FROM THE PARKS: Fourth Graders Welcome at GTNP!

 

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Grand Teton National Park Welcomes Fourth-Grade Students

New Program Encourages Families and Classes to Visit National Parks

MOOSE, WY — Grand Teton National Park invites all fourth-grade students to visit the park for free as part of the White House’s new Every Kid in a Park program. Fourth-grade students can visit https://www.everykidinapark.gov/ to complete an activity and obtain a voucher for a free annual entry pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas and lands, including national parks.

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent David Vela said, “We invite all fourth graders and their families, as well as fourth-grade classes, to the park to discover, learn and have fun.” Vela said one of the goals of the program is to connect young people with the great outdoors.

To receive a voucher for their free pass for national parks, fourth graders can visit the Every Kid in a Park website and play a game to access their special voucher. Fourth graders and their families can then obtain a pass for free entry to national parks and other federal public lands and waters across the country from now through August 31, 2016.  The website also includes fun and engaging learning activities aligned to educational standards, trip planning tools, safety and packing tips and other important and helpful information for educators and parents.

In addition to providing every fourth grader in America a free entry pass for national parks and federal public lands and waters, fourth grade educators, youth group leaders and their students can participate in the program through field trips and other learning experiences.

Grand Teton National Park offers a “Weather Wonders” snow science field trip for fourth-grade classes and geology field trips in the fall and spring.  The distance-learning program “Snow Desk” broadcasts live to schools around the country during the winter.

Park personnel will be at Colter Elementary in Jackson Hole to share information at the fourth-grade parents’ night on Wednesday, September 16 from 6-7 p.m. Other schools and fourth-grade teachers that are interested in the program should contact Megan Kohli at grte_education@nps.gov or call 307-739-3656.

Information about additional educational opportunities with Grand Teton National Park such as curriculum materials, field trips, traveling trunks, distance learning and more is available at http://www.nps.gov/grte/learn/education/for-teachers.htm.

The goal of the Every Kid in a Park program is to connect fourth graders with the great outdoors and inspire them to become future environmental stewards, ready to preserve and protect national parks and other public lands for years to come.  The program is an important part of the National Park Service’s centennial celebration in 2016, which encourages everyone to Find Your Park.

Every Kid in a Park is a government-wide effort, launched by President Obama, and supported by eight federal agencies, including the National Park Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Education, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

WY Beef Summer WLM 2015

 

NEWS FROM THE PARKS: Caution Floating the Snake

WY Beef Summer WLM 2015

Rangers Caution Visitors Floating the Snake River Between Deadman’s Bar and Moose Landing

MOOSE, WY Grand Teton National Park / National Park Service — After a recent spate of incidents on the stretch of the Snake River between Deadman’s Bar and Moose Landing, Grand Teton National Park Rangers are cautioning boaters to choose segments of river that are appropriate for their experience and ability level. Rangers have conducted rescues on the Snake River near the Bar BC Ranch for five separate parties since August 1, 2015. Though nobody was seriously injured in the incidents, the consequences of such accidents on the Snake River can be catastrophic.

Though the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park does not consist of any whitewater, it is a complex and unpredictable braided river. A strong current, shifting channels, numerous logjams, eddies, and snags all combine to make floating the Snake a challenging proposition.  These obstacles often require floaters to set up maneuvers well in advance, and inexperienced pilots often make maneuvers too late.

A raft hung up on a snag in the Snake River near Bar BC Ranch. National Park Service Photo.
A raft hung up on a snag in the Snake River near Bar BC Ranch. National Park Service Photo.

Rangers have assigned difficulty levels to the various stretches of river in the park. The section from Deadman’s Bar to Moose Landing, where all of the recent incidents have occurred, is rated “advanced.” In all five incidents, the parties involved likely did not possess appropriate skill and experience to be floating an advanced section of river. Good alternative river segments include Pacific Creek Landing to Deadman’s Bar (rated “intermediate”) and Jackson Lake Dam to Pacific Creek Landing (rated “beginner”).

The five incidents fortunately did not result in significant injuries to those involved. However, the incidents did result in several minor injuries, damaged equipment, and in one case a destroyed vessel. The five parties were respectively operating a canoe, a kayak, a raft, and two drift boats. Some of the visitors involved were local residents. In some cases, the parties were able to self-rescue and were floated to safety by rangers. In others, rangers rescued the visitors hung-up on obstructions using swift water rescue techniques. Grand Teton Lodge Company and Triangle X river guides assisted with two of the rescues.

