From the Parks: Two Temp Exhibits Celebrate Wyoming at Natl Elk Refuge

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WY Beef Summer WLM 2015

A reproduction of Rock Springs' Andrew Kneeland's Duck Stamp award-winning acrylic painting.
A reproduction of Rock Springs’ Andrew Kneeland’s Duck Stamp award-winning acrylic painting.

Two temporary exhibits will be on display next month at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, located at 532 N. Cache Street in Jackson. The public is invited to view the colorful exhibits, which celebrate Wyoming successes.

From the National Elk Refuge … The first exhibit commemorates the 125th anniversary of Wyoming statehood. Wyoming became the 44th state admitted to the Union on July 10, 1890. An interactive display will give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the state’s history and fun facts. Both a Wyoming and National Elk Refuge time line will be featured, along with coloring sheets, state logos, and a Wyoming quiz. Small Wyoming flags will be given to the first 200 families that visit the exhibit, which will be in the upstairs theater from July 2 through July 12.

Later in the month, visitor center staff will add a second exhibit to the upper level of the visitor center. The Wyoming Junior Duck Stamp 2015 Artwork Tour for the Top 100 entries and National Best in Show will move from its current location at the Campbell County Public Library in Gillette to the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center from July 9 through August 2.The exhibit features an acrylic painting of two wood ducks by Andrew Kneeland, age 17, of Rock Springs. Not only was Kneeland awarded top honors in the state competition, but his artwork was judged the winner among best–of–show entries from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. His design will appear on next year’s Federal Junior Duck Stamp, scheduled to be released in June 2016.

The Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is a dynamic educational program that uses both conservation and design principles to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl biology to students from kindergarten through high school. The program incorporates both scientific and wildlife management principles into an engaging visual arts curriculum. At the completion of their studies, participants complete a Junior Duck Stamp design, which is submitted to a state or territory contest. Top entries move on to the national competition.

 

Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center hours are from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

 

NEWS FROM THE PARKS: National Elk Refuge Celebration, GTNP Looking for Youth for Summer 2014

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image from National Elk Refuge website

National Elk Refuge:  NER to Celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge System

The National Elk Refuge is pleased to offer an opportunity this month to celebrate several significant dates in the history of the National Wildlife Refuge System. From Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 23, displays and naturalist presentations at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center will focus on the conservation efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The events listed below will run daily throughout the ten–day celebration and are free of charge. The Visitor Center is located at 532 N. Cache Street in Jackson and is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

President Theodore Roosevelt established the nation’s first wildlife refuge on March 14, 1903 at Pelican Island National Bird Reservation in Florida. Since then, the National Wildlife Refuge System has grown into a vast network of habitats that benefits wildlife, provides outstanding outdoor experiences, and protects a healthy environment. To show how large the national wildlife refuge system has grown, National Elk Refuge naturalists will display a large U.S. map in the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, showing the location of all the refuges (over 560) throughout the country. Visitors will be asked to place a pin on the national wildlife refuge closest to their home. On March 24, the refuge receiving the most pins will be announced on Facebook and Twitter.

Guests can learn more about the establishment of the National Wildlife Refuge System through two displays set up in the small theater located on the top level of the Visitor Center. The first exhibit will be a time line showing significant dates throughout the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with a brief description of each event. The second display will highlight the 80 year history of the Federal Duck Stamp program. President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act, popularly known as the Duck Stamp Act, on March 16, 1934. Originally created as a license required for hunting migratory waterfowl, Duck Stamps have a much larger purpose today. They serve as a vital tool for wetland conservation, with 98 cents out of every dollar generated by the sales going directly to purchase or lease wetland habitat within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The sale of stamps is not restricted to hunters; many non–hunters collect the beautiful stamps and purchase them to support wildlife conservation. Refuge naturalists will share images of some of the previous Duck Stamps from throughout the years.

Visitor center staff will run a video entitled “America’s Darling: The Story of Jay N. Ding Darling” continuously during the celebration to honor the conservation achievements of the man that designed the first Federal Duck Stamp. In addition to his Duck Stamp art, Darling authored two books and twice won the Pulitzer Prize for cartooning, in 1923 and again in 1942. He used his satirical pen to promote issues of conservation and to bring national attention to environmental concerns. On Sunday, March 16, naturalists will set up a table with art supplies and reference books outside of the theater, allowing children and adults to design their own Duck Stamp.

More information on the National Wildlife Refuge System can be found at www.fws.gov/refuges/about/index.html. To inquire about the Visitor Center events, please call 307.739.9322.

