UCIS Central Calendar

This course uses a month of day hikes to explore the myriad natural resources in and around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The geology section of this course unraveling the forces that have produced the spectacular landscapes and unique landforms characterizing the region, as well as the underlying natural resources that plants, animals, and humans need to make a living. The biology section focuses on the diverse ecosystems of the region, including those of the dry basins, the relatively wet mountains and plateaus, and the near-arctic settings of the Beartooth Plateau. Particularly noteworthy is the diversity and abundance of birds, mammals, and wildflowers across the region. Throughout our geological and ecological discussions, we will also consider how people should best interact with the natural resources of the area. What roles should government regulation and private enterprise have when it comes to hunting wolves and elk, exploiting petroleum and mineral resources, protecting wild areas, and making the natural wonders of Yellowstone and beyond accessible to tourists? Students will see abundant wildlife, amazing geology, practice basic field methods, and come to appreciate the cultural distinctness of the West.

https://www.globalexperiences.pitt.edu/wyomingyellowstone