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| | Yellowstone Summer Adventure:
Wolves and Grizzlies After Recovery
July 18-22, 2008
co-hosted with the Wolf
Conservation Center in New York
 Description
Schedule
Reservations
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THE
ISSUES: Join wildlife biologists
Nathan
Varley, Ph.d., and Linda Thurston, M.S., for this excursion that
investigates
the top issue concerning wolves and grizzlies in Yellowstone--their recent removal from
Threatened Species status under the Endangered Species Act. While
observing the behavior of these rare, wild carnivores in their habitats we will discuss their
ecology and future as a "recovered" population.
Special guest experts (TBA) will join us along the journey to share
their inside perspectives on the recent de-listing and threats that remain to
both species. Also enjoy comfortable
accommodations in picturesque settings, great meals served outdoors, and fine dining
at historic lodges. Learn from the experts who
have spent their lives studying these endangered wildlife species in
Yellowstone National Park.
THE
HEIGHT OF SUMMER: In July, wolves are caring for their young pups and searching for
elk and deer among the high valleys while grizzlies are visible foraging
on colorful wildflowers in the
meadows of the park. Other wildlife species, e.g., moose,
bighorn sheep, bison, and mountain goats, will be viewed as we learn what scientists
have discovered about the unique relationship of many species to
Yellowstone's top carnivores. Amazing
observations of both grizzly and wolf behavior is expected, not to mention cute wolf
pups and bear cubs!
YOUR
HOSTS: Being a resident of the Yellowstone area for nearly his entire
life, Nathan specializes in the out-of-the-way places that few visitors enjoy.
Stops along the roadway and short hikes will put us into amazingly scenic spots
that abound with wildlife. Nathan's recent doctoral research focused on the complex relationship between wolves and their main
prey, elk, in Yellowstone. Linda has extensive on-the-ground experience with
wolf management including forging innovative approaches that partner livestock
operators with conservation groups, like Defenders
of Wildlife, that have led to lasting solutions to wolf-livestock
problems. Her work in Canada, Idaho, and Yellowstone has yielded a
wealth of information about how rare species are managed and the
challenges that they face.
  
Following each day filled with wildlife
viewing and discussions with experts we stay at some of the most famous lodges in the
region and dine at exquisite restaurants
including Montana's historic
Chico Hot Springs and the famous
Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Along the way, we will see many of the locations
that have made Yellowstone world famous, including the Mammoth Hot Spring
Terraces, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Old Faithful Geyser.
This complete trip is a great learning experience in the field and promises to
hold many memories for years to come. |
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Yellowstone Summer Adventure
in Brief: 2008 JULY 18-22
Guides: Dr. Nathan Varley & Linda Thurston,
wildlife biologists
Co-hosted by Wolf
Conservation Center
Outfitters: A Naturalist's World, Ltd.
Group Size: minimum 8, maximum 16.
Cost: $2500/person/double occupancy w/
$250 single
supplement
Deposit of $500 per
person due at time of booking.
|
 Contact
Maggie
Howell at the Wolf Conservation Center to register, 914-763-2373. Also,
see WCC's announcement |
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Yellowstone Summer Adventure:
Wolves and Grizzlies After
Recovery
Schedule:
 July
18,
2008 Rendezvous with Nathan and Linda at the Bozeman
airport (BZN) between noon and 2 PM. We will load our minibus and leave the city behind en route for the wilds of Yellowstone. Hearty
snacks will be provided on the drive. Our first stop is in the
picturesque Paradise Valley, just north of the park. We will
talk about conflicts with wolves and bears in the valley including the efforts Linda has been involved with to address wolf predation on
livestock in the largely private, agricultural lands. Our destination is the Absaroka Lodge in Gardiner, Montana, where views of the Yellowstone River and its rolling green hills
are crowned by stunning mountains. A welcome dinner at the Track
Education Center will
consist of grilled game meats, salads, and bread with an introduction
presentation by Nathan and Linda. Vegetarian and
special diet options are available.
July 19, 2008
We wake early, as we often will for a good start on
our first trip to the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone. Joined
by a local wolf expert (TBA) we will tour through the park’s northern range where
wolves and grizzlies abound while discussing their delicate status as
recovered wildlife species. We will learn about the challenges
that lie ahead in maintaining these wildlife species as part of an
ecologically restored landscape. Searches include the areas of the
prey-rich Blacktail Plateau, Slough Creek, and Lamar Valley.
