Fall is a favorite time of the year for our team of naturalists. Autumn arrives with frosty mornings, the sound of bugling bull elk, and vibrant foliage dotting the hillsides. We’ve had unseasonably warm, dry weather, what is referred to as Indian summer, and the trees and plants are showing their colors once again. Both the dogwood and huckleberry bushes have turned a brilliant red (caused by anthocyanins — a type of flavonoid that are the source of red, purple and blue rich coloring) while the aspen and cottonwood trees have turned to gold (caused by carotenoids — richly colored molecules that are the source of the yellow, orange and red colors). Warm days and cool nights will prolong the color. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy the trails throughout the valley.
hiking
April Nature News: Transition to spring!
Local Weather April was cold and snowy in Wyoming with a whisper of spring. Due to a family emergency, I spent the month in the Midwest. I traveled to Ohio when my mother broke her back. April in Ohio contrasts greatly with the winter landscape of Wyoming. The month started with green grass and flowering […]
August Nature News: Smoky skies, the controversial Grizzly hunt, and berry season in Jackson Hole
Heat and haze dominate the start of August. Temperatures this month were hot, rain was minimal and the lack of moisture has left a crispy landscape. Fire danger changed to extreme. Winds brought smoke and haze from northern California making the month predominately smoky. As I have mentioned before, fire is extremely important in the […]
July Nature News: Jackson Hole wildflowers are in full bloom! Join us for a colorful hike in the glorious Grand Teton mountain range.
July brings the heat of summer, endless meadows of blooming flowers, and hazy skies from Western fires. Anglers fish the Snake River. Wildlife are most visible at dawn and dusk as afternoon temperatures reach the high eighties. Life pulses in our valley with playtime in the mountains, cocktails on the deck, evening music, the annual […]
May Nature News: Springtime in Jackson Hole brings all shades of green, wildlife birthing season
May is a visual month with color change, blue skies, wildlife, high water and lots of daylight. The color green describes the month of May. Plants awaken, start to photosynthesize and produce chlorophyll. Photosynthesis is the process of using sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce sugars or carbohydrates and how the plant makes its’ food. […]
