BBar Ranch: Wildlife & Coexistence on the Edge of Yellowstone

Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

In the lodge dining room. You are welcome to bring your own choice of beverages.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Instructors will include our knowledgeable Group Leader and local experts. Transportation for program-related activities will be via mini-bus. Meals will be prepared by the ranch’s chef and kitchen staff. We will also have an orientation to the ranch and what will be expected of everyone while staying on ranch property. Remember to bring a reusable water bottle that you can bring with you on hikes; ice water will be available in the vans to refill water bottles. Bring binoculars if you have them. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for early morning field trip.

We will have to-go breakfasts from the ranch.

We will set out on an early morning (pre-breakfast) field trip using binoculars and spotting scopes to view wildlife that may be present, perhaps even grizzly bears. Returning to the lodge, we’ll learn about regenerative agriculture, soil health, grazing practices, and how they affect the landscape. From not-for-profit Regeneration International: “Regenerative agriculture describes farming and grazing practices that, among other benefits, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity — resulting in both carbon drawdown and improving the water cycle.” We'll learn about technology and ranching including tools used to help manage herds, grazing schedules, and soil health.

At the lodge.

We'll meet up with a local horseback riding outfitter who will bring horses to the ranch, and enjoy an hour long horseback ride in Tom Miner Basin.

At the lodge.

We will be joined by a guest speaker for a talk on topics related to the program theme. Prepare for early morning field trip.

We will have to-go breakfasts from the ranch.

We will set out early from the ranch and ride to Yellowstone’s northern range for more wildlife viewing. While it is only ten percent of Yellowstone’s overall landmass, the northern range is typically abundant with wildlife and one of the most predator rich areas in North America. It is the winter range for one of Yellowstone’s largest elk herds.

At a picnic area in the park, we’ll have sack lunches.

We will ride up and over Dunraven pass to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The canyon is a showcase of the area’s geologic history. The canyon’s dramatic colors impress, but the 308 foot lower falls are also an incredible site to see. We’ll learn about these wonders during stops with expert commentary.< br> We’ll ride back to the ranch after our field trip.

At the lodge.

We'll enjoy an optional night sky program led by a local star gazer. We'll learn about "star stories". We'll learn about the cultural heritages from Greek mythology through various Native Americans and how they used the stars.

At the lodge.

We will set out on a full-day field trip into Yellowstone National Park. Riding south into the heart of Yellowstone, we will see the park’s most famous feature, Old Faithful. The upper geyser basin is home not only to Old Faithful, but also the largest concentration of geysers in the world. As we explore, we’ll learn about the geology and history of this historic and unique area.

At a scenic spot in the park, we’ll have sack lunches.

Next, we’ll ride to Mammoth Hot Springs for a field trip to view the travertine terraces. Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most dynamic and ever changing thermal features in all of Yellowstone, with between one and two tons of limestone is deposited daily due to hot water rising through and dissolving the rock.< br> Returning to the ranch late afternoon, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At the lodge.

At leisure.

At the lodge.

We'll set out on a walking field trip to explore the ranch and learn about low-stress livestock and its role in a healthy herd. Watch first hand what its like to use a working cattle dog as a key element of the operation. Hear about co-existence when sharing the landscape with all the wildlife that calls the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem home.

At the lodge dining room.

Hiking on the ranch. Choose the route of your choice: hiking to an overlook that gives grand views of the entire head of the Tom Miner basin, or a shorter route. Those who prefer are welcome to spend time with fellow Road Scholars or just relax on the deck or in cabins.

At the lodge. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

We’ll gather by the beautiful fire pit and pond (weather permitting) to review program highlights and memories of our learning adventure together. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the lodge. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!