Rangers urge all visitors planning to float the Snake River to select their river segment based on an accurate assessment of their group’s ability level. River information can be obtained at all park visitor centers. Both a park boat permit and a State of Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) decal are required before launching on any park waters. Additionally, all watercraft entering the park are subject to an AIS inspection when checkpoints are operating.

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

 CLICK HERE & READ OUR NEW ISSUE ONLINE!

 

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.

 

FROM THE PARKS: Free Yellowstone Area Xeriscaping Guides

With This Ring 2015

Thanks to Smith's in Jackson for being a new distribution point for WLM! Don't forget to say hello to Mitch Alm, Manager of Smith's! Thanks guys!
Thanks to Smith’s in Jackson for being a new distribution point for WLM! Don’t forget to say hello to Mitch Alm, Manager of Smith’s! Thanks guys!

2014_1202_WYLifestyle_web_958_460Free Greater Yellowstone Area Xeriscaping Guide Now Available

 

As another growing season is beginning, the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee encourages people to be mindful and efficient in their water use and to utilize practices that use less water in their residential or business landscaping. The committee’s Sustainable Operations Subcommittee is now offering a free, illustrated, color booklet entitled “Xeriscape Landscaping in the Greater Yellowstone Area” which includes suggestions for water-conserving plants and landscaping techniques.

“This year’s lower-than-average snow pack across most of the Greater Yellowstone Area has caused renewed interest in water-wise landscaping,” said the booklet’s co-author and project coordinator, Jane Ruchman, Landscape Architect for the Custer Gallatin National Forest. “Decreasing our landscaping water use also decreases the energy required for pumping and distribution.  It’s a win-win approach to landscaping.”

Water and energy conservation is a priority for the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, a group that is comprised of the Greater Yellowstone Area federal land managers. While some of the West’s great rivers that inspirit and sustain this extraordinary environment originate on federal land in the Greater Yellowstone Area, we all share the responsibility to use our water wisely.

For a free copy of this booklet, call your local Forest Service office on the Custer Gallatin, Shoshone, Bridger-Teton, Caribou-Targhee national forests, or the Madison Ranger District in Ennis. Blake Nursery, which provided valuable assistance in the creation of the guide, also has copies available for the public in the Big Timber area. An electronic copy is posted online at http://fedgycc.org/SOSOverview.htmFor more information, contact Jane Ruchman at (406) 587-6966.

NEWS FROM THE PARKS: Junior Ranger Day April 26

National Park Week begins Saturday, April 19, making this a wonderful time for an early season getaway to experience the wonders of Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Visitors can participate in special National Junior Ranger Day programs on Saturday, April 26. Join us for fun and free activities for the whole family, starting this weekend.

The theme for this year’s National Park Week invites visitors to Go Wild! for history, nature, culture, wildlife, and fun in America’s national parks. “National Park Week is a great time to discover the diverse wildlife, iconic landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history found in our national parks,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Every park offers a different experience so I invite everyone to join the celebration and get to know a park.”

The entry fee for a private, non-commercial vehicle to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks normally costs $25 for seven days.

National Park Week wraps up with a celebration of National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 26. Free events will take place at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center (CTDVC) in Moose and children who participate in at least three of the activities will earn a Junior Ranger badge or patch. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can explore rescue vehicles and equipment used in park operations including fire engines, ranger patrol cars and snowplows. Visitors are also invited to:  participate in physical games testing their skills in an obstacle course; compete against the natural abilities of wildlife in Animal Olympic Games; listen to tales about Grand Teton in the story corner; touch animal furs, feathers and bones or dress up in a real ranger uniform; and spring into fitness with St. John’s Medical Center Wellness Services staff.  Bird handlers from the Teton Raptor Center will be present from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide information and demonstrations with live birds of prey.

Junior Ranger Day is made possible in part with funding by the park’s long-time partner Grand Teton Association (GTA), who will offer a 15 percent discount in the CTDVC bookstore. Participants can buy educational materials, books and other merchandise like videos, posters, and plush animals by using this special discount.

Thanks to the GTA, free shuttles will also be available to transport families from Jackson to the CTDVC for the Junior Ranger Day events. Space on the shuttles will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about Junior Ranger Day activities or about the free shuttle service, please call the CTDVC at 307.739.3399.

