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Service Learning: Make a Difference for Wildlife and Wild Lands in Jackson Hole

Program Number: 13684RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/2/2013 - 6/7/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: The Tetons (Jackson), Wyoming
Price starting at: $779.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Service Learning Activity Level: n (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Make a difference for the wildlife and wild lands of Jackson Hole. The valley has more than 200 non-profit organizations, a National Park, National Forests and a National Wildlife Refuge. Work alongside a wildlife biologist, restoration specialist or experienced naturalist to enhance and restore wildlife habitat, historic buildings or recreational trails. Surround yourself with some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the West while earning a sense of accomplishment and pride.




Highlights

• Gain a sense of pride and accomplishment by helping non-profit organizations accomplish tasks they wouldn't be able to do without your assistance.
• Discover the diversity of animals in this ecosystem that contains one of the highest concentrations of large mammals in the country.
• Evening programs will highlight wildlife biology, issues and controversies taking place in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.



Activity Particulars

Hiking up to two miles on uneven terrain on some projects to reach work site.




Date Specific Information

6-2-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Teton Science Schools.




The Tetons (Jackson)

Awe-inspiring Grand Teton National Park reflects the ecological diversity of the Teton Range. Towering peaks rise 7000 feet from the valley floor, reflecting the majestic beauty of the Teton Ecosystem that includes wildlife such as elk, grizzly bear and moose. The historic town of Jackson is home to the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Accommodations
Comfortable dormitory-style rooms with private baths.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Katie Hoskinson
Katie Hoskinson grew up in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. After graduating from St. Lawrence University in 2011, she joined the Teton Science Schools — sharing her passion for the natural world with students of all ages. She has traveled everywhere from the Bahamas exploring modern reef environments to North Dakota investigating 500-million-year-old rocks. Katie enjoys skiing, exploring the Tetons, backpacking and paddling.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
  Jackson, WY 5 nights
 Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Type: Lodge
  Description: From the highway at the base of Vogel's Hill, all you can see is a road disappearing into the contour of the land. But beyond that lies so much more: The Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools is busy servicing the educational needs of school children, teachers-in-learning and students of nature young and old, while maintaining and enhancing conservation easements on all but two percent of nearly 900 acres. Carefully integrated into the landscape are two residential lodges, five educational buildings, dining hall, maintenance building and welcome center. Built in 2004, all buildings were designed from a green perspective, using high-performance materials with low-level organic compounds and using minimal resources. Natural lighting and innovation in space design have resulted in an environment that benefits all who live, work and visit here. Ongoing ecological work at the campus specializes in field science experiences within the suburban-rural interface and human-use impacts on our natural communities. Our Jackson Campus has accommodated as many as 300 person events, including educational and wildlife conferences, teaching and professional development workshops and conferences, luncheons, board meetings, community events and weddings.
  Contact info: 700 Coyote Canyon Road
Jackson, WY 83001 USA
phone: 307-733-1313
web: www.tetonscience.org
  Room amenities: Rooms are located in our lodges and provide a clock radio, linens, private bathroom and small chair. Living room areas for social gathering in the same building on the first floor.
  Facility amenities: The Jackson Campus has laundry facilities, phones on all floors of the lodges, wireless internet access from all buildings, coffee, tea and snacks available all day, private bathrooms and on-site dining lodge with exceptional food service from our executive chef.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $80.00 Please call for availability, 307.734.3750.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $80.00 Please call for availability, 307.734.3750.
  Check out time: 1:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00pm You will be staying at Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus that night.
  End of Program:
1:00pm You will be staying at Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Participants must sign Teton Science Schools risk/release liability waiver and a supplemental health form.
  Parking availability:
Free parking on site a short distance from the lodges.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Jackson, WY
  Nearest city or town:  Jackson, Wyoming
  Nearest highway: WY State Hwy 22
  Nearest airport:  Jackson Hole (JAC)
  From End of Program
  Location: Jackson, WY
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Alltrans, Inc.
phone: 307-733-3135
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$16
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Cowboy Cab
phone: 307-413-1000
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Varies
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Teton Taxi
phone: 307-733-1506
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Varies
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Buckboard Cab
phone: 307-733-1112
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Varies
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Old West Transportation
phone: 307-690-8898
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Varies
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Taxi Tim
phone: 307-690-4141
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Varies
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Old Faithful Taxi
phone: 307-699-4020
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
   