National Park:  Youth Conservation Program Recruits Wanted!

Grand Teton National Park Recruits for 2014 Youth Conservation Program

MOOSE, WY —Grand Teton National Park is recruiting participants for the 2014 Youth Conservation Program (YCP). Funding for this youth employment opportunity comes from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation through generous contributions by their donors. Applications must be postmarked by March 14, 2014

The YCP is a summer program for high school students, ages 16 to 19. The 2014 program will span ten weeks from June 16 through August 21. This marks the ninth year that Grand Teton has conducted the program, and trail supervisors hope to enroll 15-25 short-term positions during this recruitment period.

Participants must be at least 16 years of age by June 16, and live locally as housing is not provided. Applicants must also be United States citizens and students in good standing. Other qualifications include good team skills, a willingness to learn about Grand Teton National Park and its trail system, and the ability to work at a physically demanding job which may involve lifting 30-40 pounds. Wages for participants in the YCP program are set at approximately $11.00 per hour.

YCP enrollees develop an understanding of National Park Service (NPS) conservation ethics as they assist with critically-needed maintenance and rehabilitation on park trails and pathways. Participants work alongside NPS crew leaders and become familiar with NPS stewardship goals, while learning essential trail maintenance skills. YCP participants will work 30-50% of their time with several of the other park divisions (i.e. Science and Resource Management, Interagency Fire, Interpretation, and Visitor and Resource Protection). Students will also meet experts in all aspects of public lands conservation.

During the course of their day, YCP participants may answer basic visitor questions and serve as ambassadors for the park as they complete project work on some of the most visible, and most impacted, park trails. Most of the work will be focused on projects dealing with rehabilitation of trails and backcountry areas through activities such as brushing, hazard tree removal, and construction of water bars and drainage swales. In addition to the project work, environmental education programs and several recreational opportunities are also offered.

As an extension of their mission to support innovative projects that add value to Grand Teton National Park, the Foundation provides funding for salaries, work boots, work pants, tee-shirts, and free transportation to and from Jackson for YCP participants. For more information about this youth program and how to contribute to future YCP activities, or other Foundation programs, contact Leslie Mattson by email at leslie@gtnpf.org or phone 307.732.0629.

To obtain an application or get further information about the 2014 YCP, please call Stacy Myers in Grand Teton National Park at 307.739.3379, or write to YCP Program, GTNP, Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012.  Applications are also available online at http://www.nps.gov/grte/supportyourpark/ycp.htm

 

NATIONAL ELK REFUGE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS — AUGUST 10-12, 2012

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NATIONAL ELK REFUGE TO HOST A SERIES OF CENTENNIAL EVENTS

From the National Elk Refuge:

National Elk Refuge Manager Steve Kallin is pleased to announce an exciting line-up of programs scheduled for Friday, August 10 through Sunday, August 12 to celebrate and honor the Refuge’s 100-year history. The weekend centennial celebration dates were selected to coincide with the historic date of August 10, 1912 when an Act of Congress set aside lands “for the establishment of a winter game (elk) reserve in the State of Wyoming, lying south of the Yellowstone Park . . .”

Centennial activities will kick off at 10:30 am on Friday, August 10 at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, located at 532 N. Cache Street in Jackson. An hour-long program, free of charge and open to the public, will take place on the Visitor Center lawn. Invited guests include Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar or his representative, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe, and Regional Director Steve Guertin. The program will features music, speakers, a short performance by Theodore Roosevelt impersonator Case Hicks, and birthday cake. Parking will be limited; persons attending the event are encouraged to car pool, use off-site parking, or walk from START bus stops such as the Home Ranch Parking Lot located three blocks south of the Visitor Center at the corner of North Cache and Gill Streets.

The National Elk Refuge administrative offices at 675 E. Broadway Street and the Historic Miller House, located  three-quarter mile north of the Refuge’s entrance off East Broadway Street, will be closed on Friday, August 10 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm so all Refuge staff can attend the ceremony. Case Hicks, portraying Theodore Roosevelt at Friday’s ceremony, will also offer two hour-long programs later that same weekend, giving audiences an opportunity to learn about Roosevelt’s establishment of the nation’s first wildlife refuge in 1903 and his important contributions to present-day conservation efforts. In character, Hicks will offer a special children’s program on Friday, August 10 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, entertaining the audience with stories of his childhood and adventures. Free prizes will be given to all children ages 5-12 attending the program, including a limited number of “Teddy Bears.” A second full performance for persons of all ages will be held on Saturday, August 11 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Both Theodore Roosevelt performances will be at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center and are free of charge.