Additional information about National Park Week, including a list of nationwide events can be found online at www.nationalparkweek.org.

Opening dates for seasonally operated facilities and roads in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway are as follows: 

Roads

 

Teton Park Road May 1
Moose-Wilson After snow melt—date to be determined (TBD)
Grassy Lake Road June 1; remaining snow drifts may limit access
Signal Mountain Summit TBD

 

Paved multi-use pathways will be fully accessible for use once the snow melts naturally.

 

Visitor Centers & Ranger Stations

 

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Ctr. Open
Colter Bay Visitor Center May 10
Jenny Lake Visitor Center May 16
Laurance S. Rockefeller (LSR) Preserve Center May 31
Flagg Ranch Information Station June 2
Jenny Lake Ranger Station June 6

 

Campgrounds

 

Gros Ventre May 2
Signal Mountain May 9
Jenny Lake May 9
Colter Bay May 22
Colter Bay RV Park May 22
Headwaters Campground & RV Sites June 1
Lizard Creek June 13

 

All backcountry camping permits cost $25, whether advanced reservation or walk-in. Backcountry reservations may be made until May 15 with an additional $10 fee for advanced booking. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. After May 15, all backcountry site permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Lodging

 

Signal Mountain Lodge May 9
Jackson Lake Lodge May 19
Colter Bay Cabins May 22
Triangle X Ranch May 25
Jenny Lake Lodge June 1
Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch June 1

Entrance Stations

 

The Moose, Moran and Granite Canyon entrance stations are open. Fee options include:
$ 12 for a 7-day permit to enter by foot/bicycle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks

$20 for a 7-day permit to enter by motorcycle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks

$25 for a 7-day permit to enter by vehicle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks

$50 for a Grand Teton/Yellowstone Annual Pass valid for one-year entry into both parks

$80 for an Interagency Annual Pass valid for one year entry to

all fee areas on federal lands

 

Bicyclists are reminded that they must stop and show an entry pass before proceeding through the gates, just as vehicles are required to do.  An automated self-serve machine is located on the multi-use pathway adjacent to the Moose Entrance Station. People traveling on the pathway by foot, bike, or rollerblade will be required to stop and pay $12 for a 7-day entry permit, or have a valid pass in possession.

 

Personal identification is required with any pass that requires a signature.

 

For additional information about activities and services within Grand Teton National Park or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, please visit the park’s website www.nps.gov/grte, stop by any visitor center, or call 307.739.3300.

 

Liberty Lausterer: Hitch Your Wagon to the Stars

visit our website & read the new Sprinter 2014 issue!

Our guest blogger, Liberty Lausterer, is back with another introspective look at our square state. Liberty moved to Wyoming within this past year, and offers us her perspective at life in the Cowboy State from a new resident’s eyes.

 

HITCH YOUR WAGON TO THE STARS

Here’s a scary thought. According to Tyler Nordgren, author of Stars Above, Earth Below: Astronomy in the National Parks, 50% of children born this year will never see the Milky Way. I’m no astronomer, but I’d say that’s pretty tragic news.

At a recent talk Nordgren gave at UW, he shared how light pollution is quickly turning the night sky into a rare commodity. We have now entered the era in which families across the U.S. will have to pack their kiddos into a car and drive a lengthy distance to a national park (spending lots of money on gas and lodging and drive-through meals), all so their kids can see the stars. And in some cases (such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park) not even the parks are immune to the devastating effects of light pollution.

The good news is we in Wyoming don’t have many city lights. It’s one of the many things I love about living in a sparsely populated state! But what our children, and our children’s children, will see in the coming generations depends a lot on the choices we make today. From the lights we install in our yards to light up our walkways, to the street lights we approve as communities, the fate of Wyoming’s night sky rests in our hands.

image by Tyler Nordgren

John Muir, the naturalist, said “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” My husband and I have stopped turning the front porch light on when we leave for the evening. I guess you could say it’s our small act of gratitude for the gift of this incredible Wyoming sky we share. So hitch your wagon to the stars!