Teton Science Schools' preferred Road Scholar provider
 
Driving Directions
  From Dubois, Hoback Junction or Idaho FROM THE NORTH: Follow HWY 89/191 south to the Jackson Town Square. Turn right at the square onto Broadway. Continue 1.5 miles on Broadway to the US 89/191 and HWY 22 intersection (Albertsons & Jackson State Bank on your left). Turn right onto HWY 22. Head west on HWY 22 for approx. 1.7 miles. Watch for the Teton Science Schools sign on the right at Coyote Canyon Road. Turn right onto Coyote Canyon Road. Follow Coyote Canyon Road 0.6 miles to the Jackson Campus. FROM THE SOUTH: Follow HWY 89/191 north to the US 89/191 and HWY 22 intersection (Albertsons on your right side). Turn left at the light onto HWY 22. Proceed on HWY 22 for approx. 1.7 miles. Watch for the Teton Science Schools sign on the right at Coyote Canyon Road. Turn right on Coyote Canyon Road and follow it 0.6 miles to the Jackson Campus. FROM THE WEST: Follow HWY 22 (from Teton Pass) east to the town of Wilson. Stay on HWY 22. You will reach the HWY 390 junction after approx. 1.5 miles. Continue on HWY 22. Travel approx. 2.4 miles past the HWY 390 junction. Watch for the Teton Science Schools sign on the left at Coyote Canyon Road. Turn left onto Coyote Canyon Road and follow it 0.6 miles to the Jackson Campus.
Elevation Note: Site elevation is 6,200 feet above sea level.

Equipment Requirements: Participants may want to bring water shoes with them for the boating activities, but closed toed shoes will be needed for non-water activities. All canoeing equipment will be provided by Teton Science Schools.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check in and move into lodging. Orientation and introductions following dinner.
(Sunday, June 2)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in for the program is from 3:00pm to 5:00pm Mountain Time.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in our Dining Lodge by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: This evening will give us a chance to get to know each other and the facility as we prepare for our week ahead. This is also a time in which the group will be brought up to date on the developments of the schedule, changes due to opportunity, need and weather.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Service project in the morning, Craig Thomas Discovery Center, Hiking in Grand Teton National Park, Evening program - Jackson Hole Hootenany
(Monday, June 3)

Note: The afternoon will bring a 3-4 mile hike in Grand Teton National Park. The hike will be a mild elevation gain in order to give participants a chance to adjust to the altitude.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: After packing our field lunches, the group will depart to begin work on the service projects for the week. The projects will develop as time draws closer to the program. Teton Science Schools works with a variety of non-profit and government agencies in Jackson Hole. Some possible organizations we might work with are Grand Teton National Park, the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Wyoming Wetlands Society, US Forest Service or the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. We might also complete projects on Teton Science Schools' 880 acre property which serves as a migration path and home to many animals both large and small. Projects often include barbed wire fence removal, restoration of historic buildings, landscape and planting projects or invasive species removal.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: The project will continue until around lunch time. After some time to clean-up, the group will take some time in the afternoon to venture out to Grand Teton National Park to the Craig Thomas Visitor's Center. After the visitor's center, we will go on a 3-4 mile hike to a beautiful location in the park .
 Dinner: Dinner will be at Dornan’s in Grand Teton National Park. Dornan’s is a third, fourth, and fifth generation, family-owned/operated resort located in the heart of the Jackson Hole valley on the banks of the Snake River. The Pizza & Pasta Company at Dornan’s reflects more modern tastes – serving fresh pastas, crisp salads, gourmet pizza, and hot sandwiches on bakery-fresh breads. The Spur Bar serves an assortment of micro-brewed beers and fine wines.
 Evening: Get ready to stomp your heels, clap your hands and join in the open-mic tradition at Dornan’s Bar and Restaurant. This night is a showcase of acoustic Jackson Hole musicians, both young and old, that will delight your ears and bring a smile to your face!
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Service project in the morning, Murie Center, Evening program - Wildlife Issues & Success Stories of the GYE
(Tuesday, June 4)

Note: Approximately 1 mile walk around Murie Ranch. Service project will involve some physical labor.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with scrambled eggs, french toast, pancakes, fresh fruit, granola, etc.
 Morning: This day will begin with an early morning continental breakfast. The program will then depart for one of the Teton Science Schools' bird banding stations. TSS is home to a MAPS national bird banding research project. This program involves wildlife researchers capturing songbirds in mist nets, identifying species as they collect data for the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship program. During this time, participants will have the opportunity to follow the researchers as they check the mist nets and extract birds from them and then watch as the researchers process the birds by collecting data such as gender, age and health status. Participants will then have the opportunity to release the birds back into the wild. A service project will follow the bird banding experience.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: The mission of the Murie Center is to engage people to understand and commit to the enduring value of conserving wildlife and wild places. The National Park Service Historic District Report says, “The Murie Ranch is the one property that best represents the nationally historic contributions of Olaus, Adolph and Mardy Murie and that also is best representative of the themes of Biological Science and Resource Management and Conservation in the United States. Join one of the Murie Center’s docents for an overview of the life and conservation accomplishments of the Murie Family. This program will include a walk around the historic Murie Ranch.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in our Dining Lodge by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: The evening of day one will be an introduction to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Participants will become familiar with the various challenges that face land and wildlife managers in and around the Jackson Hole area as well as learn facts about wildlife and how difficult it can be to manage populations across government borders.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Service project work in the morning Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Hike
(Wednesday, June 5)

