont. features two three-bedroom, two-bathroom modern log cabins for up to 12 people and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin for up to five people.
In addition to its Field Seminars, YAI offers Private Tours and Lodging & Learning programs. Private Tours are tailored for families and small groups and tours typically focus on wildlife watching, natural history and geology, thermal features and hiking. Lodging & Learning programs are offered in partnership with lodge operator Xanterra Parks & Resorts and combine daily field trips with comfortable lodging in park hotels at night.
Reservations for field seminars, private tours and cabins at the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus and Lamar Buffalo Ranch can be made by calling (406) 848-2400. For Lodging & Learning program reservations, call (866) 439-7375. For more information about any Institute program visit www.YellowstoneAssociation.org or FaceBook.com/YellowstoneAssociation.
For information about becoming a member visit www.yellowstoneassociation.org/membership/.
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