LOCAL
As soon as the snow melts, new shoots and leaves burst forth with life. The valley and lower hillsides are bright green as plants begin to grow and photosynthesize — the process in which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to make oxygen and energy. The chlorophyll produced in the leaves is what makes them look green. Leaves are brightest when they first start to grow before the protective outer layer, or cuticle, is formed. Photosynthesis is largely responsible for producing and maintaining the oxygen content of the Earth’s atmosphere, and supplies most of the energy necessary for life on Earth.
I enjoy the pulse of newness and growth in the plant and animal world at this time of year. A drive through the parks can often yield sightings of young bison frolicking among the sage and the possible glimpse of a grizzly with her cubs along the roadways.
Spring runoff from the record-breaking winter precipitation is making its way to the mighty Snake River and will continue its journey down to the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. As reservoirs fill down river, the Bureau of Reclamation begins its job of regulating water flows to hold and store for irrigation. Their decisions greatly affect the delicate Snake River fishery and limits water for recreationists.
Explore the topic:
Wyoming Game & Fish
Bureau of Reclamation to reduce water flow from Jackson Lake Dam
Jackson Hole News&Guide
Wyoming averts ‘drying out’ Oxbow Bend — for now
Smoke from dozens of wildfires in Alberta, Canada, began drifting into northwestern Wyoming in early May. It’s awfully early to have the view of our mountains obscured by wildfire smoke. The fires, caused by a severe heat wave, are threatening many thousands of homes and are impacting oil production and gas prices. Let’s hope cooler temperatures and moisture bring relief to Canada.
Learn more:
Smoke in Northwestern Wyoming Coming From 91 Wildfires in Canada, 27 Out Of Control
There are indeed benefits to wildfires. In Jackson Hole, fires rejuvenate the forests and help to offset the dry climate. The heat of fire releases nutrients. As fire burns, it instantaneously destroys living and decaying vegetation and releases the nutrients back into the forest floor. A quick burn is most beneficial while a hot wildfire kills everything in the soil.
SPIRIT
The Summer Day
By Mary Oliver
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean—
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
Backcountry Tips
- Be mindful of muddy trails and limit impact to avoid trail damage.
- Give wildlife the space it deserves. Animals are weakened after a long winter. Remember 100 yards for bears and wolves and 25 yards for all others.
- Carry bear spray on all adventures.
- Never touch a young wild animal. Recently, a man helped a bison calf out of the river and the calf was euthanized because the herd rejected it. His attempted kind gesture resulted in its death. Nature has a plan and humans should not interfere.
Field Facts
- Birds are mating and nesting.
- Female grizzlies and cubs are active and foraging along the roadways in Grand Teton National Park.
- As the Solstice approaches, the energy in Jackson Hole rises to a collective peak with all the young animals, nesting birds, and blooming flowers bursting with life.
Tour Suggestions
The Tetons are still filled with snow so for fun hiking options and spring flowers, explore south of town, in the Gros Ventre Mountains, and on the trails near town, such as Cache Creek and Josie’s Ridge. Build endurance with a hike to Grizzly Lake in the Gros Ventre Mountains — recent bridge work along the trail has improved the water crossings. Warm temperatures will soon offer more options in the higher elevations.
Hit the trail with The Hole Hiking Experience to journey off the beaten track and learn about the wildlife and beauty of Jackson Hole. Our experienced team of naturalists has been sharing their knowledge for 34 years.
