UPDATE: As of June 14, 2022, all entrances to Yellowstone National Park are CLOSED temporarily due to heavy flooding, rockslides, and extremely hazardous conditions. The North Entrance to the park (where EPI typically operates) is not expected to reopen for the summer season. EPI is not cancelling 2022 courses at this time, and we're actively working with partners to identify new program options for Yellowstone courses. We do not anticipate cancelling 2023 programs. If you're scheduled to travel with a school group in 2022, our team is in communication with the group organizers from the school.
Yellowstone
Wildlife Ecology
HIGHLIGHTS
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Survey wildlife—from bison to wolves
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Raft the rapids of the Yellowstone River
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Explore Yellowstone's one-of-a-kind ecosystem
ITINERARY
An abundance of wildlife. Hot pools, boiling mud, and countless other thermal features. America's first National Park is brimming over with natural wonders, and you'll get up close with many of them on this field research course.
Students have the option to earn 3 undergraduate credits through the University of Montana (separate registration process and tuition fees apply).
Health & Safety
Tuition, Financial Aid, & Fundraising
FAQ
TUITION & DATES
Your Fieldwork
Work with bison:
America's mammal
In Yellowstone, bison move through the landscape with the change of the seasons. Work with park researchers to collect vegetation samples at specified sample sites and gather information about bison presence. Data will help the park understand how bison interact with their environment.
Partner Profile
Rick Wallen has been the chief wildlife biologist for the bison program at Yellowstone National Park since 2002. Prior to his position in Yellowstone, Wallen studied a number of different ungulate species in the National Park around the American west. Now a resident of Gardiner, Montana, the only town in the world that peacefully cohabits with wild bison, he sees the critical role that educational programs play in fostering appreciation and stewardship of wildlife.
