Alpine Ecosystems Research Institute
Beartooth Ecosystems Alpine Archaeology Research (BEAAR) Project
2026 Season
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Who:
AERI students, members, and PCRG volunteers are accepted! Contact us for information about available space and to be added to the project roster.
[Project is full! Active members and registered Field Experience students may inquire to get on the list!]
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What:
The BEAAR project will commence its 9th annual field season in August of 2026 in the Beartooth Mountains of south-central Montana.
It will include:
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Backcountry camping on public land outside Red Lodge, MT, ~9,500 ft elevation
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Volunteers must bring a tent, bedding, a bowl and/or large cup, and a long-handled spoon or spork; AERI can provide a tent for some volunteers (first-come, first-served)
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No wi-fi. No cell service. We do have a Garmin InReach that can send text messages, locations, and SOS calls if need be. We send nightly “all ok” text messages to our volunteer's family members and other contacts.
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Transport from the trailhead to the campsite provided
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3 meals a day and snacks provided by AERI; we suggest you bring your own snacks too
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6-8-hour days (the elevation and storms usually shorten our days)
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Must commit to the full 10 days due to safety and logistics
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80 total hours for the total project
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Beautiful landscapes, interesting archaeology, and wild edible foods workshops
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Dates:
August 1 - 10, 2026
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Where:
South-central MT
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HOW:
What you are responsible for:
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Your own tent. In this case, you will want to bring a really, really good tent. We personally use Hilleberg, although there are plenty of other brands that can suffice. Ask us for recommendations if you are unsure.​
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Your own transport to the project area. There may be carpool options available from the Bozeman area. Contact us for more info.
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​Recommended:
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A pair of water-resistant boots with ankle support. Sometimes we get stuck in a cloud for days. Think of ways to make dry feet a priority...
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If you have diet restrictions you may need to supplement your own food. That said, we try to accommodate everyone as best as possible, so please let us know what we can do well in advance. If budgets allow, we will try our best to work with you.
If you experience any barriers that would prevent you from volunteering, please email us as soon as possible. We can sometimes accommodate items such as tent, transport, and more, but only if we have plenty of warning.
Research Priorities:
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Pleistocene landscapes
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Pleistocene and Holocene landscape use