morels

Nature News-
June has been a wet month and is our third wettest on record.  We have received 3.75 inches of rain with 1.65 inches being average. Some species thrive in wet conditions and some have challenges. Morels seemed to like the mix of rain and sun. We do have fewer flying insects so fewer swallows.  Vegetation has been and continues to be glorious so herbivores are happy. The endless rain made it tough on visitors, farmers, boaters and other recreationists but now the sun is shining and the trails are clearing of snow.

At this time of the year, you can witness the transition of the plant world. As you go higher in elevation, you can physically see the change from a winter landscape to a blooming summer meadow. The foothills and sage habitats are filled with flowers. As you begin to ascend into the montane zone (between 6800-9000 feet), you still come across some patches of snow and a mix of blooms. You might see the first flowers- the buttercups, spring beauty and yellow bell lily and also some of the earlier summer blooms -lupine, larkspur, geranium, and nine-leaved desert parsley. The subalpine and alpine zones (9000 feet to treeline) are still mainly snow covered but each day of warmth brings change. The rivers are still high with sediment found in the streams. Peak water is occurring now.

camas and wyethia

I had the opportunity to explore the Squirrel Meadows area on the Reclamation/Grassy Lake Road north in the valley. It was a main route to the Yellowstone Area during the early 1900’s. It goes from Ashton, Idaho to the Flagg Ranch area in Yellowstone. Visitors would take the train to Ashton then travel on a stagecoach to get to the park. The land is now mainly protected and supports many of the larger predators in the area, specifically the Grizzly Bear.

We enjoyed a day of spring flowers and saw fields of Blue Camas and white Wyethia. Blue Camas was a main food source for the native peoples in this area. They would roast the bulbs preserving them for winter. A favorite camping spot was the shores of Jackson Lake. We even saw the carnivorous plant- the sundew, Drosera rotundifolia. It is a tiny, insect eating perennial herb and also used to treat respiratory tract problems.

June 20 was the summer solstice which is the longest day of light. We align with light to celebrate summer. We align with nature. Time is something we have instilled in our lives so it is nice to live with the light. Rise at dawn, and go to bed at dusk. When we align with the solstice and recognize summer, it does increase the support of nature. Energy is high. Step outside and breathe and you will feel it. Nature supports us. To delve a bit deeper, focus on your breath, quiet your mind, and feel the spaciousness.

Happy summer to all…..

What’s in the woods-
First week of June- young hawks in nest, robins feeding young, magpies on nest,
6/3- Victor, ID- vetch
6/8-Gros Ventre Slide- clematis, gromwell, twinflower honeysuckle
6/8 Victor, ID- swainson’s hawk, mountain bluebird, calliope hummingbird, long leaved phlox, stemless goldenweed, larkspur
6/8- week of… rainy and cool
6/9- Moose Creek- about 30 orchids!- calypso bulbosa, glacier lily, clematis- virgin’s bower, geranium, forget-me-nots, bluebells, arnica
6/9- Victor, ID- cottonwoods found morels!
6/12-Darby Canyon-lazuli bunting, hummingbird
6/13-Grove Creek- clematis, bluebells, serviceberry, chokecherry, black hawthorn, hoary balsamroot, arrowleaf balsamroot, lomatium, lupine, larkspur
6/16- Reclamation Road, Loon Lake, Squirrel Meadows- sundew- carnivorous plant, wyethia, camas, glacier lily, leopard lily, buttercup, lomatium, buckbean, leathery grapefern
6/19- house wrens actively feeding chicks
6/20-summer solstice- rainy and cool
6/26- teton Village- striped coralroot, flax, scarlet gilia
6/27-Victor, ID- salsify, toadflax, scarlet gilia, green gentian
6/28-Palisades Reservoir- bald eagle, osprey, western grebe, mules ear, geranium

carnivorous sundew

Trail Suggestion-
Options are certainly endless at this time of the year. Park trails are well marked but can be a bit crowded. I really like to explore the national forest since the areas are spectacular and less crowded in July and August. Snow is still an issue but it is quickly melting. A few favorites are Taylor Mountain up Coal Creek in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Ski Lake in the southern Tetons, and Goodwin Lake in the Gros Ventre Range. Both Ski Lake and Goodwin Lake are in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. If you want specific directions or insight on a particular hike, let me know. Have fun and remember to be prepared. Summer storms can come in fast and furious.

I did receive the rainfall information from Mountain Weather. It is a great resource for the weather in our area.

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.

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