Bonus! A live Q&A with Wes Olson

Students will have the opportunity to participate in a live, group discussion question and answer period with bison expert, Wes Olson.

With more than 40 years working with bison, Wes has developed an international reputation for his knowledge of both plains and wood bison. During those years, he participated in the reintroduction of bison into many areas of their former historic ranges – in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alaska, and central Siberia. Those experiences left him with a deep appreciation for the keystone ecological role that bison provide to the ecosystems they share with other species. Wes and his wife, photographer Johane Janelle, have co-authored three books on bison: • Portraits of the Bison; An Illustrated Guide to Bison Society • A Field Guide to Plains Bison • The Ecological Buffalo; On the trail of a keystone species.

Course Snapshot

  1. Welcome to the course!

  2. 1. In the Footsteps of Bison

  3. 2. Bison - An Ecological Climate Specialist

  4. 3. Integrating Bison into Landscape Restoration - On and Off-Reserve Scenarios

  5. 4. Guardians of Bison - Keeping Bison Safe and Healthy

About this course

  • $200.00
  • January 13, 2025 - March 7, 2025
  • Learn at your own pace

About the course

Students will learn from Wes Olson and Johane Janelle, who have over three decades of bison-related experience, along with other bison experts, and will embark on a transformative journey through the history, ecological significance, and conservation efforts surrounding bison in North America.  

Bison and Climate Change is designed for those passionate about wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration. This course offers a compelling blend of historical insights, ecological understanding, and practical guidance, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to contribute to bison conservation efforts meaningfully.

Students will engage in immersive learning modes such as videos, readings, and interactive games and quizzes.


Chapter Overviews

  • Chapter 1

    Learners will begin their journey with an exploration of the rise and fall of bison populations, the life cycle and behaviours of bison throughout the seasons, and bison biology. 

  • Chapter 2

    Learners will then critically assess the profound benefits of bison on the ecosystem, including their pivotal role in enhancing biodiversity and supporting other species. By the end of this chapter, we hope you will see the value bison have for the landscape and the importance of reintroducing them to the land. 

  • Chapter 3

    The course then shares different strategies used for reintroducing bison to the land. Whether that be through National Park programs or Indigenous initiatives. 

  • Chapter 4

    Finally, we will be comparing wild and managed herds, leading to an understanding of good practices for the care and management of bison. 

Explore the wonders of bison today!

Enroll today