What I will take mostly from this course other than the wildlife experiences, is a better appreciation for nature, how to gain knowledge from all that is around, our impact on the park, and all that lives here.
Summer Wildlife Watching, summer 2010
This type of course really helps people to feel that the park is a natural/national treasure and will encourage stewardship.
The Art of Wildflower identification, summer 2010
Our instructor was friendly and laid back but knowledgeable and focused. I learned a ton. The best thing about YA is having the chance to step away from everything and slow down to concentrate on the world around us.
The Art of Wildflower identification, summer 2010
Meredith was amazing, her patience and caring nature made me feel like I was an artist. Even my stick figures came to life.
The Art of Wildflower identification, summer 2010
It was a great and relaxing time to spend outdoors. I have seen more in the last two days than I have seen in the last year.
The Art of Wildflower identification, summer 2010
Our instructor was extraordinary; I plan to take further courses from him.
Mammal Signs: Interpreting Scat, Tracks, and Hair, summer 2010
Dr. Anderson was engaging, extremely organized, and informative. He taught very complicated information.
Dragonflies, Damselflies, and Pond Invertabrates, summer 2010
Being in Yellowstone in a YA class is like having my batteries recharged was a highlight.
Dragonflies, Damselflies, and Pond Invertabrates, summer 2010
This course is an absolute must for anyone who desires to know the park, not just see it.
Day Hiking Yellowstone: Native American Trails, summer 2010
Jim Garry is as good as it gets.
Day Hiking Yellowstone: Native American Trails, summer 2010
Excellent depth of information combined with exquisite field experience, strenuous hiking with just enough rests.
Day Hiking Yellowstone: Native American Trails, summer 2010
It was so informative – lots of questions were answered, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly.
Yellowstone’s Geoecosystem, summer 2010
Nathan has a deep knowledge that he loves to share with others
Wolves: Reality and Myth, summer 2010
Dan Tyers is smart, engaging, and provocative. He makes you think and helps you learn.
Moose Ecology, summer 2010
It’s well worth the money.
Summer Wildlife Watching, summer 2010
Taking this class has opened my eyes to how to experience Yellowstone and really see all the park has to offer.
Summer Wildlife Watching, summer 2010
This course exceeded all expectations.
Summer Wildlife Watching, summer 2010
John Campbell was organized, knowledgeable, infectiously enthusiastic, and helpful. I wish I’d had him in college.
Alpine Wildflowers of the Beartooth Plateau, summer 2010
I would whole-heartedly recommend any Lee Whittlesey class.
Dudes, Savages and Stagecoaches, summer 2010
Valuable for anyone who spends time in backcountry by themselves or in groups. You don’t realize what you don’t know until you take the course!
Wilderness First Aid, summer 2010
If you want to improve your first aid skills this course will do it.
Wilderness First Aid, summer 2010
I like how we learned a concept then immediately learned it in a field setting.
Wilderness First Aid, summer 2010
Gene was a fantastic instructor, I was learning something new every moment.
Wildlife Watching in Grizzly Country, summer 2010
Super informative, every person who likes Yellowstone should learn about bears from Kerry.
Into the Bear’s Den, summer 2010
George Bumann was/is an exceptional teacher! I would take future courses with him in an instant.
Autumn Wildlife Watching, summer 2009
This was an experience of a lifetime, although I’d love to do it again so it isn’t a once in a lifetime.
Food for the Masses, winter 2010
It would probably be impossible to find a better cause for people interested in wildlife and wolves in particular.
Food for the Masses, winter 2010
We had a lot of fun and learned a lot. What could be better than that?
Watching Winter Wildlife, winter 2010
The Yellowstone ecosystem as a classroom cannot be surpassed. One must sit in it, breath it and feel it to understand and appreciate its value.
Teacher Workshop: Take it Outside!, summer 2009
The trip to Idaho was great. All the activities were very educational and fun. Lisa has incredible energy and is such a great instructor!
