The Wild Rockies Field Institute (WRFI) offers undergraduate students unique opportunities to earn upper-division credits, accredited through the University of Montana, for expedition-oriented field studies in the Rocky Mountain West.

On Restoration Ecology, students will experience their academic coursework first-hand as it explores the iconic Greater Yellowstone region, integrating two backpacking trips, hands-on restoration work, meetings with guest speakers, and site visits. Students will camp at designated campsites, on public land, and occasionally on the property of gracious guest speakers. Students on this course receive an introduction to the principles of restoration ecology and natural history, followed by the unique opportunity to immediately apply what they have learned through hands-on participation in important ongoing restoration projects in the area.

No prior backpacking experience is necessary. In addition to the academic offerings, students learn and cultivate the skills of wilderness travel,  minimum impact camping, orienteering, and natural history throughout the course.

Students will earn 3 college credits through the University of Montana - Natural Resource Science & Management 311: Restoration in Greater Yellowstone

Enrollment is limited to 8 students and WRFI accepts students on a rolling admission basis. Please visit our website for more info, tuition and scholarship opportunities, to sign up for an online info session, or to apply. You can also reach us at wrfi@wrfi.net. Hope to see you in the field!