In late July/early August 2023, Professor Bob Pahre (Political Science) will repeat his popular and successful travel course from the summer of 2022, and again lead a group of Chancellor’s Scholars on a backpacking exploration of parts of Yellowstone!

“Politics of the National Parks” includes an introduction to theories of “wilderness” as well as information about the practical and political challenges federal agencies face when managing wilderness areas. After several on-campus sessions, students will embark on a ten-day field experience in Yellowstone National Park and adjacent national forest lands. This includes a one-week, six-night backpacking trip to “The Thorofare,” a remote region of the Greater Yellowstone Area. Here students will develop their own wilderness values as they assess the management choices they experience on the landscape as they hike.

Applications are due to Anne Price and Professor Pahre by Friday, November 11, 2022. Please contact Prof. Pahre (pahre@illinois.edu) with questions.