LOCAL
As the winter ski season draws to a close, snow remains deep in the mountains. March was a wet, snowy month with above average precipitation. It can be a stressful time of the year for wildlife as they seek food sources causing additional calorie loss due to movement through wet, heavy snow.
With the beginning of spring, bears emerge from winter hibernation and birds begin to return to the valley. I have seen mountain bluebirds, robins, red-winged blackbirds, great blue herons, flickers, and I am anxiously awaiting the wonderful call of the western meadowlark. Both grizzly and black bears have been seen in the region. Females with cubs leave dens a bit later in the spring which may be due to protection. Male bears will kill cubs. The valley has the first shoots of green grass so elk and deer can be seen grazing. It’s a vibrant time of change.
Weather will determine the transition to spring. Sunny, warm days will urge wildlife onto summer territories while snowy, cold days minimize movement. Animals will follow the new plants so enjoy the dance of green through the month of April.
Don’t forget to give wildlife space and respect wildlife closures that continue until May 1. New this summer is an Instagram filter from the Wyoming Division of Tourism called the “Selfie Control” to help folks keep their distance from animals and define the recommended distance for safety — 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards for other large animals such as elk and bison. Users will open the filter, select subject and align the animal’s outline on the screen, an icon will appear on the screen and user will be able to gauge distance. If too close, the animal will appear bigger than the icon.
Note: Winter season ends April 6. Summer season begins May 5 and we will be available for reservations during our spring break.
Enjoy this season of transition and quiet pace of the valley,
Cathy
Cathy Shill
Founder, The Hole Hiking Experience
REGIONAL
Terminating the Green New Deal
In western states, there was a grant program to help clean and cover abandoned oil and gas wells. Wyoming plugged 1,021 wells in one year with federal grants. Money is now frozen and grant program is under review. If left unplugged, huge amounts of methane gas get released into the atmosphere and local water sources can become contaminated. The Trump administration refers to this order as “Terminating the Green New Deal” and this decision can greatly affect local communities and overall health. Speak out and write letters to your representatives to protect our air and the earth.
Learn more:
https://wyofile.com/trump-halts-historic-orphaned-well-plugging-program/
And some good news for plants…
On March 31 Wyoming Governor, Mark Gordon, declared April as Wyoming Native Plant Month. “Governor Gordon encourages Wyoming residents to recognize and celebrate the importance of native plants to Wyoming’s rich biological heritage by planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers, removing non-native invasive plants, and educating themselves about the many benefits of native plants.”
Learn more:
https://www.wyaee.org/april-is-native-plant-month-in-wyoming/
SPIRIT
“What we do is more important than what we say or what we say we believe”
—Bell Hooks
Join a naturalist and truly discover the wonders of nature in Jackson Hole!
Find serenity in nature while snowshoeing or wildlife viewing with a naturalist guide. We offer tours for all activity levels, from our snowshoe sampler tour to wildlife driving tours to full-day snowshoeing tours in the backcountry. Find your speed and choose a tour to explore with family and friends. Head to our website to learn more.
Nature Awaits You!
Backcountry Tips
- Give wildlife space. Remember wildlife closures continue until May 1, 2025.
- It’s time to carry bear spray. Tracks have been seen on the landscape.
Field Facts
- Birds are nesting so look for new nests and watch birds gather nesting materials. There are a variety of nest types — scrape, cup, saucer, platform, cavity, crevasse, burrow, pendant and sphere as defined by the Birder’s Handbook, A field guide to the Natural History of North American Birds.
- Spring flowers are small so look closely for the new blossoms. We have spotted orogenia (Indian potato), and yellowbell lilies and spring beauties won’t be far behind. Enjoy the newness. All are good food sources for wildlife.
Tour Suggestions
Park roads will soon be plowed so we can all enjoy the pavement in Grand Teton Park without the worry of cars before vehicle traffic begins on May 1. Bike paths are always a good option in the spring. There is a chance we’ll get some more firm snow to hold our skis for some “crust cruising.” Temperatures greatly affect the snowpack, but cold nights and a bit of sun may produce the firm layer for skiing. This is known as “corn snow” that we welcome in the spring. Don’t forget your bear spray and be prepared for any type of weather. Enjoy the start to spring!