Tracking the Heat: Yellowstone’s Hot Spot and Calderas, summer 2009
Lisa was the best teacher I’ve ever had on a program like this!
Tracking the Heat: Yellowstone’s Hot Spot and Calderas, summer 2009
Amazing country! I’m fortunate to be able to see it with such great instructors! The course was everything and more than I expected!
Northwest Corner Expedition, summer 2009
George was incredibly engaging and informative. Everyone was kind and helpful at the ranch. It’s beautiful out here and the experience unforgettable. Who wouldn’t want to do this? George is a gifted instructor, knowledgeable, enthusiastic makes the topics come alive.
The Wolves of Yellowstone, summer 2009
This class was indeed a highlight of my outdoor life. I had lost a lot of passion for the outdoors over the past few years because I was focused only on hunting and fishing. You helped me realize that I stopped paying attention to the little things, and I stopped absorbing the role every critter plays telling the story I should be reading when I'm on the mountain.
The Wolves of Yellowstone, summer 2009
I learned so much and had the time of my life doing it. It was just a superb experience on every level. Duncan was the best instructor I’ve ever had.
Geysers, Mudpots, and Hotsprings, summer 2009
Volunteers are extraordinary- certainly compared to other heavy volunteer assisted organizations.
Wolves of the Past, Present, and Future, summer 2009
Great instructor; I went from inept and frustrated with my camera to excited to use my new skills!
Nature Photography in Yellowstone: The Digital Image, summer 2009
I appreciated the instructor’s sensitivity to Native American culture and value. The course went well beyond simple plant identification.
Plants of Yellowstone’s Indian People, summer 2009
Butch is very knowledgeable and makes learning both simple and fun.
Map, Compass, and GPS: Exploring Yellowstone, summer 2009
Julianne has an obvious love for the park. She willingly and enthusiastically shares her knowledge.
Hiking the History of Yellowstone, summer 2009
I had a beautiful view out of my cabin window, and slept with the curtain open, so I could wake to the beauty.
Hiking the History of Yellowstone , summer 2009
The breadth of the instructor’s knowledge gave me a much better appreciation for the park. I’ll see Yellowstone National Park through a new set of eyes as a result of this class.
Hiking the History of Yellowstone, summer 2009
Trip of a lifetime! A chance to see nature with an experienced person and being around people who have similar interests.
The Art of Wildflower Identification, summer 2009
Paul Doss is a national treasure. The cumulative effect of these days of talks and walks have provided me with an understanding of geology that I have never been able to achieve in workshops or geology field trips before.
Yellowstone’s Geoecosystem, summer 2009
The entire experience was positive and memorable. Dr. Anderson shares all of himself with his classes. I never fail to learn a huge amount of information from him. Being outside in Yellowstone National Park is the best!
Yellowstone’s Butterfly Bounty, summer 2009
All hikes were well planned, beautiful, and fun! My feet aren’t happy, but my heart is full.
Day Hiking the Wild Yellowstone: Northern Range Area, summer 2009
The information was delivered without bias. The actual field experience and video provided made the information real.
Emerging Knowledge of Wolves, summer 2009
Lectures were exceptional, and given by dynamic, articulate, and extremely knowledgeable individuals.
Emerging Knowledge of Wolves, summer 2009
I was very impressed by the driving of the volunteer. He ensured the safety of the group, other visitors, and other vehicles. He never stopped mid-road like other vehicles did.
Emerging Knowledge of Wolves, summer 2009
Everything about the course, from registration to these last moments, exceeded all my expectations. I learned a lot, felt safe, and had a blast.
Day Hiking the Wild Yellowstone: Lake Area, summer 2009
A unique and fabulous way to see one of the natural wonders of our country.
Day Hiking the Wild Yellowstone; Lake Area, summer 2009
John Campbell and his wife were so knowledgeable, patient, and good natured. The staff was wonderfully helpful, accommodating, and friendly.
