Alpine Ecosystems Research Institute

Mountain ecosystems have change a lot over the last 13,000 years. Humans have been a part of their story for at least the last 12,000. What were those environments like, and how does a human presence shape these ecosystems over time? What do historic artifacts, plant communities, and migration paths all have in common? And how does the human relationship with these environments compare to the present day?

If these questions have ever piqued your curiosity, look no further. Alpine Ecosystems Research Institute (AERI) conducts multidisciplinary research in mountainous ecosystems, focusing on the human relationships with these amazing landscapes. This includes our Late-Pleistocene landscapes research, where our archaeological research is helping us identify previously unknown nuances of deglaciating ecosystems at high elevation since the last ice age. These high-elevation landscapes were open much sooner than expected, and people were inhabiting these places much sooner than previously believed.

 We also research the relationship between humans and wild plant communities, right here in Park County. Indigenous peoples relied on multiple floral species. We aim to promote ecological stewardship by demonstrating the ecological and cultural value of these landscapes.

Our mission is to conduct multidisciplinary research focused on clarifying the evolving relationships between humans, montane ecosystems, and their native species in order to educate the public on humanity's role in the past, present, and future of mountain conservation. Each year, we host projects that students and members of the public can come and learn about the history of Montana's mountainous ecosystems, including those in Park County. We provide food for our volunteers as they participate in the research process, learning about conservation and stewardship practices along the way.

This year, our focus is getting students in the field and learning. In 2026, we are offering paid student internships for Park County students to join our projects and gain experience in outdoor sciences. Our research crosscuts disciplines such as wildlife biology, geology, botany, microbiology, archaeology, paleoecology, and more. Through the internship, students will learn about field sciences, especially archaeology, and best practices for historical stewardship. Students will participate in the data-collection process in-field and process data in the lab. 

We take what we know about past environmental and cultural systems and engage, educate, and inspire students, the public, and private land owners about present-day interactions and future possibilities. We also promote cultural heritage stewardship and ecologically conscious practices that give back to the local GYE communities.

AERI conducts research in and around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), which is culturally significant to at least 49 affiliated tribal groups either through ceremony or as a direct homeland. We respectfully acknowledge the peoples on whose traditional territories we reside and work. We work to honor their relationship to these lands, since time immemorial, and to follow their example in caring for this place for generations to come.

Testimonials

We were incredibly grateful to have the AERI visit our school and speak with our 7th-grade students... Our students were captivated by the insights shared about local plant usage by Indigenous people, especially the knowledge of Indigenous peoples and their relationship with native flora. The team did a wonderful job making complex scientific topics accessible and exciting for young learners. Their passion for research and respect for cultural history truly resonated with our class. -Victoria Clark, SGMS

Perhaps most important however, is the opportunities they offer for students... I cannot wait to see how [AERI's work] impacts our perspectives on local history. -Kyle Neibauer, PHS