Longwood University at Yellowstone National Park

Well, LU@YNP 2026 is a wrap. Today we traveled from West Yellowstone to Bozeman and explored the Gallatin Valley along the way, considering questions about the future of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. When we arrived in Bozeman, we completed the Turning Point activity at Peets Hill. After some free time exploring the downtown, we had our closing meeting on the Montana State University campus. Many thanks to the MSU Honors College for sharing space with us. Tomorrow the students fly out!

Our penultimate day in the field was a great one. We started at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center for a great conversation with a naturalist and rich explorations. We then transitioned into Place as Text West Yellowstone. We concluded the afternoon with a reflection activity along the Madison River. And this evening we debriefed it all!

The second half of our Grand Loop adventure included the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Old Faithful Village (including a Place as Text exploration), Grand Prismatic Spring, and Fountain Paint Pots. We landed in West Yellowstone at dinner time. What an epic day!

Today was devoted to Yellowstone's Grand Loop. After spending a week in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the students experienced a very common one-day pass through Yellowstone's hot spots. We headed out from Gardiner, and after an early morning visit to the Norris Geyser Basin, our focus was the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Two Museum as Text explorations - one in a visitor center and a second at Artist Point - engaged the students in discussion about curated spaces. And that was just the morning!

It's been great to spend the last few days in Gardiner. Tomorrow we head out and say "See you next year!"

The mighty Yellowstone River at sunset. 💛

The Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, and it runs right through the heart of Gardiner, MT, offering ample opportunities for recreation. Whether you want to fish, float, or enjoy a good book on the shore, there is something for everyone. Gardiner is home to several guiding companies that offer expertise and once-in-a-lifetime adventures on the Yellowstone River!

Peak flows and low water temperatures coincide with spring runoff, when snow melts in the mountains, creating frigid and swift conditions. Please use caution when recreating in and around the Yellowstone River.

Stop by the Gardiner, MT Visitor Information Center to learn more!

Another great day in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem! Students completed their Gardiner Place as Text explorations before we met with staff members from Xanterra, the park's concessionaire. We then headed out of the park to meet with another key stakeholder on the Anderson Ranch in the Tom Miner Basin.

Day 5 Part 2: Half of our group completed a wonderful hike with Yellowstone Wolf Tracker. In addition to learning about the natural history of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the students reflected on their being among a very small percentage of park visitors who experience the backcountry.

LU@YNP 2026 - Day 5 was the second day of our rotation in Yellowstone's Northern Range. Half of our mobile learning community went out wildlife watching with Yellowstone Wolf Tracker - and what a day it was! From a truly thrilling start to a quiet conclusion by scopes pointed at a wolf den, we had a day of meaningful learning focused on stewardship of public lands.

Part 2 from Day 4: Half of our group had an awesome day of wildlife watching with Yellowstone Wolf Tracker. Great day!

Today was our first day of our two-day rotation in Yellowstone's Northern Range. Half of our group hiked with Guide Sara from Yellowstone Wolf Tracker. Great day! Fresh snow! Beaver Ponds Trail. Here are some snaps from Emily Grabiec.