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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – In this course being offered by the Yellowstone Association Institute ursophiles (Greek for "bear lovers") will discover a uniquely broad view of bears from their evolutionary origins to interpretation of their sign to compelling renditions of classic bear tales. In lectures and the field, they will learn about bear evolution, ecology, and management from carnivore ecologist Dr. James Halfpenny and the rich cultural history of bears from folklorist Jim Garry. Students may very well see these magnificent bears during the course field trips.

Dr. Halfpenny is an ecologist, educator, and writer who has taught field courses since 1961 and was coordinator of Long-Term Ecological and Alpine Research at the University of Colorado. As president of A Naturalist’s World, he produces educational books, computer programs, and videos, and travels the world teaching about bears, wolves, and animal tracks. Jim’s most recent book is Yellowstone Wolves in the Wild.

Mr. Garry weaves together natural history, human history, folklore, and myth into spell-binding stories. A naturalist and folklorist, he has spent a good part of the last 37 years in the Yellowstone ecosystem. Since 1980 he has directed Great Plains Lore and Natural History, Inc. His books include This Ol’ Drought Ain’t Broke Us Yet and The First Liar Never Has a Chance.

The course begins on June 5, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on June 8, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.  It will be held at the Buffalo Ranch in the Lamar Valley in the northeast part of Yellowstone National Park.  The fee for the course is $420 (Yellowstone Association members receive a $10 discount).  Heated cabins can be rented for $25.00 per person per night.  There will be a classroom component as well as easy to moderate hikes of 3 to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet through moderate terrain.

The Institute is a nonprofit field school operated by the National Park’s official educational partner, the Yellowstone Association.  The Institute offers a variety of courses in ecology, wilderness skills, and natural history year-round in Yellowstone National Park. 

To enroll in this or another field seminar, or to request a catalog that includes a full description of all summer and fall courses, please contact the Yellowstone Association Institute at PO Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190  307-344-2294.  Complete information is also available at www.YellowstoneAssociation.org.