UW: Adult Learning and Technology

August 14-19, 2006

Exploring Natural and Cultural History in Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park, August 14-18, 2006

Yellowstone's natural and cultural history is the focus of this five night residential learning program. Through the study of Native American and early explorer history, observation of Yellowstone's diverse wildlife in its native habitat, and the experience of personal exploration, participants examine the relationship of wildlife and humans to Yellowstone.

The program includes wildlife observation, natural history studies, field trips to historic sites, lectures, discussion, and journaling in Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding ecosystem. This is an active course, with at least half of each day spent outside. Activities include moderate hikes of approximately one to five miles each day.

Peaceful and spectacular home to wolves, bears, elk and bison, Lamar Valley is an ideal setting for learning. The historic Lamar Buffalo Ranch facility includes simple and comfortable accommodations in log guest cabins, a heated bathhouse with showers and restrooms, and a common building with classrooms and kitchen. Guests are expected to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Meals are provided. Participants share space in cabins that include three single beds, a propane heater, and reading lights. The cabins do not have electrical outlets or plumbing.

UW professor Michael Day coordinates the program and Ashea Mills is the lead instructor. Guest expert Lawrence Loendorf, Ph.D. will provide special lectures and field trips featuring Native Americans in Yellowstone. Ashea Mills has worked as a naturalist and educator for over 15 years, and has been guiding and teaching in Yellowstone National Park since 1998. Ashea is currently an instructor for the Yellowstone Association Institute and a frequent contributor to regional publications of articles relating to geology, flora, fauna, and history of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Larry has a long-term record of archaeological and historical research in western America. He has taught in universities for 30 years and his current appointment is with New Mexico State University. Born and raised in Billings, Montana, Larry's has a major interest in the former hunting and gathering cultures of Montana and Wyoming. Working with Peter Nabokov, he has published a historical and ethnographic overview of Indians in Yellowstone National Park, and will have a new book this summer: Mountain Spirit - Sheepeater Indians of Yellowstone.

Monday, August 14 - Arrival/Orientation Start 7:00 PM

4:00-7:00 PM	Arrival and check-in at Buffalo Ranch, move into cabins (please plan on having dinner on your own prior to 7:00 PM, either on your way into the park, or in the vicinity of the Buffalo Ranch following check in).
7:00-9:00PM	Evening Orientation - Meet in the Lamar Bunkhouse Meet your instructor, course overview, introductions, group activity. Short Field Trip at or near the Ranch.

Tuesday August 15 - Colorful Characters and Strange Scenery - History and Geology on Yellowstone's Northern Loop.
Ashea Mills

7:30 AM	Breakfast
8:30 AM	Depart for Yellowstone's Northern Loop. Focus on geology, geothermal features, the Yellowstone Volcano, and early explorer history Norris Geyser Basin - walks in the basin, up to 1-3 miles, easy terrain Picnic Lunch in the Field Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - sightseeing at major overlooks, hiking along the canyon rim, creative journaling activity. Easy-moderate walks of 2-4 miles. Return over Dunraven Pass and Mt. Washburn
5:00 PM	Return to Buffalo Ranch
6:30 PM	Dinner
8:00 PM	Free time.

Wednesday, August 16 - Native Americans in Yellowstone
Larry Loendorf

7:30 AM	Breakfast
8:30-12:00	Introduction to Native Americans in Yellowstone Lecture, slides, and artifacts in the Ranch classroom
12:00 PM	Lunch at the Ranch
1:00-5:00 PM	Field trip-Visit Tower Falls where it is possible to see remnants of the Bannock Trail crossing the river; stop briefly in Mammoth to discuss Crow Indian use of the hot springs; visit Obsidian Cliff to discuss the importance of Yellowstone obsidian to all the regional tribes. All walks are in parking lots or on relatively flat terrain. Boots are not needed, but water bottles and walking sticks are helpful at Obsidian Cliff.
6:00 PM	Dinner at the Ranch
7:30 PM	Campfire-American Indian cooking in Yellowstone with discussion of a typical Sheep Eater meal versus a Crow meal.

Thursday, August 17 - Native Americans in Yellowstone
Larry Loendorf

7:30 AM	Breakfast: Breakfast burrito w/salsa
8:30-12:00	Lecture, slides, and artifacts in the Ranch classroom
12:00 PM	Lunch at the Ranch
1:00-5:00PM	Exploration of sites in the Lamar-Stop at the location where Osborne Russell encountered the Sheep Eaters.; hike to a site where travois poles are leaning in the trees and hike to Trout Lake to discuss Sheep Eater fishing. The two hikes are up relatively steep sides and boots or heavy walking shoes are recommended. Walking sticks or poles are useful and water is essential.
6:30 PM	Dinner
7:30 PM	Free time

Friday, August 19 - Wildlife Watching, Ecology, and Wildlife-Human history
Ashea Mills

5:30 AM	Snacks and quick breakfast items available
6:00 AM	Depart for early morning wildlife watching in Lamar Valley
11:00 AM	Early lunch or brunch at the Ranch
12:00-4:00	Dayhiking in wildlife habitat on Yellowstone's Northern Range. Be prepared for up to 5 miles in moderate terrain with up to 400 ft. elevation gain.
4:00-5:00 PM	Final reflections, sharing, program conclusion, goodbyes Dinner on your own at Roosevelt Lodge or Cooke City Relax and enjoy a final evening at the Ranch. (Optional)

Mountain Spirit - Sheep Eater Indians of Yellowstone. Lawrence L. Loendorf and Nancy Medaris Stone. University of Utah Press. 2006

Restoring a Presence: American Indians and Yellowstone National Park. Peter Nabokov and Lawrence Loendorf. University of Oklahoma Press. 2004

August 14-19, 2006

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