 

 

NEWS FROM THE PARKS: Report on Grizzlies in Yellowstone Ecosystem

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AGENCY REPORTS AT MEETING PRESENT UNANIMOUSLY GOOD NEWS ABOUT YELLOWSTONE ECOSYSTEM GRIZZLY BEAR RECOVERY

BOZEMAN – Managers from the state, tribal, and federal agencies responsible for recovery of the grizzly bear in the Yellowstone Ecosystem heard good news at their recent meeting in Bozeman, Montana.  Despite being a poor cone production year for the already beleaguered whitebark pine trees (WBP), managers heard reports of surprisingly few conflicts between humans and grizzly bears, even though a record count of 58 unduplicated females with cubs were observed in the ecosystem this year.  Especially promising was that a female with cub was documented in each of the 18 bear management units used to keep track of the bear population.

In addition to reports of minimal conflicts from all of the states and national parks, managers also heard a report on the annual population status from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST).  Utilizing existing statistical  methods the population estimate for the Yellowstone Ecosystem in 2013 is 629.

Because grizzly bears have yet to enter their dens for hibernation, all of the information presented regarding conflicts was labeled as “Draft,” but current data shows 25 known grizzly mortalities recorded so far, which represents less than half the mortalities in 2012.

The IGBST also presented a synthesis of information on the effects of changes in bear foods on the health of the Yellowstone grizzly population. The IGBST had been tasked in the spring of 2012 to do this work so the Yellowstone Ecosystem Subcommittee (YES) managers would have the best available information on which to make a recommendation to the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) on whether a new proposed delisting rule should be prepared or not. According to van Manen, “Our extensive analysis of existing research and monitoring has shown us that grizzly bears are resilient and resourceful in the face of changing food resources.”  Additionally he said, “Our findings indicate that the decline in WBP due mostly to mountain pine beetles is not a major threat to the future of  the Yellowstone grizzly bear population. Data show the observed slowing of population growth since 2002 is  a result of  increased grizzly bear population density and resulting declines in subadult survival.”

The food synthesis research was presented to the YES members who then voted to conditionally support the findings, pending completion of a final section of the report and having all the research peer reviewed and published in professional journals.  The IGBST will be presenting the same information to the IGBC at their December meeting in Missoula, Montana. Both the YES and the IGBC will make recommendations of the USFWS, the agency responsible for deciding on whether a new proposed rule proposing to again delist Yellowstone bears would be developed and published for public comment.  USFWS will likely make a final decision in late December or early January on whether to produce a new proposed rule or not.

According to Recovery Coordinator Chris Servheen, “If delisting were to occur it wouldn’t be until later in 2014.” Careful monitoring and management would continue if delisting were to occur.  According to van Manen, “Our team will continue to monitor how grizzly bears respond over time and keep a close eye on the thresholds established to ensure a sustainable population.”

To learn more about grizzly bear recovery visit: www.igbconline.org. To view reports by the IGBST regarding the Yellowstone grizzly bear population visit: http://www.nrmsc.usgs.gov/research/igbst-home.htm.

ART IN WY: Karen McLain, Sage Community Art Center & More

artists Jamie Barron & Sonja Caywood

SHERIDAN:  Sagebrush Community Art Center Presents “East Meets West in Wyoming”

Sagebrush Art Center hosts “East Meets West in Wyoming,” paintings by Sonja Caywood & Jamie Barron.  This show features a common theme in two artistic styles:  

Jamie Barron, born in North Dakota, currently resides in New York City, where she earned her MFA in Fine Art.  Barron says of her work: “I like to engage the viewer by using familiar iconography from everyday life experiences such as barns, cows and horses but changing them just so subtle to make one stop and look.  Sometimes using glitter or glazes to create an ethereal image. I find one can easily transplant his or herself into my paintings and remember, dream or reflect. “

Jamie Barron, “Blue Moon Beauties”

Sonja Caywood was born in Sheridan and attended Sheridan College.  Caywood explains: “Raised in a ranching family, I deeply value the land and the livestock of the Bighorn Mountain region.  It’s essential for me to record this vestige of ‘the west,’ as subjects once thought to be permanent fixtures of our landscape disappear.  I strive to express my affection for my subjects in painterly strokes of color with an emphasis on light.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonja Caywood, “Golden Opportunity”

The exhibition runs October 11th- November 16th at the Sagebrush Art Center (located in the Historic Train Depot, 201 E. 5th St. in Sheridan). An Opening Reception and artists’ talk was held on October 11. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Karen McLain, “Freedom on Top of Mountain”

