This class uses a month of day hikes to explore the myriad natural resources in and around the greater Yellowstone region.  The first ten days focus on unraveling the forces that have produced the spectacular geology of the region as well as the underlying natural resources that plants, animals, and humans need to make a living.  The biology section focuses on the diverse ecosystems of the region, including those of the dry basins, the relatively wet mountains and plateaus, and the near-arctic settings of the Beartooth Plateau.  Particularly noteworthy is the diversity and abundance of birds, mammals, and wildflowers across the region.  The final third of the class focuses on how people should best interact with the natural resources of the area.  What roles should government regulation and private enterprise have when it comes to hunting wolves and elk, exploiting petroleum and mineral resources, protecting wild areas, and making the natural wonders of Yellowstone and beyond accessible to tourists?  Students will see abundant wildlife, amazing geology, and come to appreciate the cultural distinctness of the West.

To see a PowerPoint that outlines the experiences featured in this class, please click here.  An amusing video that captures the spirit of both Wyoming GEOL classes (made by Yellowstone student Alex Turnshek in 2012) may be found here.  For full information, visit the Study Abroad Spring Creek webpage. 

No pre-requisites.  To enroll in this 4-week summer class, please apply through the Study Abroad office (802 William Pitt Union).