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Intergenerational: Wyoming’s Watchable Wildlife and Ecological Explorations

Program Number: 13668RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/28/2013 - 8/2/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: The Tetons (Jackson), Wyoming
Price starting at: $899.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; National Parks
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Program intended for grandchildren from 8 - 14 years of age.

Be on the lookout for moose, bison, elk and pronghorn as you explore beautiful Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park with your grandchildren. On this exceptional adventure, hands-on learning opportunities abound — whether standing in a picturesque mountain meadow or learning about the Tetons’ amazing geology while canoeing across a pristine glacial lake. Experienced naturalists and educators will help you observe the interactions of local wildlife, understand local ecosystems and acquire knowledge and skills to flourish in the outdoors.




Highlights

• Venture into the Serengeti of North America, Grand Teton National Park, and observe many types of large mammals in their natural habitats.
• View wild birds up close while learning about the bird-banding program — and hold a bird just before it is released.
• Journey by canoe on a pristine glacial lake in Grand Teton National Park with the majestic Teton Mountains as the backdrop.



Activity Particulars

Hiking up to 3 miles most days over uneven terrain with moderate elevation gain.



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.
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 are located 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:
Check-in begins at 3 PM. You will be staying at Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after lunch at 1 PM. 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
Old West Transportation
phone: 307-690-8898
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$45
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$45
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:

 

$45
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
 

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
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
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 State Highway 89 Travel to Jackson, Wyoming. Take Highway 22 out of Jackson (to the west), travel approximately one mile to campus.
  From the North, South or West 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 .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 .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. Dinner followed by orientation.
(Sunday, July 28)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in begins at 3pm.
 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: Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve, Craig Thomas Discovery Center, Evening Program- Communication Chaos
(Monday, July 29)

Note: The hike today will be approximately 3 miles round-trip with 300 feet elevation gain.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: This morning will take us to Phelps Lake in the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve in the south end of Grand Teton National Park. Until recently, these lands were off limits to visitors as they were part of the Rockefeller family's private ranch. However, in 2007, the Rockefeller family donated the ranch and all of the surrounding lands. All visitors to Grand Teton National Park are now allowed to enjoy and explore this amazing piece of property. We will hike to Phelps Lake, a glacially carved gem at the base of Prospectors Mountain. Tracks, scat and vegetation sign will be investigated to determine what type of animals have traveled there before us. Hopefully we will also get a chance to see some of the animals as well.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: We'll visit the Craig Thomas Discovery Center in Grand Teton National Park.
 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 feature games and challenges built to connect the group as a whole. Grandparents and grandchildren will work together to figure out creative solutions to group initiatives.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Bird Banding, Macroinvertebrate Exploration, Evening Program- Vogel's Hill Hike
(Tuesday, July 30)

Note: Approximately 1 mile walk on flat ground to bird banding site. Evening hike will be 2 miles with an elevation gain of 500 feet.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: This day will begin with an early morning continental breakfast. The program will then depart for Teton Science Schools' Conservation Research Center (CRC). The CRC 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. After the bird banding, we will investigate the waters of the Snake River and look at the creatures living underneath the rocks. Macroinvertebrates are tiny microorganisms that live under rocks in streams and rivers and provide a food source for many species as well as indicate the health of the stream. This activity will give grandparents and their grandchildren probably their first glimpse of the alien-like creatures and a chance to get in the stream and kick up rocks and mud.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: This afternoon the group work on a service project relating to the week's activities. The project will develop as time draws closer to the program.
 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 participants a chance to venture up and out of Coyote Canyon for a view of the Teton Mountains and a bird’s-eye view of the Jackson Campus.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Wildlife behavior observation on Antelope Flats, Kelly Campus Hike and Murie Museum
(Wednesday, July 31)

Note: Hike of up to 5 miles round trip and up to 500 feet elevation gain.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: Venture into the field to find over bison and pronghorn on Antelope Flats! Learn about their habits, habitats and dietary choices. We will learn about how scientists conduct research and how much fun it can be, especially when you have a live specimen to study!
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: This afternoon we will visit the Kelly Campus of Teton Science Schools. At the Kelly Campus we will discover the Murie Museum which houses thousands of specimens from Olaus and Mardy Murie's personal collection. On our hike we will explore the different plant communities that comprise the Wyoming's ecosystems.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in our Dining Lodge by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: Evening free for participants to explore the town of Jackson. This is an evening for participants to visit the rodeo, art gallery, do some shopping in town or spend a quiet evening on campus relaxing. 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: String Lake Canoeing, Evening Program - Wildlife specimen exploration
(Thursday, August 1)

Note: Canoeing will involve paddling and stepping in and out of canoes.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: String Lake 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 groups 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: Afternoon canoeing. Continued canoeing on beautiful String Lake. Further instruction of canoe techniques and fun canoe games.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in our Dining Lodge by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: What does a wolf eat? How fast can bears run? What does a northern flicker look like? How big is a coyote track? What does grizzly bear fur feel like? Specimens, track casts and field guides will provide a hands on experience to the species that live in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Topics covered will include species characteristics, scat and track identification, behavior and biology. This workshop will truly satisfy the animal lover at heart.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Hands-to-work. Celebratory slideshow. National Museum of Wildlife Art.
(Friday, August 2)
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: The morning will start with cleaning up the spaces we have used throughout the week. Hands to Work is a community effort as guests clean the common areas and their living spaces as they pack from the week, with the assistance of faculty and staff. After hands to work, we will enjoy a slideshow of pictures from the week and celebrate our work and accomplishments. Then we will go to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Adults will get a docent tour to learn in depth about the art that is on display while an educational program for the youth will include a variety of fun and interactive activities to learn about and appreciate art on their own levels. Then, families can enjoy the art either together or at their own speeds independently.
 Lunch: Time for good-byes, evaluations and departures
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Jackson, WY Jackson Hole Info
  Wyoming Tourism
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.



The Grizzly Bear


Author: Thomas McNamee


Description: A natural history of “Ursus arctos horribilis” – lyrical, well written and provocative. An appropriate introduction to the beast for anyone traveling to grizzly country. McNamee also wrote “The Return of the Wolf to Yellowstone.”



Scats and Tracks of the Rocky Mountains


Author: James Halfpenny


Description: Wonder no more about those tracks in the mud or that poop on the path. With this packable guide, identification in the field is easy. Featured are the tracks, scats, and signs of 70 different species including wolf, ferret, grizzly bear, as well as birds, frogs and salamanders. Scales for scat diameter and footprint size are included along the edge of each descriptive page. Plus, for accurate measurements, there's a ruler on the back cover.





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