Options at Tech Part 1: Yellowstone

Hello everybody,

I apologize for not posting this article sooner. I've been really busy between work and school and haven't had enough time to really focus on the blog. In any case, I've decided to devote this one to an incredible experience I had two summers ago now, about a month before I left for Costa Rica. This experience was only possible through Tech's forestry department, and especially with the help of an excellent instructor, Greg Wright. I recently came across some long lost pictures I took during the trip, and I have posted several for you to enjoy. They can only give you a mere glimpse, however, into the fascinating other-worldly land that we visited.



The course I'm talking about is Conservation Issues in Yellowstone. This incredible six credit summer course lasts about two and half weeks, and as the name implies deals with the numerous and contemporary issues regarding conservation efforts within Yellowstone National Park. The issues include such heated topics as snowmobile usage within park boundaries, wolf conservation vs. predation on neighboring stockherds, bison conservation vs. the possibility of spreading brucellosis, and many others. We spent much of our time hiking amongst the beautiful scenery that can be found in the park, from scaling mountain tops with breathtaking views to traversing fertile valley floors reminiscent of the serenghetti plains of Africa. Along the way, we were constantly reminded of the intense geothermal activity that is omnipresent in Yellowstone. In addition to the infamous Old Faithful, we saw dozens of geysers, fumaroles, steam vents during our hikes.



We were able to see just about every example of wildlife that Yellowstone has to offer, including grey wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, bison, elk, and bald eagles to name a few. Our observations were made easier thanks to the spotting scopes we borrowed from the forestry department, which made it seem as though we were right next to the playful wolf pups we saw jumping and turning and the grizzlys tearing into a bison carcass. In addition, we met with several key players in the ongoing fights over park policy, including representatives from both sides of the debate. The course really opened my eyes to the controversy surrounding the park and its current policies, which I'm certain I would never have come to know about otherwise. I would highly recommend taking this course, not just to biology and forestry majors, but to anyone remotely interested in conservation, or perhaps even someone who simply enjoys the great outdoors. Some excellent pictures from the course, as well as more information regarding dates and expenses can be found here.



Next time, I'll relate my experience abroad in a nutshell. For those of you who have already read my previous blogs, bear with me; there will be new pictures and stories, I promise! In the meantime, I encourage you to keep it in da UP, eh!

Photo Details:

1. This is a group photo of the class taken on our way up to the 10,243 ft peak of Mount Washburn. The instructor, Greg Wright is visible in the bottom right-hand corner, and I am standing behind him.
2. This is a fascinating image of the Painted River, one of the many geothermally heated rivers in Yellowstone. The bright orange and yellow hues are actually made by the presence of thermophilic (heat loving) bacteria which thrive in the scalding water. Visible in the background is a surreal looking patch of burned down forest (a remnant of the famous fires from the late 1980's) with young lodgepole pine growing back to reclaim the hillside.
3. This is the Grand Canyone of the Yellowstone River, showing the massive lower falls.
4. Here's a shot of Old Faithful, right on time to please the crowd.