JACKSON, Wyo. — In honor of Endangered Species Day, over 100 students at Jackson Hole Middle School (JHMS) spent time on Thursday and Friday, creating chalk art outside of the school to raise awareness about endangered species and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Twenty-six seventh-grade Life Science students participated by creating rough drafts of their designs and then brought those designs to life Friday, May 19. Eighth-grade students from Amy Aronowitz’s art class also created art outside of JHMS.

Students work on their chalk art on Friday, May 19 outside of JHMS. Photos: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

Artists Emily Boespflug, Charley Daveler and Abby Paffrat, who regularly work with Jackson Hole pARTners to bring art to local students, were on site to assist students and also created their own pieces. Jackson Hole pARTners provided sidewalk chalk for the students.

Along with the 18th annual Endangered Species Day, 2023 also marks the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.

Wyoming Wildlife Advocates and Jackson Hole pARTners helped to host the event which was part of a larger chalk art event hosted by the Endangered Species Coalition.

Endangered Species Day is a global day of action aimed at celebrating, educating, and taking action to protect endangered species. It was created in 2006 by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition and is held annually on the third Friday in May.

Lindsay is a contributing reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in local policies and politics, the environment and amplifying community voices. She's curious about uncovering the "whys" of our region and aims to inform the community about the issues that matter. In her free time, you can find her snowboarding, cooking or planning the next surf trip.