July 6-12, 2025
Everything you learned (and maybe forgot) in high school Earth Science? We’re going to dive right into that and make it so much better! Join us for Hiking the Ecosystems of Montana, a week of guided natural science hikes that offer immersive experiences in forest, desert, tundra, and prairie ecosystems, as well as the fascinating world of fire ecology. Participants will gain a firsthand understanding of how our environment affects life on Earth and how living things change the environment. Led by our team and additional specialty experts, we’ll explore Montana's diverse landscapes and the flora and fauna that inhabit them.
What to Expect
Each day will start with breakfast and packing lunch in the camp lodge. We’ll then drive to a different trailhead where we’ll start out with a short field presentation discussing the ecosystem and general ecology of our location, including what we expect to see on our hike. We’ll then spend the rest of the day hiking, exploring, and learning about our surroundings. This may include using field guides, practicing plant and flower identification, discussing birding tips, and more. We will return to camp by 5pm, leaving plenty of time to get ready for dinner.
Equipment
We highly recommend walking sticks for this program.
Difficulty Level:
Moderate-Difficult. Expect to hike for 5-6 hours each day at different elevations.
Recommended Reading & Listening:
Rocky Mountain Field Guide by Daniel Mathews
Prairie: A Natural History of the Heart of North America: Revised Edition by Candace Savage
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
Fireline by Montana Public Radio (podcast)
2025 Hiking the Ecosystems Availability
UPDATED: October 8, 2024
NUMBER OF SPOTS AVAILABLE
10 of 10 spots available
