Yellowstone: The Art of Observation and Field Journaling

Important Requirements

Registration

Registration for this program will open on April 29 and will be through the OLLI secure registration phone line (406-219-3298).

Activity Level

This tour requires low to moderate activity. Participants must be able to meet ALL the physical requirements outlined at the bottom of this page.

Description

Based at Yellowstone's National Park's remote Lamar Buffalo Ranch and using the expansive breathtaking Northern Range as our classroom, this hands-on program focuses on observation, connection to the natural world, and field journaling methods. Taking pencil, ink and other media to paper, participants will gain skills to interpret and record Yellowstone's flora, fauna, and landscape. An art or science background is not required. Curiosity and enthusiasm for the natural world are prerequisites!

Through guided outdoor observation, field explorations, short readings, and hands-on practice, participants will strengthen their connection to the natural world, hone their observation skills, and record their experiences on paper using sketches, text, and a variety of approaches and media. Emphasis is placed on curiosity rather than prior expertise, welcoming beginners as well as those with experience in journaling, art, or field science.

In addition, participants will gain practical skills for interpreting Yellowstone's flora, fauna, and landscape while developing a personal field journal practice they can continue beyond the course. More than just instruction, this experience is an invitation to build a lasting connection to wild places through creativity and observation.

This program is in partnership with Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park.

Course Takeaways

• Develop sustained observation skills by carefully noticing patterns, behaviors, and details within Yellowstone National Park.
• Learn practical skills for making observations in the field, use a variety of journaling tools and practice techniques for recording experiences on paper.
• Apply a range of field journaling techniques—including written notes, sketches, diagrams, and simple data recording—to document natural observations.
• Interpret elements of Yellowstone's flora, fauna, and landscape through direct, place-based observation.
• Strengthen a personal connection to the natural world by practicing attentive, reflective engagement with outdoor settings.
• Demonstrate the ability to translate field experiences into a coherent, organized field journal.
• Establish a transferable field journaling practice that can be applied to future outdoor exploration, travel, research, or creative work.

Itinerary

July 18

Drive your own vehicle to the Lamar Buffalo Ranch in Yellowstone National Park

4:00 p.m. Arrive at LBR. Check-in, introductions, orientation, course overview. Group dinner. Evening activity.

July 19

Early morning wildlife watching, observation activities, field sketching in the Lamar Valley, additional observation and sketching practice. Group dinner, evening recap, and an evening presentation.

July 20

Early morning wildlife watching, plant identification, afternoon with buffalo. Group dinner. Evening presentation.

July 21

Bringing it all together, group wrap-up and review. 9:00 a.m. departure.

There will be opportunities for early morning and evening wildlife watching and walks from and near LBR.

This schedule is subject to change based on weather, field access, and other factors.

Transportation, Meals & Lodging

Tuition

Your tuition also includes instruction, lodging, three dinners with appetizers and morning coffee and tea. You are responsible for providing your own breakfast, lunch and snacks.

The cost of this tour depends on the lodging you select.

Option #1 | Single occupancy cabin $1650 for one person.

Option #2 | Double occupancy cabin $1500 per person for two people.

Transportation

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Lamar Buffalo Ranch in Yellowstone National Park and Park entrance fee. Once at the Buffalo Ranch, daily transportation will be via Yellowstone Forever bus.

Meals

Your program tuition includes instruction, lodging, three family-style dinners with appetizers and dessert, morning coffee and tea, and field trip transportation for two days while based at Lamar Buffalo Ranch (LBR) during your program. Participants are responsible for all personal breakfasts (3), lunches (3), and snacks. After registration confirmation, OLLI will provide additional information about the LBR facilities, meal recommendations, kitchen resources and responsibilities (including one kitchen duty shift), a packing list and necessary forms.

Lodging

We will stay at the historic LBR in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Originally a stop for the Cooke City to Gardiner stagecoach in 1882, the LBR played a role in bison reintroduction efforts in the early 1900s. Over ninety years later, Yellowstone Forever manages LBR as a field site for courses, school programs, and research.

During your stay, you will be accommodated in small, modest guest cabins, each equipped with three single beds. For your convenience, the ranch features a modern bathhouse with separate men's and women's bathrooms and private showers. Please note that there are no bathrooms in the individual cabins. When not learning in the field, we will utilize LBR's two classrooms, shared kitchen, and dining area.

Physical Requirements

This tour requires a moderate level of activity. It involves:

• Hiking on uneven and rocky ground and unestablished trails, up to 3 miles per day, with elevation gains of up to 1000 feet.
• Sitting on the ground or in low camp chairs.
• Walking and standing outdoors, exposed to the elements (sun, wind, rain).
• Extended periods of standing (up to 2 hours).
• Picnic lunch (chairs, no tables).
• Driving in a personal vehicle to and from the program destination.
• Group travel in a multi-person van

Portions of this class will take place in remote locations with no emergency response services or medical facilities.

Scholarship

Apply for a needs-based scholarship before registering for this program. The application deadline is April 13, 2026.

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.