This educational expedition offers enthusiasts of nature and ecology a guided opportunity to experience the wild, in Tatra National Park, Slovakia. Our participants will follow the fresh tracks of brown bears along cascading mountain streams, and through remote alpine valleys; quietly observe the interaction of a rich biodiversity of species, including beaver, three-toed woodpecker, nutcracker and Arolla pine; confront the critical role of ecological disturbances – avalanche, windstorm, insect outbreak, and flood – in mountain ecosystems; experience the magic of ancient forests with scientific precision and artistic spontaneity; and learn about the challenges and opportunities for modern conservation in Eastern European landscapes. With an exploratory emphasis on the magnificent brown bear, participants will become familiar with the scientific approaches to the study of animal ecology – animal tracking, behavioral observations, digiscoping and the deployment of motion-activated cameras; engage the contemplative and artistic process of creating in-field drawings of wild locations; and share hands-on experiences and personal reflections with ecologists, conservation biologists, wildlife movie makers and artists. Throughout the tour we will seek to challenge our relationship with nature and attempt to define a scientific, artistic and cultural baseline for comprehending the European wild.