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A Day in the Life – Top Photos of Adventure Science on the American Prairie

Gregg Treinish

Landmark is the groundbreaking project that Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation (ASC) has undertaken in conjunction with American Prairie Reserve (APR) to provide “boots on the ground” support for the conservation management team at APR. Landmark crews consist of six highly motivated and skilled outdoors men and women who will live and work on the Reserve for two months at a time, collecting valuable data that will directly influence conservation management on APR.

There is more to life on the prairie than just walking transects and collecting data. These groups of adventure scientists form a close bond and develop a family mentality while working and playing together for a month or more at a time. There are highs and lows but always something to smile about. Here is a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the life of a Landmark crew member.

Mud casualty. Crew members pitch in on the prairie to make sure the work gets done and the vehicle doesn’t get stuck, even when it means putting themselves in mud’s way. (Photo by ASC)
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Crew members, often strangers before arriving, lend each other a hand cooking community meals and even cutting each other’s hair back at HQ. (Photo by ASC)
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A brief moment of rest to enjoy the unique beauty of the prairie landscape. (Photo by ASC)
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Scoping wildlife from high points around the reserve affords crew members lots of time to talk and enjoy incredible vistas. (Photo by ASC)
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They call it gumbo and it arrives every spring accumulating on boots, tires and anything else it can stick to. But regardless of the conditions, Landmark crews are committed to their work. (Photo by ASC)
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Crews work hard, but know how to kick back and enjoy their incredible experience on the prairie. (Photo by ASC)
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Being a good neighbor is important for Landmark participatns. Here crew members help the Reserve’s neighbors round up their cattle on horseback. (Photo by ASC)
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Days are often long and filled with adventure. Some days crews rise with the sun and don’t return until the sun sets. (Photo by ASC)
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“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Above all Landmark crews have fun and find adventure. How can exploring one of the most remote areas in the lower 48 be anything but fun? (Photo by ASC)

Keep up with ASC and the Landmark project visiting ASC’s blog, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter (@AdventurScience), Instagram (@AdventureScience) and Google+.

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Gregg Treinish founded Adventure Scientists in 2011 with a strong passion for both scientific discovery and exploration. National Geographic named Gregg Adventurer of the Year in 2008 when he and a friend completed a 7,800-mile trek along the spine of the Andes Mountain Range. He was included on the Christian Science Monitor's 30 under 30 list in 2012, and the following year became a National Geographic Emerging Explorer for his work with Adventure Scientists. In 2013, he was named a Backpacker Magazine "hero", in 2015, a Draper Richards Kaplan Entrepreneur and one of Men's Journal's "50 Most Adventurous Men." In 2017, he was named an Ashoka Fellow. Gregg holds a biology degree from Montana State University and a sociology degree from CU-Boulder. He thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2004. Read more updates from Gregg and others on the Adventure Scientists team at adventurescientists.org/field-notes. Follow Adventure Scientists on Instagram @adventurescientists, on Facebook @adventurescientists, and on Twitter @AdvScientists.