A search of the Mount Washburn area usually turns up a few
grizzlies foraging on the lush mid-summer vegetation. Hearty picnic breakfast and lunch will be on-the-go to maximize our
field time searching and observing. We will return in the afternoon for a break
at the lodge, and then have dinner with our guest speaker at the Track
Education Center.
July
20,
2008 We will leave early for an encore
trip to Lamar Valley and Mount Washburn areas. We
will return to the lodge after the morning wildlife watch, and get back on the
road for a big day of touring Yellowstone’s famous sites. Picnic lunch
will fuel us on the way to erupting geysers and colorful, burping mud pots. We will
go to Old Faithful for the timeless tradition of witnessing an eruption of the
world’s most famous, and faithful, geyser. Our route to the Lake Yellowstone Hotel
takes us along the shore of the Yellowstone Lake. Once at the
hotel, we will dine in elegance at the dining room overlooking the lake.
July 21,
2008 In the early morning, we venture to Hayden Valley
where
we search the rolling hills and sweeping bends along the Yellowstone River
for wolves and bears. Joined by a local bear expert (TBA) we will
discuss how Yellowstone provides the core area needed for conservation
of wolves and bears and what threats exist to its habitats. In the afternoon we proceed to the Grand Canyon of
the Yellowstone and enjoy views from its south rim,
marveling at the scenery while keeping watch for ospreys and peregrine
falcons. By early evening we will have
arrived and settled into our final lodge, the rustic and cozy Chico Hot Springs
lodge north of Yellowstone. Soak in the therapeutic waters of the
pool after a gourmet banquet dinner served exclusively for our group in Chico’s
private wine cellar.
.
July
22,
2008 After a leisurely breakfast at Chico
Hot Springs, we will transport 1 hour to Bozeman airport for departures
no earlier than NOON. If you have any questions about this
itinerary, just let us know!!
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Policies:
Deposit: A deposit of $500
per person reserves a space. The balance is due sixty days prior to the
trip.
Cancellation Penalties: A
full refund of the deposit will be given for all cancellations more than
six months before the trip. For cancellations three to six months prior to
departure, we will refund $250 of the initial deposit. For
cancellations less than three months before departure, the deposit is
non-refundable.. For cancellations one to two months prior to departure,
50% of the total trip cost will be refunded. Refunds will not be made for
cancellations made less than a month prior to departure. We cannot refund
money for missed meals, missed portions of the trip or any other unused
portions of the tour. Cancellations must be submitted in writing and are
effective upon date of receipt.
Insurance: Trip cancellation and
medical insurance is highly recommended. We suggest you use CSA Vacation
Guarantee (800-348-9505) for trip insurance. Trip participants must fill
out a participant waiver and a medical release.
Health and Safety: The trip
requires average physical fitness and is suitable for people of all ages.
If you have health questions, consult your doctor for more information.
The tour leaders must be advised in advance of any special health needs.
Weather conditions can change without notice and it is the responsibility
of the traveler to have proper clothing and equipment. Please contact our
office for assistance in what to bring on the trip.
Responsibilities and Conditions: We
act only in the capacity of agent in all matters of
transportation and tour operation. We are not responsible for delays,
inconveniences, accidents, expense or mishap of any kind whatsoever
resulting entirely, or in part, from the negligence of others or from
causes beyond our control. We can accept no responsibility for losses or
additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services,
sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such
losses or expenses will have to be borne by the participant, as tour rates
provide for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved
to substitute accommodations or modes of transportation and to make any
changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in
transportation schedules. we take no
responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by persons
physically unable to participate in the planned activities. No refund can
be made for absence from the tour unless arrangements are made at the time
of the booking. The right is reserved to decline, to accept or to retain
any person as a tour member for any reason which affects the operation of
the tour or the rights and welfare or enjoyment of the other tour members.
We will not discriminate against any individual
because of race, sex, creed or nationality.
Cancelled Trips: We
reserve the right to cancel any trip should an
inadequate sign-up make the trip economically unfeasible for us to operate
or should conditions arise beyond our control that adversely affect the
well-being of the trip members. In such a case, a full refund of the trip
cost is given, but we are not responsible for
additional expenses incurred by members in preparing for the trip. |
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For reservations, phone:
406~223~2152
or email
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