LOCAL
It’s already an epic flower year in the Tetons!
Summers are short in the Rocky Mountains and they certainly are sweet with millions of acres of wild country to explore. We are experiencing an “El Niño” weather pattern, when warmer ocean temperatures off the coast of South America bring wetter than average conditions across Northwest Wyoming. The snow line is slowly climbing up the mountains and the daily rain showers are making the wildflowers very happy! While snow continues to linger in the high country, peak blooms can be enjoyed below 8,500 feet.
Pet protocols — protecting our water
As more people feel the pull to visit and live in Jackson, there is an increasing need to tread lightly and educate newcomers on how to limit impact on nature. We recently shared the trail with a new local who enjoys sharing nature with his dog and did not know the protocol or importance of picking up after his pet. The following facts are important to know and share.
- The number of domestic dogs exceeds the number of people living in Jackson.
- E. coli has been found in some of our streams and is being attributed to increased trail use.
- Our efforts to pick up after our pets can help prevent water contamination
Let’s all do our part to tread lightly, educate politely, keep our dogs under control, and pick up their feces. We all have the right to enjoy the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as well as a responsibility to protect it for future generations.
Learn more:
Think picking up your dog’s poop is gross? Try drinking it
Also, check out Coexistence, a report by the JH Conservation Alliance that offers a great introduction to living in Jackson Hole and how humans and wildlife can better share space.
New conservation efforts for the BLM
The Biden-Harris Administration proposed a conservation rule that would protect America’s most vulnerable public lands. It would establish a framework within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ensure healthy landscapes and to manage the land for all species. It is gaining momentum and would change protection on millions of acres in the West.
Learn more:
What Biden’s Proposed Conservation Rule Would Mean for America’s Most Vulnerable Public Lands
A ‘seismic shift’ for public lands?
SPIRIT
“Life holds so much… so much to be happy about always. Most people ask for happiness on condition. Happiness can be felt only if you don’t set conditions.”
—Arthur Rubinstein
Field Facts
- July is peak flower season and there are over 1,000 species of flowering plants in the region to enjoy!
- Flower blossoms fill the landscape at lower elevations including flax, mule’s ear, lupine, scarlet gilia, strawberry, and many more.
- The cotton in the air comes from both Aspen and Cottonwood trees, members of the willow family. The female trees of both species produce cotton that blows throughout town.
- DO NOT APPROACH WILDLIFE. The health and well-being of young animals is dependent on humans leaving them alone. Remember to observe only when visiting nature and do not impact wildlife in any way.
Backcountry Tips
- It’s tick season — make sure to check for any hitchhikers at the end of your adventures.
- Afternoon thunderstorms can quickly change temperatures at any elevation. Hypothermia is more common in July than January since people are less prepared. Plan accordingly for your adventure.
- July is peak flower month and beautiful flowers mean beautiful bugs! Don’t forget to carry bug spray.
Trail suggestion
July is a great time to plan longer excursions. On the west side of the Tetons, Mt. Oliver and Taylor are both fun hikes in the Targhee National Forest. Table Mountain is more challenging and you can’t beat the Teton views. In Grand Teton Park, enjoy a hike to the meadows beneath the Grand Teton. If you have more energy and know about backcountry safety and travel, climb the Middle or South Teton for an all-day adventure. Long days mean more preparation so plan accordingly and make sure to tell someone where you are going. Have fun!
Join a naturalist on the trail!
Join a Hole Hiking Experience naturalist to discover the mosaic of colorful blossoms dancing up the hillsides. Visit holehike.com to book a tour.
