Thursday, July 13, 2017
**We are having technical difficulties posting photos because of lack of Wi-fi, so we will upload those as soon as possible.
Today is our last day in Grand Teton National Park so we had to wake up early to pack the vehicle for our afternoon drive to Yellowstone. Six people, 6 luggage, 6 backpacks, 1 cooler, and some food later and our clown car was ready to go!!
 |
| Clown Car! |
We left early today and we were able to stop for THE touristy photo since there was no line. Then we were off to meet Kelly McCloskey, Grand Teton’s Ecologist.
Julia's research is on invasive species so she explained to us the reasons as to why they exist in the park. Over the years homesteading and dude ranches had created the need for animal grazing, this in turn brought and spread many species in the valley that have started to creep elsewhere. She also talked about a few restoration projects they are working on, a new sewer line being one of them.
Next we went to their propagation fields to see the plots where they collect seed. This is a newer operation for them and although it's early stages, with a few challenges, is proving successful. Bromus inermis and Leucanthemum vulgare (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum*). We also discovered that fire is not really an option for them as an invasive control because of the short window of opportunity.
In the field plots we were able to see Helianthella sp., Poa secunda, Elymus trachycaulus, and Carex hoodii. The Elymus will be able to be harvested this year. As an added bonus, we got to go to an old dude ranch near Snake River that is being restored and used for staff housing.
 |
| Carex hoodii |
We then got to visit their shade houses. Needless to say Derek was in hog heaven. Peaonia brownii (Brown's Peony) that was saved from a construction project. There were also some pines growing Pinus contorta and Pinus albicaulis. The white pine beetle is devastating a few sections in the park and they are working to restore those areas.
For a structure that was only meant to be temporary it was pristine! Like us, they have a great group of volunteers who help them out. Many of the plants that are in the houses are awaiting their homes on restoration sites so that was neat to see. The most interesting of the species being the
After a wonderful tour and so much information (thank you again!) we said goodbye to Kelly and went to explore a bit more before our drive North.
We only had a few hours left so we chose to hike to Hidden Falls. We thought we were hiking a quick, flat hike around Jenny Lake, but somehow took a turn and ended up on the trail to Hidden Falls. It's not that this is a strenuous hike, but after a couple of days of hiking already, the group was a bit tired. We were nervous we wouldn't see anything new, however, we hit the jackpot on some sun ferns and another shade one down the way. We also saw a new Rhododendron species today which made Igor very happy.
Running out of time we thought it best to take the shuttle boat back to the parking area.
Two hours later we reached Yellowstone. One of the first things we came across was a patch of Nufar luteum polysepala lilies, and Derek geeked out. The water was so clear you could see their bases! We also ran across Ledum glandulosum (Rhododendron columbianum*).
 |
| Nufar luteum polysepala |
Finally, I had to mention that in the back yard of where we are staying we also have Calchortus nuttalii growing in the backyard!
 |
| Calchortus nuttalii |
*Some of our field guides are dated and we need to check the accepted names of some of these plants.
No comments:
Post a Comment