Traditional Programs
#1646 YELLOWSTONE: THE ANTICIPATION AND DRAMA OF SPRING May 10-15 (Gardiner, MT)
The rebirth and renewal of spring plays on the stage of Yellowstone Park's magnificent scenery and provides one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in North America. Green-up begins at the edge of the receding snow. Bears emerge from their winter dens. Bighorn sheep and herds of elk begin to move toward summer ranges. Nesting starts for songbirds, eagles, osprey and trumpeter swans while bison calves are born and join the herd. Study all of these intriguing events before the hectic tour season begins. Observe and delight in the natural behavior of these wild species on three, full-day field trips which will allow plenty of actual viewing time. Be prepared for chilly spring weather. Scopes available; bring your binoculars. *activity level 3
#5784 IMAGES OF YELLOWSTONE: THEN AND NOW
May 10-15 (West Yellowstone, MT)
Natural history presentations and three days in the field provide background and exploration of Yellowstone "classics" - Old Faithful, Lower Falls, the "Canyon," wagon roads, old hotels. How have natural wonders and manmade structures withstood the sands of time? Museum visits provide access to 1870's original photographs and watercolor reproductions. Has the picture changed? With a professional photographer/naturalist as your instructor, focus on the lush, spring beauty of the park while recording your impressions on film. Consider effects of weather, wildlife numbers, thermal dynamics, evolving management philosophy. Lodgings in the Park's original west gateway city. Hear history of this 1908 Union Pacific terminus, launch for early tourists. *activity level 3
#17308 INSPIRED BY YELLOWSTONE: NATURE WRITING IN YOUR WORDS May 17-22 (Gardiner, MT)
From the vistas of the Rocky Mountains to the crystal waters of Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park will inspire you as you develop your skills writing as a natural philosopher. Walking adventures in the park and natural history presentations will connect you to nature’s patterns of sights, sounds and scents. Through instruction by a professional writer and naturalist, hone your writing skills and incorporate science and nature into your prose. Join a docent at the Yellowstone National Park Heritage and Research Center for an overview of the 5.3 million-item collection in the Yellowstone Archive, and have an opportunity to research historic scientific journals. Translate your skills and experience into your own Yellowstone story. Daily, moderate walking up to one mile on established trails, paths, stairs and boardwalks; multiple walks some days. Daily writing time, group discussion and sharing of work built into schedule. Instructor’s written feedback of work is optional. Presentation by visiting author. *activity level 3
#17307 BIRDING YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK 
May 30-June 4
(Gardiner, MT)
Beginning to intermediate birders bring binoculars and enthusiasm to watch birds and learn different aspects of field ornithology and bird identification with Yellowstone National Park Ornithologist Emeritus. Discover resident and breeding birds and the healthy ecosystem that provides food, shelter and open spaces for them. Daily bird walks and three field trips to subalpine, riparian and montane environments to view and study resident and breeding species including osprey, trumpeter swans, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, harlequin ducks and sandhill cranes. Focus on identification, habitat, distribution, predator/prey, populations and conservation issues. Two field days in Yellowstone National Park include time at the Old Faithful and Canyon areas and one day north of the park in Montana’s wide-open Paradise Valley, drained by the mighty Yellowstone River offer exploration of a grand landscape and exposure to varied life zones and the wildlife that inhabit them. *activity level 3
#13845 YELLOWSTONE: THE GREAT CALDERA
June 28-July 3, July 12-17, August 16-21, August 23-28, September 6-11, September 27-October 2 (Gardiner, MT) 
Yellowstone's cast of thousands include bears, wolves, volcanoes, thermal features, winter range, flora, fire and history. Understand their vital roles in a magnificent ecosystem. Naturalist leads discussion and provides interpretation during three full days in the field for exploration of diverse habitats and steaming, geyser basins. Enjoy pristine rivers, waterfalls and beautiful vistas. Learn the basics and ethics of wildlife viewing; you'll have front row seating to put your skills to work. Meet supporting players - exploration and survey parties, the military years, current issues, evolving management philosophy. Consider historic and recent volcanic activity in Yellowstone. Tour the Park's Heritage and Research Center Museum. *activity level 3
#9912 VOLCANOES, WILDLIFE, HABITATS and HISTORY OF THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE AREA September 13-18
(West Yellowstone, MT)
Review volcanic era history that created the Yellowstone and Huckleberry Ridge calderas. Two field days in the Park and one day exploring Idaho’s nearby Henry’s Lake region reveal hot spots, fire and ice periods, earthquakes and glacial topography. Discover life zones of vegetation that cloak the volcanoes’ geologic bones-marshland, desert, sagebrush, grassland, hydrothermal, mixed forest, and the wildlife populations they support. Interpretation, walks and lectures highlight flora, fauna, predator/prey interaction, current issues, history and hydrothermal activity. Inspect Old Faithful’s graceful eruption, geyser basins, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Madison Canyon Earthquake site. See bison, elk, waterfowl, pronghorn, coyote and more. *activity level 3
#17947 AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY IN YELLOWSTONE
October 4-9 (Gardiner, MT)
Led by professional photographer, serious beginner and experienced photographers will discuss composition and standard exposure pitfalls for both film and digital cameras, then spend time in the field practicing conposing pictures.
