The nonprofit Yellowstone Association Institute is offering an array of new fall and winter field seminars in addition to its line-up of private tours and other multi-day packages with guided field trips by day and in-park lodging provided by two Xanterra-operated winter lodges by night.
This winter the institute will conduct 35 field seminars, including eight new programs, according to a statement released by the Yellowstone Association.
Most seminars are offered at the Buffalo Ranch in the Lamar Valley and at the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus in Gardiner, Mont. The Buffalo Ranch features cabins and a bunkhouse on the site where American bison were saved from near-extinction, while the Overlook Field Campus is comprised of 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.
“With the arrival of cooler temperatures, the park’s wildlife and landscape begin an annual transformation that is incredible,” said Daniel Bierschwale, director of sales and marketing for the Yellowstone Association.
“Just like our visitors, Yellowstone changes its wardrobe with each new season, and this is the time of year when it truly shines. Snow and ice dramatically transform familiar landscapes into a winter wonderland, and wildlife watching is at its peak,” he said.
Highlighted new field seminars include:
The Wildlife Weekend Escape will be held Dec. 14-15 at the Buffalo Ranch with two days of exploring the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley in search of bison, elk, wolves and more.
Old Faithful Fall Photography will be based at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge Oct. 16-19 and will feature daily forays at sunrise and sunset to capture the best light as the group shoots the area’s rivers, geysers, geologic formations and wildlife.
Wildlife on the Hoof will focus on the eight species of hoofed animals that live in Yellowstone – bighorn sheep, bison, elk, moose, mountain goat, mule deer, pronghorn and white-tailed deer. This seminar will be held Nov. 23-25 at the Buffalo Ranch during the migration and mating seasons in the best place in the park to view these species’ behaviors.
For those wishing to plan their own activities while staying in the park, rooms and private cabins are available at the Buffalo Ranch and the Overlook Field Campus.
In addition to its Field Seminars, the Institute offers private tours and Lodging & Learning programs. Private tours are tailored for families and small groups and 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 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.