KAREN MCLAIN:  Capturing the Beauty of Wyoming’s Wild Horses

We appreciate Arizona artist Karen McLain sharing her love of Wyoming and its wild horses with us – she has tireless captured our state and its wildlife in paint and the result is exquisite. The following is a description from Karen of her most recent trek through Wyoming…

This was the fifth summer that I have gone to visit the wild horse ranges, but the first year that I made it to Wyoming. The trip included stops at the Little Book Cliffs, Sand Wash Basin, McCullough Peaks and Pryor Mountain areas.  The beauty of Wyoming was very inspiring and the horses were ones that I wanted to visit for many years. I traveled with my 1972 Shasta trailer, “The Paint Box” and stayed out on the ranges. (Although some areas required truck and tent camping), I had a very comfortable month-long painting adventure.

The McCullough Peaks horses were rugged and handsome, a  classic wild horse. Even tough it was windy, I did get some paintings done while I was there. The range is easy to access and the location as the gateway to Yellowstone is easy for visitors to be able to get to on a day trip.  After spending three nights at McCullough Peaks, I headed up to the Pryor range.  The beauty just blew me away. The open meadows, Tea Cup  and Mystic Waterhole  areas allowed for wonderful photo and video opportunities. It was a real treat to spend time with Cloud and his band. I know I will be back next year.

 

“McCullough Peaks Paint”

“Fishing Yellowstone”

On the way home to Arizona, I spent a few days in Yellowstone. While I was there, I was able to get two buffalo paintings done, even though I had to move three times while working on one of them. The buffalo clearly had someplace to go!

Wyoming is a painter’s paradise, and I look forward to my next visit!

“Stallion Bunch”

“Wild Rainbow”

Thundered Into Our Hearts”

“When They Got to the Top”

 

 

 

 

 

ON THE CALENDAR: Worland 5K/10K, Pinedale Leadership Event & More…

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WORLAND — Big Horn Mammoth Run June 9, 2012

Looking for a great run/walk program? Check out the Worland/Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce’s Big Horn Mammoth Run, held on June 9, 2012 in Worland.  Visit their website for more information and the registration form. A half marathon, 10K run and 5K run/walk are all available for every level of participant. All events begin at the Worland High School Warrior Stadium. The half marathon kicks off at 6:30 AM, the 10K/5K at 7:30 AM. The event is sanctioned by USA Track & Field.  Registrations are handled through the Worland/Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce — 307-347-3226.

PINEDALE — Chick-fil-A Leadercast at Sublette County Library May 4, 2012

Community business leaders can access the knowledge and experience of world-renowned leaders by attending Chick-fil-A Leadercast at the Sublette County Library in Pinedale on May 4, 2012.

Chick-fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leader development event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, Ga. to hundreds of sites throughout the nation, including Pinedale.  Speakers for this year’s event include:

Tim Tebow, NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and best-selling author; Urban Meyer, ESPN analyst and former head football coach for the University of Florida; Soledad O’Brien, Anchor and special correspondent for CNN; Patrick Lencioni, Best-selling author and president of The Table Group; John Maxwell, Leadership expert & best-selling author of “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”; Marcus Buckingham, Strengths strategist, best-selling author and researcher; Angela Ahrendts, CEO, Burberry; Roland Fryer, Professor of economics at Harvard University and CEO of the Education Innovation Laboratory; Andy Stanley, Best-selling leadership author and communicator; Sheena Iyengar, Author of The Art of Choosing and world-renowned expert of choice.

This year’s program will focus on the power of choice. The diverse group of internationally-acclaimed authors, leadership experts and practitioners will share insights to help leaders empower and equip others at work, at home and in the community through his or her choices.

Last year, 85,000 leaders from 17 countries attended Chick-fil-A Leadercast. In its 12th year, this full day, experiential conference is predicted to reach its largest audience to date. “The Chamber focuses on a variety of business development opportunities for our membership and the community.  Leadercast is one of the best, most consolidated sources of leadership that I know of to be offered to people in Wyoming,” said Brian Gray, resident for the Sublette Chamber of Commerce. “But it goes beyond that. I think this conference, although very focused on leadership, transcends the topic and really shows you how to lead in life.”

“The Chamber is proud to host for a second year along with Gillette and Cheyenne. It’s exciting  for our organization to reach out to bring this renowned business event to leaders on the western part of the state,” said Terrie Swift, Executive Director for the Sublette Chamber of Commerce.

