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Experience Nature!
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May ended up being warmer and drier than average and June begins with a similar pattern. We were hoping to see afternoon showers but seems the high pressure dominates our western skies. As the blooming season begins, the valley is bright green with new leaves and a mosaic of color brightens the meadows. There are lots of blossoms at lower elevations. Snow continues to dominate the high country giving the valley a wonderful contrast of beauty, light and color. Waterways are muddy as the snow releases its grip in the mountains and the rivers run high. The main river in Jackson Hole, the Snake River, is expected to reach peak runoff during the first week of June.
As the summer season begins, Teton County Weed and Pest ramps up its summer program Habitat Heroes to battle noxious weeds. It’s a wonderful opportunity to help the environment, meet other community members, and battle those nasty noxious weeds. Many areas in our valley need attention, including Game Creek, Shadow Mountain, Kelly Campus of Teton Science Schools, Astoria, and more. Join me and other volunteers to help eradicate musk thistle from Shadow Mountain on Wednesday, June 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Shoot me an email for details and then visit the program calendar to register:
https://www.tcweed.org/programs/outreach-education/volunteer
Happy Solstice,
Cathy
Cathy Shill
Founder, The Hole Hiking Experience
REGIONAL
Is there too much public land?
Years ago, a young man asked me, “Aren’t the National Parks already protected?” I replied, “No—they’re owned by the people, and it’s up to us to decide their future.”
Today, that future feels uncertain. From the increasing threat of wildfires to the push for resource extraction, some elected officials argue that selling off public lands could bring financial gain. But doing so risks losing what makes these places so valuable—open access, natural beauty, and shared heritage.
Fortunately, there’s bipartisan momentum to protect these lands. U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D–NM–02) and Ryan Zinke (R–MT–01) have launched the Public Lands Caucus, a promising effort to safeguard the West’s public lands for future generations.
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?
The Hole Hiking Experience team is growing!
Our wonderful team of seasoned naturalists includes a few fresh faces this summer! After a couple weeks of training sessions, we came together for some team bonding—and now we’re ready and excited to share the wonders of nature with you.
Join us on the trails to explore and learn more about the incredible Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We can’t wait to see you out there!
Nature Awaits You!
Backcountry Tips
- Lightning is a serious hazard in the mountains, and weather conditions can shift rapidly. Be prepared and know how to respond. If you’re unsure of proper lightning safety techniques, review this helpful guide: NOLS Backcountry Lightning Safety Guidelines.
- Make sure you know how to carry and use bear spray effectively. Stay alert, make noise, and avoid surprising wildlife. Respect their space—this is their home too.
Field Facts
- The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem comes alive with the summer solstice on June 20, 2025. Wildflowers bloom, young animals emerge, birdsong fills the air, bears mate, fish spawn, and insects buzz—each sign a heartbeat in the rhythm of summer’s arrival.
- Sadly, Great Gray Owls appear to be fewer in number this spring. Shifts in temperature and changing food sources may be taking a toll on these elusive raptors.
Tour Suggestions
Lower elevations are especially rewarding to explore this time of year, with new trails opening daily. Josie’s Ridge and Cache Creek offer vibrant spring blooms and scenic routes close to town. In Grand Teton National Park, early June is a great time to enjoy lower-elevation trails like the loop around Jenny Lake or sections of the Valley Trail. Wildflowers are blooming across the valley, and it’s always exciting to follow the snowmelt as higher trails gradually become accessible.
Join us for a community weed pull on Shadow Mountain from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM on June 25. We’re teaming up with Teton County Weed and Pest to combat musk thistle—and we could use your help! Plus, the Bridger-Teton team will be out on Shadow Mountain on June 20, offering even more ways to get involved in protecting our public lands.
Check out the volunteer calendar for more opportunities to help slow the spread of noxious weeds!
