May. It is typically our wettest month with almost two inches of moisture and temperatures ranging from an average high of 67 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 31 degrees.

It is also THE month of visible change in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Old man winter releases his grip and the spring maiden comes forth. The changes occur almost instantly with one day being brown and silent and the next bursting with greenery and sound. It really amazes me how quickly spring comes and if you don’t watch closely the change has occurred and all of a sudden you think, wow, it’s noisy, green and spring!

Seasonal changes affect all parts of nature. Waterways begin to flow with new force. Birds mate and build nests. New buds burst open daily. You can watch this cycle of change move from south to north, lower elevations to upper. You can measure changes with altitude and latitude according to Hopkin’s Law (A.D. Hopkins-1918). This law states “ as a rule of thumb, the date of peak flowering of a certain plant species moves northeastward at the rate of 1 degree of latitude every four days and upward at the rate of 100 feet (30 meters) of elevation a day.” This is a great law to use when you are seeking that particular plant species or just curious when trails might be free of snow.

At this time of year, I certainly have my spring favorites. Watching the red tail hawks return to soar in the sky and establish their nesting territories would be a highlight. These beautiful birds do migrate. Some south to Mexico and beyond while others stay in the state leaving snowy Jackson to more wind swept plains and more food. Their return signifies spring. I also love the first spring blooms. Spring Beauty, Claytonia lanceolata, is an amazing plant. It comes with a white to pinkish bloom with pink veins on the petals. Of course, it is a food source because Mother Nature wouldn’t have her first blooms be anything but helpful to all life. We can eat them. Bears and rodents like the roots and elk, deer and sheep eat the whole plant. Other spring blooms that are edible and support life are the violets, the edible leaves of strawberries, orogenia, nettles, dandelions, yellow bell lilies, sorrel, and numerous more. Nettles are a great spring green full of iron and a great help to allergies. Nettles are best cooked but the others make a great spring salad.

Spring is also birthing time for the larger animals. They have evolved to give birth at this time of the year so the young have the summer months to gain strength to survive the winter. During the months of May and June most young are born. In May, the young bison and moose are often spotted. In June, you might see the new born elk, pronghorn, big horn sheep or mountain goats. Deer will give birth in June and July so a bit later than the other species.

The month ends with high water and melting snow. We have rain showers predicted this week and all this precipitation means beautiful flowers and a vibrant start to the season.  Our hiking season has begun and this summer celebrates 20 years for The Hole Hiking Experience! We are sharing our favorite spots and giving hikers the ability to participate with nature. Join us to connect to the landscape!

What’s in the woods-
5/1-5/8- Ohio- blooming trillium, salomon seal, maple, a lot of pink family, rose-breasted grosbeak
5/10- Mud Lake- first start of Aspen Leaves in Teton Valley, Idaho, buttercup, yellow bell  lily, spring beauty
5/12- bullock’s oriole returns to our yard- just in time for the hummingbird feeder
5/15-backyard feeder- male and female crossbills, male and female goldfinch, male and female evening grosbeak, pine siskin, two chipmunks, raven, magpie, robins, male and female cassin’s finch
5/17- house wrens building nest in our bird house!
5/18- Aspens in Teton Valley are leafed and cottonwoods have male catkins.
5/19 Munger- shooting star, woodland star, yellow bell lily, spring beauty, dwarf waterleaf
5/20- Mud Lake- arrowleaf balsamroot
5/22-5/24- Boulder, Wyoming- trumpeter swans, turkey vultures, red tail hawks, downy woodpecker, house wren, nine-leaved desert parsley, balsamroot, arnica, shooting star
5/26-Shadow Mountain- sugarbowl clematis, yellow violet, green gentian-starting to grow, numerous meadowlarks, white-crowned sparrow
5/27-Aspen Trail- clematis!, sugarbowl, serviceberry, black-headed grosbeak
5/30-Fox Creek- arrowleaf balsamroot, Oregon grape, serviceberry, sticky geranium

Trail Suggestion-
A few of my spring favorites are Dog Creek south of Astoria in the Snake River Canyon and the valley trail at the base of the Tetons. Two Idaho favorites are Mud Lake outside of the town of Victor and the Aspen Trail at the base of the Tetons in Teton Valley, Idaho. Snow King in the town of Jackson is also a great hike and in the spring, you might see pasque flower! Let me know if you need directions. Always remember to be prepared when you head into the mountains and make sure somebody knows where you are. For current trail conditions, it is always worthwhile to visit the Moose Visitor Center in Grand Teton Park or the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on North Cache. Have fun and happy hiking!

Experience nature! Join us to make the most of your Jackson Hole visit! Our tours are educational, inspirational, and fun for all ages. Visit our Web site for more information.

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