Local April was wet and cool but the sunny days felt like Spring! Jackson Hole is 43 degrees North latitude so days get noticeably longer at this time of year. The grass is turning green on the valley floor and the snow continues to melt but leaves have yet to develop on the trees. Aspen catkins hang on the branch of male trees offering up the promise though. Crocuses shine in manicured … [Read more...]
March Nature News: Crust cruising, Grizzly bears & the energetic shift of Spring
LOCAL March brings change to the snowy landscape as Spring begins. The month was cold but skies were bright and blue. Increased light spurs change. By middle of the month, the southern slopes on the East and West Gros Ventre Buttes near Jackson expose vegetation. Deer flock to open food sources, rodents are more active, returning Robins find grubs where the snow has melted, and we await the … [Read more...]
February Nature News: Near Record Snow Stresses Plant-Eating Wildlife on the Hunt for Food
February has been a wild ride reminiscent of the 2016-17 winter, which broke all records for valley snow. Storm after storm has hit Jackson Hole this month putting smiles on the skiers' faces. But all this winter weather translates to delayed travel, ice dams on roofs, endless shoveling, and piles of snow to move and manage. As much as we love playing in the snow, harsh winters get a bit … [Read more...]
August: TOTAL solar eclipse, busy valley, light changes
August flows with a pulse of anticipation. Busy times in a busy valley. Traffic slows. Reservations are required. Trails are crowded. Amidst the busyness, nature continues to thrive. Total solar eclipse is enjoyed by thousands. The winter snow and wet spring has kept the valley greener than usual. Flowers continue at higher elevations. Berries are abundant with huckleberry, serviceberry, … [Read more...]
May- spring arrives to Jackson Hole, RAY of change, infamous Grizzly 390 has new cubs!
The month of May transforms Jackson Hole. Nature is bright, clear, and vibrant. The green valley shines as snow recedes up the mountains. Temperatures greatly affect this rate of change. Rivers become muddy as snowmelt occurs. Animal movement appears to meld with changes in the weather. New flower blossoms are seen daily and birds continue to arrive to nesting territories and others feed chicks. … [Read more...]
January: Record snowfall in Jackson Hole! Old man winter descends on valley with feet of snow! RAY of white
Winter 2017 shapes up to be a big one. Snowbanks tower in town. Winds howl. Snow blows. Old man winter descends on Jackson Hole. The deep snow challenges the wildlife as they struggle for sufficient food and travel routes. RAY of white blankets the valley with hardly a twig peaking above the sage flats. Once the snow started to fall in December, it didn’t stop. After a delayed November opening … [Read more...]
Nature News: September
September brings cooler temperatures, the Autumnal Equinox and mating season for the larger animals. The Fall Arts Festival also comes to the town of Jackson. The entire valley breathes. We breathe the change, the quietness of town, the coolness of the air, the frost in the mornings, and the shorter days. Nature pulses with change. The month ends with bluebird skies, clear mountain views, and the … [Read more...]
Nature News: March
March ends with near average snowfall and a 99-inch base. 409 inches of snow has fallen this season at the 9,580 foot/Rendezvous Bowl plot. Spring began on March 20 with the Vernal Equinox which is the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator. Daylight will dominate our 24-hour cycle in the northern hemisphere until the start of summer. Birds return daily and March 20 shared the trill of the … [Read more...]