For local ticketing information, call 307-367-2242 or visit www.sublettechamber.com. Breakfast and lunch will be served and the event will be presented in a comfortable working environment.  $100/pp. Limited seating available.

Cheyenne Chamber Singers — Image by Keith Turbitt’s Shutter-Vision Photography, Cheyenne

CHEYENNE & GILLETTE — Cheyenne Chamber Singers and Gillette Chamber Singers to Perform in Cheyenne April 29, 2012

Wyoming Voices — A joint concert featuring the Cheyenne Chamber Singers and the Gillette Chamber Singers.  Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G-Minor.  $15, $10 for seniors and students. South High School Auditorium, Cheyenne, 6:00 PM April 29, 2012

Tickets:  $15 Adults/$10 Seniors and Students

In a first-time collaboration, the Cheyenne Chamber Singers, under the direction of Sean Ambrose, will join the Gillette Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Pat Patton, in a spring program of secular and sacred works.

LARAMIE — University of Wyoming Women’s Club Celebrates 100th Anniversary April 28, 2012

Whether you’re a member (present or past!) of the UW Women’s Club or a community member who wants to see a great fashion show… Join the club this Saturday, April 28, from 6:30-9 PM for their 100th anniversary event! Held at Hart’s Alley in Historic Downtown Laramie (404 S. 2nd St.), “Fashion Through the Ages” will present ladies’ fashion from 1912 through present day.  A $5 charge at the door provides hors d’oeuvres and the show — a cash bar will be available. Come celebrate this club, a part of Laramie life for 100 years — as well as the changes in women’s fashion over 100 years!

Learn more about the club on their website — http://uwwomensclub.com/ — The club is open to all female Laramie residents, whether they are connected to the university or not!


GRAND TETON & YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKS — Celebrate National Park Week, April 21-29!

Visit our blog post to read more about National Park Week and how it is being celebrated, particularly in Grand Teton National Park — free admission to all of America’s national parks through April 29!

‘Til Next Time,

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Our Sister Publications: Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html

ON THE CALENDAR: Art, Earth Day, GTNP and more!

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Our Sister Publications:  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html

Tonya Pepper, “Encaustic Work”

LANDER:  LANDER ART CENTER ANNUAL MEMBERS SHOW — May 18

The Lander Art Center’s Annual Members Show is scheduled to open May 18, 2012.  We encourage artists around the state to become a Lander Art Center member and participate. Entry fee is $20 for up to three pieces or free to members at the supporter level and up.  All mediums accepted.  Please see Lander Art Center website for details and entry guidelines.

CHEYENNE:  CHEYENNE INTL FILM FESTIVAL IS COMING — MAY 18-20 

Wyoming Film Office and Wyoming Community Media are hosting a tour of out-of-Wyoming filmmakers of movie locations around Southeast Wyoming in conjunction with the Cheyenne International Film Festival (CIFF).

The CIFF begins May 17 in downtown Cheyenne with the local filmmaker and festival reception at the Depot Museum before the festival opens Friday evening May 18 and extends through Sunday May 20. Visit Wyoming Community Media’s website for more information on CIFF and the filmmaker tour.

LARAMIE — UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S CLUB CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

The University Women’s Club (formerly the Faculty Women’s Club) is celebrating their 100th anniversary with a look at fashion through the ages.  Come celebrate the evolution of women in Laramie from 1912 to present — fashion from every decade along with hors d’oeuvres and libations to purchase. Tickets are $5 at the door, Saturday April 28, 6:30-9 PM (fashion show to begin at 7:15); Hart’s Alley, 404 S. 2nd St. (parking most convenient in the back of the buildling!).  Contact club president Kati Hime at 307-755-6896 for more information on the event, organization or serving as a model!

 

CASPER:  TRIBAL SPORTSWEAR’S “HEART FOR ART” EVENT AT FASHION CROSSROADS CELEBRATES LOCAL ART INSTRUCTOR – APRIL 28

Tribal Sportswear has partnered with Fashion Crossroads (228 E. 2nd St., Casper) for their signature charity event, “Heart for Art”. Kyleen Stevenson-Braxton, Co-Owner of Fashion Crossroads, selected art teacher Nancy Lee of Dean Morgan Junior High. “Nancy is a creative and dedicated art teacher who continually motivates her students to produce and to tap into their creative spirits,” says a local resident. “She has a great sense of humor and she is the best art teacher I ever had in my life,” says a student.

