Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit: Full Schedule

If you would like to join a class that is frozen, please send us a message or email, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

The Summit Handbook and our pick-a-hike guide are helpful resources! Email [email protected] with additional questions or message us in Sched!

Session availability is subject to change due to weather, availability, and interest. Classes with fewer than 5 participants are subject to cancellation. You are only able to sign up for one class during a time period (including waitlists). We do our best to accommodate waitlists.

Add/Dropping Classes: All classes with an additional cost have a final add/drop date of July 13. After July 13th, you will be responsible for the cost of the class unless we can fill the spot. Classes with no additional cost can be added/dropped at any time.

2:00pm MDT

American Bison: Keystone Grazers Restoring North American Landscapes

Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

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Discover the remarkable story of North America’s largest land mammal and its vital role in shaping our landscape. This presentation dives deep into the ecology of the American bison—exploring how their unique grazing patterns, wallowing habits, and seasonal movements drive the health and biodiversity of entire ecosystems. We will also discuss restoration initiatives to bring this keystone species back to its native ranges. Join us to learn how saving the bison is a critical step in healing our grandest landscapes.

Faculty

American Prairie

Corrie Williamson is American Prairie's Director of Community Outreach. Corrie works to increase awareness, support, and collaboration for American Prairie's conservation mission, with focus areas including the Advisory Board, neighbor relations, American Prairie Field School, and... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
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Lecture

1:00pm MDT

Lecture - Ceremonial Native American Regalia, The Jingle Dress History & Demonstration

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

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The Jingle Dress Dance is one of the most recognizable and spiritually significant powwow traditions in North America. During this session, you will learn about the history, cultural significance, and design of the jingle dress. The class will end with a demonstration of traditional dances. This class will be led by Michelle Reed, one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe.

See an example of Michelle's work here.

Faculty

Michelle Reed

Faculty

A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
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Lecture

2:15pm MDT

Lecture: Hoop Dancing 101

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

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Join Tony Duncan, a six-time world-champion hoop dancer, to learn the history and meaning behind the stunning stories told through hoop dance. Tony will also provide demonstrations of the dance. See a sneak peek here. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about hoop dancing in a small setting with opportunities for discussion.

Faculty

Tony Duncan

Faculty

Tony is from the Apache Nation and is a Native American Hoop Dancer, Flute Player, and Storyteller. He is a six-time world Champion Hoop Dancer, the Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year, and is featured on a USPS (powwow) Forever Stamp. Tony has toured internationally... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
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Lecture

1:30pm MDT

Lecture- Ancient Astronomies

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

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For millennia, humanity has been fascinated with the night sky and our place in the universe. While most of us have heard of the Greek and Roman constellations and stories, cultures all over the globe, both modern and ancient, have their own histories, mythologies, stories, and relationships with our shared universe. You'll learn how other cultures viewed our constellations, had their own constellations, and how our modern astronomical concepts have their base in histories long passed.

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Event Barn

Lecture, Difficulty- Easy

Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit

2:00pm MDT

American Prairie

1:00pm MDT

Michelle Reed

2:15pm MDT

Tony Duncan

1:30pm MDT

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