National Student Exchange Spotlight: Wild Rockies Field Institute
Are you passionate about restoring ecosystems and learning how land can be actively healed through science, policy, and community action? The Wild Rockies Field Institute (WRFI) invites you to join their Restoration Ecology course—a unique, immersive academic experience that takes your environmental education out into the field.
On this 3-week summer course, you’ll earn upper-division college credit (through the University of Montana) while backpacking through stunning ecosystems of the Northern Rockies. You’ll study on-the-ground restoration projects, analyze ecological challenges, and engage directly with land managers, scientists, ranchers, and conservationists working to repair damaged landscapes.
Here’s what makes this course special:
Hands-on field-based learning
Backcountry travel and ecological exploration
Discussions with real-world stakeholders
3 upper-division environmental science credits
Live and learn outdoors in a small cohort
As a student of a school that is a member of the National Student Exchange, you are eligible for a 20% tuition discount. In addition, you may be eligible for their numerous tuition discounts. They also have a course-specific scholarship, the Joel DiBiase Memorial Restoration Ecology Scholarship, which awards up to $1,000 towards tuition.
👉 Spots are still open for summer 2025, and if you apply now, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a full backpacking gear setup from Kelty (tent, pack, sleeping bag, and pad)!
Whether you’re studying environment, ecology, biology, or sustainability, WRFI’s Restoration Ecology course offers an unforgettable chance to explore your academic passions through adventure and impact.
Start your application or learn more at www.wrfi.net, and feel free to reach out to Kelsey Wellington, WRFI’s Student Experience Manager, at kelsey.wellington@wrfi.net with any questions.