On April 28th, Mrs. Lee will be awarded with a plaque and $250 gift card to purchase art supplies. Fashion Crossroads will offer food and refreshments all day for guests, a gift with purchase “Heart for Art” signature t-shirt and raffle of a Tribal outfit to any customer who purchases.

ABOUT HEART FOR ART:  Tribal Sportswear launched “Heart for Art” initiative in 2012 to support art programs in middle schools. “‘Heart for Art’ was created to engage our retail partners and the local communities by supporting and strengthening creativity in the visual and performing art departments,” Tribal Sportswear says.

Visit Fashion Crossroads in Casper — 228 E 2nd St. — April 28th for this special event!

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKEXPLORE THE PARK DURING NATIONAL PARK WEEK

Grand Teton National Park offers free admission and more during National Park Week from April 21-29. (Not close to GTNP? ALL 397 US National Parks are FREE during National Park Week!)

Several fun-filled activities and events are planned for the whole family and these are also free of charge. Visitors and local residents are encouraged to plan a getaway to experience the natural wonder of Grand Teton during National Park Week. As this year’s theme “Picture Yourself in a Park” suggests, it’s a perfect time to make memories and capture photographs to share online at http://www.nps.gov/npweek/.

Visit our blog post for more information on events, activities, specials and more to enjoy throughout Grand Teton National Park during National Park Week — April 21-29, 2012!

JACKSON — PICNIC FOR THE PLANET TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

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FROM THE PARKS: Explore GTNP for FREE during National Park Week, Apr 21-29

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Grand Teton National Park offers free admission and more during National Park Week from April 21-29.

Several fun-filled activities and events are planned for the whole family and these are also free of charge. Visitors and local residents are encouraged to plan a getaway to experience the natural wonder of Grand Teton during National Park Week. As this year’s theme “Picture Yourself in a Park” suggests, it’s a perfect time to make memories and capture photographs to share online at http://www.nps.gov/npweek/.

To celebrate National Park Week and the arrival of spring, ranger naturalists will lead early-morning tours to observe strutting sage grouse as they perform their annual courtship dance on an historic lek (mating arena) located just off the Antelope Flats Road near Mormon Row. Tours will take place April 21–22 and April 28–29 and begin from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center at 5:30 a.m. Reservations are required; call 307.739.3399 to make a reservation and get advice on what to wear and bring along

The Teton Park Road is free of snow, but vehicles are not allowed to drive it until May 1st. Consequently, National Park Week presents a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a hike, bike ride or rollerblade outing on the road before summer traffic begins. Spring weather can be changeable and inclement, so be prepared with layered clothing and/or a windproof jacket, and carry water and energy snacks.

In recognition of National Park Week, The Murie Center staff will offer guided tours of the historic Murie Ranch at 4 p.m. on Saturday April 21 and Saturday April 28. Explore the Teton home of the Murie family that served as a base camp and center for the American conservation movement in the 1950s and 60s.

Several activities are scheduled for National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 28 at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose. Festivities include:

10 a.m. —a living history demonstration on mountain men

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — an inspection of vehicles and equipment regularly used in park operations; these will include an ambulance, fire

engine, patrol car and snowplow.

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — a live bird demonstration by Teton Raptor Center bird biologists

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — a ranger boot camp and obstacle course where children compete in physical activities that mimic park ranger      jobs; an animal Olympics game where youngsters can test their skills against the abilities of various wildlife species; a story corner for     listening to tales about Grand Teton; a touch table with animal furs, feathers and bones to feel; a cultural history station that showcases objects from the David T. Vernon Collection of Indian Arts; and a station where children can dress up in an genuine ranger uniform.

2 p.m. — a second mountain man demonstration.

Children who participate in at least three of the activities will earn either a Junior Ranger patch or badge. Grand Teton Association will offer a 15% discount in the Discovery Center bookstore on Junior Ranger Day.

Numerous educational and informational books and other interesting items (videos, posters, ornaments, plush animals, toys, etc.) may be purchased using the special Junior Ranger Day discount.

During National Park Week, all 397 national park areas offer free admission all week long. A seven-day pass to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks is normally $25 for a private vehicle.

