Natural World of Jackson Hole
Stepping Out....into the Natural World of Jackson Hole
Many people who visit Jackson Hole during the summer and fall months do so with the intent to view our wildlife and stunning scenery. Summer in the Jackson Hole area can be a breathtaking display of nature's intricate balances of life. A popular national and international destination, Jackson often has an astounding number of summer visitors. The impact of these visitors, in the Jackson area (more accurately known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem) and other areas is often of concern; the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), comprised of some 14 million acres of private and federal lands, is one of the largest relatively intact temperate ecosystems in the world.
In response to these world-wide concerns the concept "Ecotourism" was developed as a way to promote environmentally and economically friendly tourism that is sustainable and benefits the local area. Ecotourism also strives to educate and inform the visitor about what they are seeing and develop an interaction or sense of relationship between the visitor and the natural world.
While visiting the Jackson area, there are several options available to you that can help you view wildlife, understand the landscape and how both man's presence and your own personal presence can and will have an effect. Commercial, federal and non-profit groups have programs available that can contribute to your knowledge and understanding of the GYC.
Wildlife Expeditions
Wildlife Expeditions is directed by wildlife biologist David Watson. The non-profit organization offers an unusual opportunity for the recreational visitor.. Participants in their program are involved in research-oriented expeditions that focus on a variety of different animals, from the effects of fire on porcupine habitat to radio tracking large ungulates such as elk and mule deer. All programs are directed and led by a trained naturalist or biologist.
Wildlife Expeditions' philosophy strives towards creating a sense of involvement and stewardship between you and the animal you are observing and interacting with. The organization feels that developing meaningful relationships between participants and the natural world is a unique and valuable experience for many people. Rather than an abstract encounter with a bison from a car in Yellowstone, an understanding of the environment is developed and with it, a better understanding of the the natural world and its potential impact on our lives.
The expeditions are offered on three different levels:
- Sunrise & Sunset expeditions. Participants observe a major species and learn how to ethically observe and find wildlife.<
- Full-day expeditions. A full day allows for locating more species, learning interrelationships, behavior and habits while participating in a hands-on wildlife research project.
- Six-day expeditions. Participant in several different research projects, with a wide variety of wildlife viewing and scenery.
All of the expeditions are geared for the average person, with varying levels of physical exertion (most of the work can be done from specially equipped vehicles). For more information contact the Wildlife Expeditions, PO Box 7580, Jackson WY 83001, (307) 733-2623.
Teton Science School
A non-profit organization founded in 1967, the school is considered one of the premier natural science education centers in the northern Rocky Mountain region. The campus is located inside of the Grand Teton National Park and classes are taught in the Park, Yellowstone National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Known primarily for their elementary, junior high and high school programs, during the summer the School offers a variety of one to three day programs for adults. The classes offer an excellent option to enhance your knowledge of the area. The School is a unique place; it attracts an amazing diversity of people that desire and integrate the natural world into their daily lives.
For a more complete listing and/or information contact the Teton Science School, PO Box 68, Kelly, WY 83001 (307) 733-4765, tss@wyoming.com.
Federal Agencies
Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest all offer a variety of publications and/or walks led by rangers during the summer months.
- Grand Teton National Park, PO Box 170, Moose, WY 83012. (307) 739-3300.
- Yellowstone National Park, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 82190. (307) 344-7381.
- Bridger-Teton National Forest, PO Box 1888, Jackson, Wyoming, 83001. (307) 739-5500.
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