WILDERNESS INSTITUTE
  "The American Safari"
630-551-5401

Dear Nature Enthusiast,

Thank you for inquiring about WILDERNESS INSTITUTE, a private organization founded on deep concerns for our environment, all of its inhabitants, its natural resources, and their futures. It is the belief of WILDERNESS INSTITUTE that true understanding, conservation, respect and enjoyment of these things can, indeed, be better achieved through education and a keener awareness. It is our belief that to experience and to "touch" the natural world around us is the best way to begin to love it, understand it, appreciate it, and to ultimately protect and conserve it!

Now in its 26th year, WILDERNESS INSTITUTE is proud to offer what it feels are some of the absolute finest and "funnest" experiential, hands‑on field study programs of their type available to the general public today. Programs are devoted to the areas of Ecology, Nature Study, Birding, Nature Photography, and General Photography. Always with the participant's needs in mind, most are scheduled and designed around weekends so they can be easily fit into today's busy lifestyles without much hassle. And, many of these weekend programs are devoted to discover and explore natural areas of the Midwest to emphasize the fact that you don't have to travel far to find and enjoy nature and wilderness. Exploring America's National Wildlife Refuges and Parks is also one of our main goals.

Programs are never designed or offered to test the physical endurance of the participants! They are all structured to be enjoyable, memorable learning experiences. And, even though many include activities such as hiking, camping or canoeing, they are all conducted at a very moderate pace to allow a person of most any age level, of average and good health and with no experience to participate and enjoy! All offerings are non‑credit (there are no tests) and are presented for the participants' personal enrichment and enjoyment. Groups are small and enrollment is strictly limited in all programs to facilitate individualized instruction and the absolute lowest possible impact on the environment. Beginners are welcomed and encouraged to participate in ALL programs at ALL times, and participants need only minimal special equipment as WILDERNESS INSTITUTE provides almost everything! Plus, all instructors and leaders are selected for their personal levels of field experience, common beliefs, ideals and desires to share that knowledge with others.

Click on the links below for our current schedule of upcoming programs. We hope you find something that suits your interests and needs, if not now, in the future. To enroll, simply fill out and return the attached Reservation Form along with the required deposits as soon as possible. As space is limited and many are annual favorites, ALL reservations are accepted on a First‑come, First‑served basis ONLY. Phone reservations are accepted but are only held for 5 days pending receipt of Deposit and Reservation Form.

Once accepted by WILDERNESS INSTITUTE, notification will be sent along with a complete program information packet pertaining to the program you have selected. Deposits are promptly returned in full if selections are filled or canceled by WILDERNESS INSTITUTE. Unless otherwise specified* in a program description, PARTICIPANT REQUESTED cancellations made prior to the listed BALANCE DUE DATE are subject to a $100.00 Cancellation Fee per person. However, NO REFUNDS will be made for participant requested cancellations requested AFTER the listed BALANCE DUE DATE of the selected program. Airfares, if included, are non‑refundable. ALL prices and program specifications are subject to change WITHOUT NOTICE. Price Changes do not affect confirmed reservations.   (*Alaska trips have special terms.)

Meal menus, if included, are all planned for general diets and tastes, and Fees do not include any special dietary requirements. If lodging is included in the program of your choice, accommodations are always double occupancy per bedroom except in certain dorm situations and tents where it may be 3 or 4 to a unit. Married couples share private quarters whenever possible. Single supplements are sometimes possible for an extra charge and with enough advanced notice. Discounts are available to groups of 4 or more when registering at the same time. Please contact us for complete group details. Certain offerings may have different specifications as will be outlined. Participation in any program offered is always totally at each registrant's OWN risk.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. Custom designed programs are also available for groups such as Schools or organizations. I look forward to meeting you in one of our programs soon!

WILDERNESS INSTITUTE

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