Yellowstone Field Course

GEO 385/585: Field Study

Yellowstone National Park

via the historic route of the

Oregon Trail

August 6-16, 2005

Yellowstone Field Course Preview!

Geographers learn by looking at the land, and getting out "in the field" has always been a crucial part of geography. After all, what are geographers if not adventuresome travelers! This field study course to Yellowstone National Park will introduce you to the rich and inviting landscape of the American West. During the eleven-day trip, you will learn of the cultural and environmental aspects of geography, seeing examples of both first-hand at a number of key western national parks and at several historic sites along the Oregon Trail. You will also have lots of fun!! The only preprequisites for the course are an interest in learning about the western landscape and an enthusiasm for traveling.

Jon T. Kilpinen, Associate Professor	Jon.Kilpinen@valpo.edu
Dept. of Geography and Meteorology	phone: 219-464-5157
Valparaiso University	fax: 219-548-7738
Valparaiso IN 46383

Benefits:

learn about geography, fieldwork methods, and career opportunities
visit important historic sites and breathtaking natural ones
earn 3 credits during the V.U. Summer Session

Key Points of Interest:

Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Nebraska

Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska

Oregon Trail Ruts State Historical Site, Wyoming

Independence Rock State Historical Site, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Custer State Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Highlights from Previous Trips:

hiked 45 miles worth of scenic trails, mostly in Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and the Black Hills
climbed to the top of Mt. Washburn (10,243 ft.) in Yellowstone National Park
climbed to the top of the Black Hills' Harney Peak (7,242 ft.), highest point east of the Rockies
saw 7 bears, including a mother grizzly with 2 cubs
saw 2 moose, 2 coyotes, 1 wolf, scores of elk, a few bison, and several bighorn sheep and pronghorn
visited Yellowstone's Spatial Analysis Center and the USGS's EROS data center in South Dakota

Cost:

$500 per person plus summer school tuition for one course
This includes transportation costs, hotel room charges, park entry fees, and a detailed field study guide filled with maps and other information.
This does not include food, film, and other personal items.

To reserve your place on this exciting outing, submit $75 to Prof. Kilpinen as soon as possible.
Seating is limited, and spots will be filled strictly in order of receipt of deposits.
Your deposit is refundable until May 20, 2005, should you choose to cancel your reservation.

V.U. GeoMet Home Page | V.U. Home Page

Created by JTK, December 18, 1996. Revised April 28, 2005.