Other events at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center include:

Friday, August 10, 3:00 to 3:30 pm: Slideshow and talk by the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum entitled “Homesteader Hopes and Reality in the High Country of Jackson Hole.” The program will share the history of homesteaders and settlers in the valley through stories of early day residents and historic photographs.

Friday, August 10, 4:30 to 6:30 pm: “Partners in Pathways” celebration, bicycle ride and free barbecue. Sponsored by Friends of Pathways, Jackson Hole Community Pathways, Town of Jackson, Teton County, and the National Elk Refuge. Persons planning to leave the Visitor Center to participate in the ride should park at the Home Ranch Parking Lot located three blocks south of the Visitor Center.

Saturday, August 11, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm: A ranger-led presentation giving insight to the legendary mountain men or fur trappers who lived and trapped in Jackson Hole in the 1820s and 1830s. Dressed in appropriate attire, a Grand Teton National Park ranger will discuss and demonstrate many of the specialized skills that were required of these brave and industrious individuals.

Sunday, August 12, 4:00 pm: Raffle drawing for a Henry Holdworth’s framed photo entitled, “Winter’s Refuge.” The photo is currently on display at the Visitor Center, with ticket sales available through August 12 at 3:30 pm.

A number of weekend events are also scheduled for the Historic Miller House, located ¾ mile north of the Refuge’s entrance off East Broadway Street in Jackson. They include:

Friday, August 10, 12:00 to 4:00 pm: Flint knapping demonstration by artist Tom Lucas, who has a working knowledge of the methods of ancestral tool making.

Friday, August 10, 12:00 to 4:00 pm ; Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm:

Period costumes and props on loan from the Jackson Hole Playhouse. A variety of costumes of all sizes will be on display and available for try-on and photographs.

Saturday, August 11, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm: Chuckwagon cooking demonstration with free samples, provided by Western Range Catering.

Sunday, August 12, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm: Quilting demonstration by the Jackson Hole Quilt Guild.

Two additional public programs will be offered at locations other than the Refuge’s two primary visitor services facilities. They include:

Friday, August 10, 1:00 to 2:30 pm: Refuge staff will lead a public feed shed tour to give participants an opportunity to learn more about the Refuge’s supplemental feeding and irrigation programs. Persons on the tour will drive caravan-style to the feed shed and must provide their own transportation. The tour, offered free of charge, will depart from the Historic Miller House at 1:00 pm.

Friday, August 10, 7:00 to 9:00 pm: An evening of storytelling and reminiscing, entitled “Refuge Reflections: A Manager’s Perspective,” will be held at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located on the west side of Highway 89, 2½ miles north of Jackson’s Town Square. The program will include interviews with four National Elk Refuge Managers, followed by a social hour to meet and visit with each of the speakers. A schedule of activities, listed by day, can be found on the National Elk Refuge’s home page at www.fws.gov/nationalelkrefuge. “We encourage families to come out and enjoy a variety of fun, educational programs and be a part of the celebration,” Kallin said.

For further information on any of the individual events, please call the Refuge administrative offices at 307.733.9212.

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Trumpeter Swan Presentation in Jackson

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www.abcbirds.org Image by Alan Wilson
SPECIAL PROGRAM TO DISCUSS TRUMPETER SWAN HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION

The National Elk Refuge will be hosting its third program in a winter
lunchtime speaker series on Friday,February 24 at 12:30 pm.
The hour–long presentation, which will be held at the Jackson Hole
& Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center at 532 N. Cache Street in
Jackson, will be led by Nongame Biologist Susan Patla from the Wyoming
Game & Fish Department.


Patla has been responsible for the management and monitoring of
wild trumpeter swans in Wyoming since 1999. She also served as
the chairperson of the Greater Yellowstone Trumpeter Swan Working
Group for 10 years. During her presentation, Patla will describe
her work to manage and improve swan habitat and talk about
swan distribution in the state. “Trumpeter swans are one of Wyoming’s
rarest and most magnificent resident birds,” Patla said. “The National
Elk Refuge is one of the best locations in the state to observe
them throughout the year.” Patla will also discuss new grant projects
that create wetlands for nesting swans on private land in partnership
with landowners.
Patla’s presentation is open to the public and free of charge.
Participants may bring a lunch to enjoy during the noon hour talk;
light refreshments will be served. For more information on the program,
please contact the National Elk Refuge administrative offices at 307.733.9212.

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