Alpine Wildflowers of the Beartooth Plateau, summer 2009
This course was excellent! We learned a lot and had so much fun. Dr. Halfpenny is great. He really knows his stuff. He keeps everyone focused, emphasizes safety, and has a great sense of humor.
Mammal Signs; Interpreting Tracks, Scat and Hair, summer 2009
Outstanding! This course surpassed all my expectations.
Day Hiking the Beartooths, summer 2009
The instructor’s sense of humor and knowledge, combined with the beauty and pristine nature of Yellowstone provided a wonderful experience.
The Universe Over Yellowstone, summer 2009
If the opportunity presents itself to view a night sky in Yellowstone with Bob and his wealth of knowledge and info… a must do!
The Universe Over Yellowstone, summer 2009
Great instructor; knowledgeable and witty-a real expert, who took his work seriously, but not himself. A delightful man.
Who’s the Moose?, summer 2009
The opportunity to learn from the world’s expert is something that everyone interested in tracking should participate in.
Mammal Signs: Interpreting Tracks, Scat, and Hair, summer 2009
We saw a cat track in dry mud right next to wolf tracks and were able to differentiate the two. That was pretty cool!
Cougars: Yellowstone’s Seldom Seen Large Carnivore, summer 2009
A truly unique experience in an amazing place with a great instructor!
Wildlife Watching in Grizzly Country, summer 2009
The presentation was very informative, valuable, and practical. Humor was used very effectively and appropriately. Very knowledgeable instructors.
Wilderness First Aid, winter 2009
The snowshoe hike to the acclimation pen was very moving. To stand in the same place and look at the same surroundings as the first new wolves in 1995 and 1996 was a very powerful experience for me. I felt like there was nowhere else I should have been. Also, to see the wolves today was phenomenal–beyond description.
The Wolves of Yellowstone, winter 2009
There is no better way to learn about the park.
Lesser Known Carnivores, winter 2009
Preparation in class before field work was exceptionally well planned. The instructor’s knowledge of subject was incredible.
Lesser Known Carnivores, winter 2009
The class was great, I learned TONS, and it’s at the most awesome place on the planet.
Wilderness First Aid winter, 2009
The Institute’s integrity in all things is great and I’ve had consistently great experiences here, now seven classes!
Are Wolves Worth the Effort? winter, 2009
Doug Smith is an excellent teacher and what an honor to spend two days with the Wolf Project Manager and his wife.
Are Wolves Worth the Effort? winter, 2009
Brad’s knowledge of animals, tracking, animal interactions, location of potential sightings and technical “stuff” about wolf/coyote/raven/magpie counts on carcass was phenomenal.
Food for the Masses, winter, 2009
The instructor’s knowledge was so broad that she was able to teach a technical topic in a way that was easy to understand.
Geology of Yellowstone Lake, summer 2008
I was so happy to take a course from a primary researcher in the Yellowstone area. I am going to see the park in a different light than when I came here.
Geology of Yellowstone Lake, summer 2008
I teach geology to seventh graders, and love geology, and wanted to spend time in Yellowstone. This course was perfect!
Tracking the Heat, summer 2008
This feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am so glad not to have missed it!
The Place Names of Wonderland, summer 2008
Every moment was filled with beauty and learning.
Alpine Wildflowers of the Beartooth Plateau, summer 2008
I think this place is magical. I will tell my friends about it.
Emerging Knowledge of Wolves, summer 2008
I loved seeing the wolves act in their natural habitat, and how they interacted with each other and other animals. It was a fantastic and unique experience. For a nature lover, this is a great way to get out and see the animals and learn about them – not just wolves, but other wildlife as well.
Emerging Knowledge of Wolves, summer 2008
Classroom lessons were excellent–intelligent and engaging. That, combined with the field time, took it far above and beyond the tourist attraction/guided tour level. It takes you to the core of what makes Yellowstone an incredible place.
