16th Annual President's Council Wildlife Conservation Workshop in Yellowstone National Park

This exclusive trip inside Yellowstone National Park gives President's Council members a first-hand look at Defenders' conservation work, most notably, the return of wolves to the park. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual throughout the trip, and the beautiful setting could not be more appropriate for learning about Defenders' programs, including our work in the Northern Rockies and the efforts to restore wolves to the region.

We will stay in the heart of the beautiful Lamar Valley, a less traveled area of the park often called the Serengeti of North America, at the Yellowstone Association Institute's Buffalo Ranch field campus. The campus is in the northeastern section of the park, an area that is far from tourists and traffic and frequented by wolves, bison, elk, grizzlies and other park wildlife.

Who may participate?

All participants or one member of the family must be a current Defenders of Wildlife President's Council member as of August 1, 2007. Click here to renew or upgrade your membership.

What to Expect?

We designed the workshop to be educational and hands-on, with an excellent mixture of briefings by conservation experts and Defenders staff, wildlife-viewing, and hiking to give you a truly unique experience. Last year's highlight was daily wolf sightings of two different packs, including Agate Creek male 113, the oldest wolf in the park! The trip is led by wildlife experts who offer a wealth of knowledge on Yellowstone ecology. While each day has a similar structure, the focus shifts to give participants a complete overview of wildlife in Yellowstone. Take a look at our tentative itinerary

* Participants should be able to walk at least two miles over uneven terrain. Altitudes within the park range from 5,200 to 11,300 feet.

Lodging and Meals

Up to three participants share Buffalo Ranch's comfortable, heated cabins and families of up to four can be accommodated. Bathroom facilities and showers are in the newly constructed restroom building steps away from your cabin. Meals are served in the Institute's heated log building or on the back porch overlooking the Lamar Valley. Meals are hearty and healthy, and we can adapt to all dietary restrictions.

What to Bring

Participants will receive a list of clothing and equipment recommended for the trip. Since mountain weather prevails in the high country, be prepared for everything including hot sun, cold, wind, rain and snow. Temperatures range from the low 40s in the early morning to the mid 70s in the afternoon. Regardless of the weather or our itinerary, attire is casual. Participants will also need to bring a pillow, sleeping bag (or sheets and blankets) and towels.

Cost

The cost of the trip is $1,200 per person, which includes three full workshop days, field trips, lodging, meals and ground transportation between Bozeman airport and Yellowstone. A deposit of $600 is due when you register and the balance is due in full by May 25th. If you must cancel, we ask that you notify us at least 30 days before the trip, and we will refund half of the registration fee ($600). If we are able to find a participant to attend in your place, we will refund the full registration fee to you.>

To sign up, contact Annie Nussbaum at presidentscouncil@defenders.org or call (877) 747-5629.

Click here to go back to the main President's Council page