Welcome to Yellowstone, the Birthplace of Conservation
Experience the power of conservation where it began — in Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. On EPI’s Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program, you’ll walk among bison and elk. Track grizzlies across ancient volcanic plateaus. And howl at the moon in the hope a wolf howls back. Our programs conduct meaningful science in a landscape so unique, it inspired the entire idea that places and animals deserve protection.
sample itinerary
You'll arrive to Bozeman, Montana, get to know your instructor team and then head south to Gardiner- the headquarters for our research. During the evening you'll get an introduction to our research project with the USFS.
sample itinerary
You'll begin your wildlife monitoring with the USFS. Depending on the project you might walk transects and search for animal sign, build a wolverine trap for the coming winter, or identify recently hatched mountain blue birds. That evening you'll enjoy the evening stars under the Montana Big Sky.
sample itinerary
You and the group will explore Yellowstone, including wolf watching in the amazing Lamar Valley, doing a scavenger hunt in Norris Geyser Basin, and hiking in the part taking in the majestic scenery.
sample itinerary
Today is pure adventure! You'll raft the Yellowstone River including the rapids of Yankee Jim Canyon in the Paradise Valley. That evening you'll have a graduation dinner and hope for a few last views of wildlife along the Yellowstone River.
sample itinerary
Today you wrap-up your course and head home. You'll say goodbye to the instructors and reflect on the wildlife you've seen, the research you've conducted, and the amazing landscapes you've explored during your course.
Conservation Impact
Yellowstone is among the few remaining intact islands of North American wilderness. Conservation work helps keep it that way. This renowned destination is home to iconic American animals and landscapes — the bald eagle, American bison, grizzly bear, Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and more. Through our Yellowstone Ecology Program, students from Montana, across the U.S. and abroad work with local institutions like the Nature Conservancy and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks build on the great tradition of conservation in this remarkable place.
Academics and Education
During your time in the field, you’ll volunteer to work with regional conservation institutions conducting a wide variety of studies and projects. Under the leadership of our outstanding instructors, you’ll conceive, develop, analyze and present a field-based research project and attend classes in wildlife biology, terrestrial ecology, art and journaling. You’ll discuss the conflicts caused by bison, grizzlies and wolves leaving the park and talk about solutions. There are even opportunities to make on-the-ground differences through habitat restoration projects, such as pulling fence to open up migratory corridors for wildlife.
Cultural Exchange
A visit to Yellowstone is an opportunity to experience the history of two great influences — the opening up of the west and the subsequent tourist economy. You’ll come to understand how the migration west in the late 1800s nearly destroyed America’s wildest places and how tourism to parks like Yellowstone protected those places and led to the reintroduction of bison and wolves. You’ll also visit an area high school to get a local perspective on wildlife conflicts, conservation tourism and more.