Explore cutting edge science topics, their latest developments, and their relevance to society through speaker presentations followed by question-and-answer period with the audience.
The Winter/Spring 2026 Science Inquiry Series will kick off on February 11 with a talk on solar energy technology by MSU’s Dr. Erik Grumstrup. On March 11, Ph.D. candidate Stacy Henderson will discuss her research on the most recent supereruption in Yellowstone. On April 1, retired Yellowstone Senior Wildlife Biologist Dr. Douglas Smith will discuss the wildlife history of the park.
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Science Inquiry Series Explores Yellowstone’s Iconic Wildlife
When did Yellowstone National Park become ecologically whole? Dr. Douglas Smith, the park’s retired Senior Wildlife Biologist, will address this question in the third presentation of the Winter/Spring 2026 Science Inquiry Series.
The talk will be presented in the Community Room of the Bozeman Public Library on Wednesday, April 1, at 6:30 pm. It is sponsored by the Gallatin Valley Friends of the Sciences, and co-sponsored by the non-profit service organization Hopa Mountain.
The series explores cutting edge science topics, their latest developments, and their relevance to society through speaker presentations followed by questions from the audience. The talks are free to the public; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
In his presentation, titled “A Wildlife History of the Mother Park,” Smith will discuss Yellowstone’s ecological rough start, how it developed a new approach to park management, and how wolf restoration and dealing with environment issues have helped to restore ecological balance, as evidenced by the status of wolves, birds, beaver, elk, and other iconic Yellowstone wildlife.
Smith holds a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from the University of Nevada, Reno. He has studied wolves and other wildlife for 45 years, including several wolf studies and supervising the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone in 1995. He has also supervised Yellowstone’s bird, elk and beaver programs.
Smith has participated in numerous documentaries about wolves and birds as well as appearing on CBS 60 Minutes and other media. He has published a wide variety of journal articles and book chapters on wildlife, and has authored or co-authored seven popular books including a children’s book released in 2025. Among his many awards is the Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer period.
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