In only a few short days, the NC Museum of Natural Science’s Yellowstone in Winter Institute begins. With hopes of winter wonderland explorations, incredible wildlife sightings, and a rejuvenating and inspiring learning experience, our nine educators from across North Carolina are gearing up and preparing. Here are just a few of the ways they’re getting ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Matt: I have been staying active with regular runs, stretching, and have also added in the stair climber. I’ve been going through my winter gear to make sure that I have the necessary layers to keep warm and dry in my travels. In the classroom, I have been covering ecology with a special emphasis on the unique ecology and conditions at Yellowstone. I am most excited about the wildlife observations and the snowshoeing.

Laura: I’ve dug through my closet, borrowed some items, and secured a few necessary items as gifts from loved ones over the holidays as I’ve made my way through the packing list! My dogs are definitely wary of the large pile of clothes and gear I’ve been collecting in my bedroom and hope I won’t replace them with wolves. I’ve been scouring books, blogs, videos, and magazines to learn as much as possible about Yellowstone. I’m thrilled to know I’ll experience the magic of winter and wildlife so soon instead of just learning about it!

Lauren: It is hard to believe that in less than 2 weeks, we will be flying to Yellowstone! I have been so excited, yet so nervous (temperatures… brrrrrr)! I have been looking over the packing last so many times that I think I am having dreams about it! But it definitely helps! I have finished reading “American Wolf” and loved it. I recommend it to anyone, even if you aren’t traveling to Yellowstone.

As a mom, I have been trying to get everything lined up when it comes to leaving my 3 boys for a week. Not that my husband is not SUPER CAPABLE, but I am not used to being the one traveling from our kids. I have been telling them about where all I will be traveling and how they can use the blog to see all that I am seeing. They are not thrilled that I will not be home, but are so happy for the experience I will have.

As a teacher, I have been getting lesson plans, copies, seating charts, bell schedules, and anything else my sub will need all laid out. I do not like to leave my subs unprepared for anything! I will only get 5 days with my new roster of freshmen, so I will be extra diligent about my rules and expectations. As well as getting my classes familiar with the blog.

Josh: I showed PBS’s “Christmas in Yellowstone” to my classes before we left for the holidays. We previewed the winter ecosystem and discussed animals and the relevant adaptations that go along with what we’re doing in our science classes. I got a copy of “Silence & Solitude” which has some beautiful photos in it. I’ve also been focusing on leg workouts these past couple of weeks because I’m concerned about trekking through the snow.

Holly: I’ve been getting ready for Yellowstone by learning the stories behind the landscape. I’ve been reading the book “American Wolf” and have been researching Thomas Moran whose paintings played a huge role in shaping how Americans first imagined Yellowstone.

Cassie: I have been reading and watching information about the history of the Yellowstone wolves. So exciting! I have also been raiding my closet for warm gear and thrifting for some warm socks!

Ragan: I am trying to get 6-7 miles of walking in each day and used my trip to Disney before Christmas to clock 10-12 miles a day to help prep. I am so excited to see Montana and Wyoming in the winter!

Betsy: I have been packing and repacking my bags!! Counting and matching my socks, underwear, shirts, pants, gloves/mittens, hats, etc. This week I shared the Yellowstone map with my students, showed them pictures of places at Yellowstone, and described the flight schedule on a United States map so they can envision the trip. Lesson planning and finishing up grades are next on my to-do list (the quarter and semester end while we are gone). I also checked off having the flu before winter break – so hopefully that will keep me healthy on the trip!

Jacqueline: Trying on my new gaiters. Preparing for the snow!

Our group of teachers will depart early on Wednesday, January 14 and will post here daily with updates on the day’s journey. As our teachers share their experiences, please add comments and questions to each blog post – we’ll be checking comments periodically and sending replies as we can!