Emerging Knowledge of Wolves, summer 2008
Superb instruction which led to great viewing of wolves and a much better understanding of their environment. I can’t think of a better value for the money.
Emerging Knowledge of Wolves, summer 2008
It has been one of the great experiences of my life.
Writing What Nature Reveals, summer 2008
I learned. I grew up as a writer and I enjoyed the flexible free time and outdoor activities. Just right!
Writing What Nature Reveals, summer 2008
Just to see Hannah’s journals was a treat. She made the class the best ever. She is fabulously talented and an incredible teacher.
A Trail Through Leaves, summer 2008
I made a leap into nature that I will never forget.
A Trail Through Leaves, summer 2008
I went to places in Yellowstone that I never would have otherwise visited. I also enjoyed associating with so many interesting and well-educated people.
Day Hiking the Wild Yellowstone: Northern Range, summer 2008
Lamar is a great place to learn about the natural world.
Changing Lives in Yellowstone, summer 2008
This was a good learning opportunity from an impressive instructor.
Photographing Yellowstone's Summer, summer 2008
Jamie was such an informed and engaging speaker. He spoke articulately, but in laymen’s terms, leading to a scientific understanding. His power point presentation was organized, concise and comprehensive–a model other teachers in general could follow. He is a superb teacher!
Fish Bones and Scat Piles: Otters in the Wild, summer 2008
Very nice facility and operation – "luxury rustic" – perfect for my wife.
Poetry + Ecology = Creative Fusion, summer 2008
This was one of the best classes I have ever attended. Jim Halfpenny is beyond excellent.
Mammals Signs: Interpreting Tracks, Scat, and Hair, summer 2008
The content of the course was outstanding and rarely available anywhere else. The teacher was excellent.
Mammals Signs: Interpreting Tracks, Scat, and Hair, summer 2008
Aaron’s techniques are tested and his work is fabulous. He is very down-to-earth and doesn’t talk down to students.
Picking Bugs Out of the Paint, summer 2008
The teaching staff, students, and class were all superb.
Picking Bugs Out of the Paint, summer 2008
Working in a small group with a master artist is a rare treat—combining animals in the field is exceptional.
Sculpting Yellowstone Wildlife, summer 2008
Our instructor was highly engaging. The field time and animal viewing were fabulous.
The Wolves of Yellowstone, summer 2008
The breadth, depth, and clarity of the course and instructor’s knowledge were outstanding.
The Wolves of Yellowstone, summer 2008
Every visitor to Yellowstone should take a class from Jim Halfpenny and Jim Garry to enhance their experience and really appreciate the assets of the park. The class enriched your life as well.
Bears: Bones, Signs, and Stories, summer 2008
The level of instruction far exceeded my expectations. The competency of the instructors was stunning.
Bears: Bones, Signs, and Stories, summer 2008
We love taking classes at the Buffalo Ranch. There is nowhere else like it. It’s a little piece of heaven.
Wolves of the Past, Present, and Future, summer 2008
Gene is an excellent teacher on many levels-great knowledge, inspiring, amusing, patient, and energetic.
Wildlife Watching in Grizzly Country, summer 2008
This class was outstanding. I am now even more fired up to promote park and wildlife conservation.
Are Wolves Worth the Effort?, winter 2008
It was an awesome class and I learned a lot! I learned how much more there is to know and I can’t wait to get started!
Are Wolves Worth the Effort?, winter 2008
Nathan was an excellent instructor—knowledgeable, easy-going, passionate, and inspirational. The cleanliness and quality of the accommodations and the help and attentiveness of the volunteer staff far exceeded my expectations.
Food for the Masses, winter 2008
The Lamar staff went above and beyond the call of duty to accommodate our needs. I’ve never met such a wonderful group of individuals who truly love their job and who are so eager to share their roles.
Food for the Masses, winter 2008