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

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Happy Birthday Yellowstone!

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Image by Cliff Cox Photography — www.cliffcoxphoto.com

Yellowstone National Park turns 140 today! The park was established by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872 — the first national park in the world!  It has been enjoyed by generations from across the entire planet — and its majority lies within our own boundaries in Wyoming.  Idaho and Montana also contain portions of the park. The Yellowstone Caldera is the largest supervolcano on the continent, and because of this the ongoing thermal activity makes Yellowstone a site to behold — 60% of the world’s geysers reside in the park, including world renowned Old Faithful.

Many people have memories and stories of Yellowstone National Park, and we’d love to celebrate its birthday today by hearing your stories!  Did you visit as a child? In different seasons?  Do you remember the 1988 Yellowstone fires?  As a child, our family visited the summer after the fires, in 1989.  It was quite the experience!

www.yellowstonecountry.org

Please share your stories, photos and memories with us, and we will add them to this blog! Post here, on our Facebook page, our Twitter page (@wyolifestylemag), or email us at editor@wyolifestyle.com!

Happy Birthday Yellowstone — May you live long and wow millions more with your wonders!

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & FIND A WY VENDOR:  www.wyolifestyle.com

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FROM THE PARKS: BEARS & YELLOWSTONE

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Many have heard of the recent incident in Yellowstone Park — here is a link to an ABC News report…

http://abcnews.go.com/US/grizzly-bear-kills-hiker-yellowstone-national-park/story?id=14014264

Many are weighing in on the incident, its implications and importance for safety.  Grand Teton National Park announced the following program on July 5, which we found slightly ironic but so important.  Not only is preparing yourself important, but so is protecting our natural environment for these wild animals.  Be sure to be prepared whenever you journey into our Wyoming wilderness, and always remember that animals in the wild are just that — wild.

From Grand Teton National Park (National Park Service, US Dept of the Interior):

Grand Teton National Park Supports Bear Spray Recycle Program

Grand Teton National Park is proud to announce its participation in a new sustainability effort that recycles a specialized item commonly used in bear country: bear spray. In coordination, with other federal partners at Yellowstone National Park, the National Elk Refuge and surrounding national forests, Grand Teton recently placed collection bins at several locations to gather unwanted bear spray canisters and prepare them for recycling.

Millions of people visit  the Greater Yellowstone Area each year, and thousands of bear spray canisters—used and unused—are disposed of in trash containers because they are not allowed on commercial flights, or visitors no longer have a need for the spray after they leave the area. These bear spray canisters enter the waste stream, causing a serious environmental concern. In addition, waste disposal workers are exposed to accidental discharge of pepper-laced propellant at disposal sites. To correct this problem, a new recycling center was established this year in Yellowstone.

The effort to curb the growing number of bear spray canisters in landfills emerged two years ago, when Yellowstone park managers and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality agreed that a recycling project could resolve this issue. The solution came from three Montana State University (MSU) engineering students who designed a machine that removes the pepper oil and propellant before it crushes the canister. The recycling unit is able to extract all contents through a filtering process that safely separates the ingredients. The empty canisters are then punctured, flattened and sold to any recycling center as high quality aluminum.

Using the principles that were developed by the MSU students, a Montana-based manufacturing firm produced the first-of-its-kind canister recycling unit. The recycling unit, located at Mammoth in Yellowstone, began operating this spring. To fund manufacture of the specialized unit, donations were secured from the Greater Yellowstone Area business community.

“As National Park Service employees, we have a responsibility to be on the forefront of sustainable environmental practices, and we’re proud to join our federal partners in this recycling effort: an effort that has positive impacts across the Greater Yellowstone Area,” said Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott. “Grand Teton park personnel will take the lead in transporting canisters from collection sites within the greater Jackson area to the specialized recycling unit located in Yellowstone.”

Collection sites within Grand Teton National Park include: Colter Bay Visitor Center, Colter Bay Cabins, Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Ranger Station, Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Gros Ventre Campground, Signal Mountain Lodge, and the Craig Thomas Discovery Visitor Center. Collection sites are also located at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center at the National Elk Refuge and Teton County Recycling at 3270 South Adams Canyon Road. In addition, collection sites are located at several private businesses, and at the Jackson Hole Airport beginning July 15.

Yellowstone is accepting bear spray canisters at most hotels, stores and at all park entrances.