JACKSON, Wyo. — Jackson Hole is iconic for its access to wildlife, and this summer a number of local groups and organizations are offering free wildlife education programs to learn more about local species along with viewing opportunities.
While megafauna like bears, elk and bison are heavily emphasized in the local ecology, a range of species from scavengers to insects are critical to sustaining the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). Below is a list of public programs to learn more about the diverse wildlife:
National Elk Refuge
Curlew Cruises: Refuge Volunteer Naturalists will continue with Curlew Cruises, every Tuesday in July from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. These driving tours will allow participants to observe North America’s largest shorebird, the Long-billed Curlews, who migrate to breed on the National Elk Refuge, in addition to other migratory birds of the Refuge.
- Reservations, which are required, can be made in person at the National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center.
Refuge Discover Tours: Refuge Volunteer Naturalists will take visitors for a driving tour of the National Elk Refuge, Thursdays and Fridays in July from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The tour will access areas of the Refuge that are otherwise closed to the public and include information about history, wildlife and birds.
- Reservations, which are required, can be made in person at the National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center.
Raptors on Refuges: The Teton Raptor Center will be onsite at the National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center to explore the world of raptors, Mondays in July and August from 2 to 3 p.m.
- No reservations are required.
Tap into Science
Early Snow Melt Drives Earlier Flowering in the Tetons: Trevor Bloom, applied ecologist, Charlotte Cadow, native plant technician of The Nature Conservancy, and Charlie Craighead, naturalist and filmmaker, will discuss how climate change is driving early snowmelt timing in the Tetons and the cascading effects of that on water, wildflowers, wildlife and fire seasons. The event will take place on the Brewpub lawn on Monday, July 10, at 5:30 p.m.
Teton Raptor Center
Avian Experience: A 45-minute up-close, live bird experience in a newly restored historic barn to learn about raptors and their role in the GYE. Attendees will also discover more about the Center’s work in the field studying birds of prey and in the clinic, where they care for injured, ill and orphaned raptors and corvids. The program will run from June 1 through Sept. 30 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays starting at 2 p.m.
Grand Teton National Park
Wildlife and You: Visitors can meet with a ranger on the back deck of the Colter Bay Visitor Center to learn about animals living in Grand Teton and how to find and safely view them. This 30 minute session takes place every day from June 7 to Sept. 4, starting at 1 p.m.
Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation
Boyle’s Hill Bird Banding: The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation are welcoming visitors to experience JHWF’s songbird research program in person this year, subject to staff availability. Get in touch with hilary@jhwildlife.org to schedule a visit.
