The Wolf Project is currently conducting its twelfth annual Winter Study of the wolves of Yellowstone National Park. Ten volunteers - all with wildlife or biology backgrounds- are assisting the Park biologists in monitoring the wolf packs of the Northern Range. These field technicians document long-term wolf predation patterns, territorial movements, behavior, and interactions with other species. Crews hike off- road to collect samples from wolf kills, conduct elk counts, and observe wolf packs, primarily in the area from the North entrance to the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone. The wolves are also monitored by aerial telemetry flights throughout the study period. “Our dedicated volunteers are out there from sun-up to sun-down,” according to Deb Guernsey, Biological Science Technician for the Wolf Project. The Winter Study is conducted during two 30-day periods: mid-November to mid-December 2006 and the month of March 2007. Annual reports and wolf pack territory maps are available through the Wolf Project.

Our hot-off-the-press summer 2007 catalog will be mailed in late December 2006. The catalog features new courses and returning favorites, all with the quality instruction that is the hallmark of the Yellowstone Association Institute. Yellowstone Association members can register for field seminars starting January 8, 2007 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. Summer courses often fill quickly after registration opens, so make sure you are on our mailing list to receive the new catalog. You will automatically receive a catalog if you have taken an Institute course within the past four years. Otherwise, please request a free copy by calling 307- 344-2294 or online at the link below.

Purchase quality gifts for the holidays and support Yellowstone at the same time! Our Park Store offers the widest selection of Yellowstone-inspired gifts available on-line. Fleece vests with our logo, water bottles in festive colors, and Institute caps are popular items for all ages.

Is there someone on your gift list who loves volcanoes? “Nature’s Fire” is a sure bet for both volcano experts and amateurs. Part liquid sculpture and part erupting volcano, “Nature’s Fire” will delight everyone in your office, school classroom, or living room.

Give the Gift of an Institute class to someone on your holiday list. Gift cards, which can be used at the Park Store or for Institute Ed-Ventures or Field Seminars, are available for any amount you choose. We will mail the gift card directly to the recipient or to you, at your request.

Share your appreciation for Yellowstone with family and friends by purchasing a $30 gift membership today! Your gift will help preserve one of Earth’s most magnificent and fragile places. The recipient of your gift will receive the following benefits:
• Family membership in the Yellowstone Association
• 15% discount on Yellowstone Association items at the Park Stores (online or in the Park)
• Discounts on Yellowstone Association Institute courses
• Subscription to Yellowstone Discovery and Yellowstone Today
• Library privileges at Yellowstone’s Heritage and Research Center