Note: Today's service project will involve some physical labor. The hike is approximately three miles round-trip with 300 feet of elevation gain.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: Teton Science Schools works with a variety of non-profit and government agencies in Jackson Hole. Some possible organizations we might work with are Grand Teton National Park, the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Wyoming Wetlands Society, US Forest Service or the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. We might also complete projects on Teton Science Schools' 880 acre property which serves as a migration path and home to many animals both large and small. Projects often include barbed wire fence removal, restoration of historic buildings, landscape and planting projects or invasive species removal.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: Visit to the Laurance S. Rockefeller preserve and visitor's center. This center is the first environmentally sustainable and LEED Platinum Certified structure in a National Park. The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is a reflection of Rockefeller’s life-long commitment to making areas of natural scenic beauty accessible to the public. He strongly believed that nature has the power to restore and sustain the human spirit. It was his hope that, by experiencing this spiritual and emotional renewal, visitors to the Preserve would become aware of the importance of nature in their own lives and acknowledge their roles in acting as good stewards of the land. After the visitor's center, we will go on a hike to Phelps Lake which sits just west of the center. The group will be split up into two different groups based on hiking preferences.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in a local restaurant.
 Evening: This will be a free evening for each individual to rest or head into Jackson to explore. For people who would enjoy independent exploration, we highly reccommend that you rent a vehicle. A shuttle to and from Downtown Jackson will be provided by Teton Science Schools staff.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Canoeing at String Lake, Wildlife Safari Evening Program
(Thursday, June 6)

Note: Today involves getting in and out of a canoe and canoeing 2-3 hours. An afternoon hike may be added, depending on the desires of the group.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: The morning will be spent introducing the participants to canoeing. Canoeing techniques, strokes, safety and boat terms will be taught. The canoeing will take place at String Lake, one of the shallowest lakes in the Tetons with an average depth of about 5 feet. Instructors will assess the group's canoeing skills and will spend ample time teaching canoeing techniques so that everyone will learn from this day.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: Continued canoeing on String Lake or an afternoon hike
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in our Dining Lodge by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: The evening will take participants out into Grand Teton National Park to view some of the local megafauna. With spotting scopes and binoculars Teton Science Schools instructors will do their best to find the wildlife that makes this the Serengeti of North America. Possible wildlife we will see include moose, mule deer, bison, pronghorn, bears, elk, eagles, fox, coyotes, wolves, ground squirrels and sandhill cranes.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Hands to Work. Visit to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Program ends at 1:00pm.
(Friday, June 7)
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: After breakfast, all participants will take part in "hands-to-work." Hands-to-work is a part of Teton Science Schools' community philosophy. Participants along with staff will address and clean the spaces they have used throughout the week. All participants of Teton Science Schools' programs take part in this which builds a sense of community and rapport amongst program participants throughout the campus. A group that eats, sleeps and cleans up after itself together is stronger and closer. After hands-to-work, there will be a closing ceremony which will draw a close to the program and give us a chance to look back at the fun times we had through the week. The remainder of the morning will be spent at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Participants will be treated to a docent tour and then be given time to explore the museum on their own.
 Lunch: Lunch served at the Rising Sage Cafe, National Museum of Wildlife Art
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Jackson, WY Jackson Hole Info
  Jackson Hole Rodeo
Unlike the larger gatherings in other parts of the state, Jackson Hole maintains it's local, "anyone who has the gumption can do it" attitude that makes it representative of both the community and the original intention of the sport. Noted for fine stock, young cowboys coming up through the ranks and people who just love it, it's a great choice for action-packed fun during summer nights in Jackson Hole. For additional information, visit www.jhrodeo.com
  Wyoming Tourist Info
For additional information, visit www.wyomingtourism.org/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


The Natural World of Jackson Hole: An Ecological Primer


Author: Tim Clark


Description: An introduction to the natural world of Jackson Hole and to the principles of ecology as they operate in the valley.



Along the Ramparts of the Tetons: The Saga of Jackson Hole, Wyoming


Author: Robert E. Betts


Description: The magnificent valley of Jackson Hole at the base of the soaring Teton Range has long been a stage on which a remarkable series of events has been acted out by an equally remarkable cast of characters. This is that story, told with a verve and excitement which brings the past alive.



Windows into the Earth, the Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks


Author: Lee J. Siegel and Robert B. Smith


Description: A geologic history and tour of the northern Rockies, particularly Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.



Legacy of the Tetons: Homesteading in Jackson Hole


Author: Candy Vyvey Moulton


Description: This second edition of Legacy of the Tetons is a narrative of the bravery, love, heartbreak, joy, and fortitude of the early pioneers. Candy Moulton shares the struggles of those who lived and died on the land—some of whom came on foot in the Mormon Handcart Migration and established the settlement known today as Mormon Row.



A Naturalist’s Guide to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks


Author: Frank C. Craighead Jr.


Description: A memoir and classic natural history of the wildlife of Jackson Hole and the Tetons by a celebrated local biologist, organized week-by-week throughout the year.



Plants of the Rocky Mountains


Author: Kershaw, MacKinnon, Pojar


Description: Over 1300 species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, ferns, mosses and lichens are described and illustrated. Notes on origin of name, ecology, native uses, edibility and similar species are included, as are color-coded sections to allow for quick identification. 900 color photographs, 700+ line drawings.





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