RESIDENCES IN NATURE

Natural History
in the
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

In the modern world, places to DO Natural History are few and opportunities for extended studies rare. Now, experience the wonderful world of nature in a setting of grizzlies, geysers, glaciers and a “guru,” Dr. James Halfpenny. The Greater Yellowstone cosystem’s natural riches will serve as your home base of study.

Only in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) can the student of Natural History find such a concentration of animals and natural features to provide this magnificent learning experience. The GYE is the largest wild place left in the “lower 48.” Here, Dr. Halfpenny, famed naturalist, directs intense investigations into the wilder side of life.

The Residency in Nature program, while an educational Natural History tour of the GYE, is also an academic field experience. It is designed to provide an in-depth four-week study period to enhance your knowledge and skills of the natural arena! A Naturalist’s World features curriculums designed to meet the interests and needs of our students and may be taken in conjunction with a college credit program at your institute.

A Residency provides the opportunity to learn about the ecosystem through guided self-study. Each student follows a trail of individualized, field-oriented study developed through consultation with Dr. Halfpenny. Jim personally mentors each student through his or her sojourn in the GYE.

Residencies in Nature are for all students of nature, be they from an academic background or just a lover of the outdoors. Residencies are professional-level, observational-based studies designed to provide a finalized product (paper, slide show, PowerPoint, lesson plan) by the end of the program.

During your Residency select one of four paths including animal tracking, mammal ecology and behavior, cold weather ecology (winter or alpine), or general natural history. Supplemental tools offered in support of Residencies include field safety, land navigation (maps, compass, GPS), CyberTracking, computer analysis, and presentation skills (writing, digital photography, video, Photoshop, PowerPoint).

A Residency in Nature program is a guided, self-study program where students are mentored but also must take initiative to study through independent learning. The program consists of four components: service, content, field experience, and an observational project. Students work with ANW on the everyday chores of running an education center from cleaning to display production to web site maintenance. During their stay, students are expected to spend a significant portion of time learning basic content material through library and internet research. Field components include working as a “scout” on ANW classes and personal field time. Finally, students work on ANW projects and design their own student observational project. The project is an individual class exercise designed to learn the mechanisms of natural history, behavioral, and ecological observation. The project is of short duration, providing the opportunity to gain personal knowledge about a selected subject.

COST: For four-week program is $2000 and includes dormitory room and cooking facilities. Limited spaces available; must apply for acceptance. Dates are individually arranged before acceptance. Curriculum developed after acceptance. Students must provide own transportation. For additional information or to apply, e-mail
Dr. Jim Halfpenny
with a contact phone number and time to call or call at (406) 223-1579