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Nature Center Events, Summer 2017

Week of August 7 - August 13

MONDAY, AUGUST 7
Day Hike: Jackson Peak Summit
Time: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:00 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 13 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 2,680' Maximum Elevation: 10,741'
Jackson Peak is a true landmark in our valley and is remarkably close to downtown Jackson. One of my all-time favorite, yet challenging hikes, this trail leads us through wonderful stands of aspen, Douglas fir, open meadows and grand vistas of the Gros Ventre Wilderness and the Teton Range. We will pass Goodwin Lake on our way to the summit. Remarkable views in all directions, guaranteed to be a memorable hike for all.
Bring: daypack, water bottle, lunch/snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen.
Notes: Please note the early meeting time of 7:30 AM at the Nature Center. Hiking to the summit will be weather dependent. I recommend bringing extra food. I have a water filter so we can refill water bottles along the way. This is a non-technical hike and we will travel on a hiking trail the entire day. We will be parking a mile from the trailhead given the poor condition of the road.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 8
Day Hike: Phillips Pass
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 8 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 1,520' Maximum Elevation: 8,932'
We’ll start at the trailhead to Ski Lake, accessed from Teton Pass. At the 1 mile mark, we’ll bear right and follow the trail sign to Phillips Pass. We will be hiking through beautiful stands of fir, spruce, aspen and open meadows, with wonderful views throughout the entire hike. One of the goals of this hike is check the status of the fireweed bloom that flows over expansive subalpine meadows in the upper 650‘ to the Pass. This hike offers great views of the valley.
Bring: daypack, plenty of water, delicious snacks, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes.
Notes: Dogs are welcome.

Notes from the Field – Conservation of Raptors – A Human Endeavor
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Nature Center
Description:
Join me for an entertaining program into the world of Raptor Conservation at the Teton Raptor Center. We’ll explore the many facets of their avian Research, Education and MedicalRehabilitation programs. With slides and entertaining short video, I’ll show case the dedicated people who do this work, and discuss the role this organization plays in providing a meaningful and necessary service to our Community.
Notes: Light refreshments served.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9
Day Hike: Teton Canyon-Death Canyon Shelf-Marion Lake to Tram
Time: 5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Meet at Nature Center at 5:15 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 20 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 5,500' Maximum Elevation: 10,450'
Starting from the end of Teton Canyon in Driggs, Idaho, we’ll hike along the south fork of Teton Canyon until reaching the Devils Stairs trail junction. Hiking up these steep switchbacks will take us to the Death Canyon Shelf, a relatively flat trail in an amazing alpine setting. We follow this to Meek Pass, then to Fox Creek Pass and drop into at Marion Lake. From here we head across Granite Basin to the top of Rendezvous Peak and take the tram down to the destination at the base of Teton Village. A great through hike and a big day but reasonable with an early start and the tram ride down at the end. We will travel on a well-maintained trail the entire day. This is a hike through a good portion of the most spectacular backcountry terrain in Teton Park!
Bring: daypack with warm layers, rain gear, warm hat, plenty of food, water and snacks for a long day on the trail. We can filter water along the way.
Notes: Expect two challenging hills, the first up the Devil’s staircase to the Shelf (4.5 miles, 2,500’ gain), the second hiking up the back side of Rendezvous Peak (1.5 miles, 1,100’ gain) to the Tram at the end of the day.

Road Cycling: 3 Creek Ranch – Jenny Lake
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:00 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 49 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 970' Maximum Elevation: 6,790'
We will start this ride from the Nature Center, follow the bike path into town andc ontinue north the entire day on the bike path to Jenny Lake. Although this is one of the longest bike rides on the schedule, it’s stress-free along mostly flat terrain on the pathway system. Expect two short climbs to our day, Fish Hatchery Hill and to the top of Windy Point just past the Moose entrance station. Water, food and restrooms in Moose and Jenny Lake.
Bring: bike, helmet, water bottles, sunscreen..
Notes: Food is available in both Moose and Jenny Lake, but I recommend starting out with some of your favorite foods. Please stop by or give me a call if you need help preparing your bike or other cycling needs. Expect some headwind on our return.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
Day Hike: Marion Lake (not as hard as it might sound!)
Time: 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:15 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 11.5 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 2,440' Maximum Elevation: 10,450' Marion Lake: 9,240'
Many of us are in great shape after a summer season of hiking, and while this is almost a 12 mile hike, I don’t think you will find as challenging now compared to earlier in the summer. That said, the hike to Marion Lake is a full day on a well-maintained trail, with spectacular mountain scenery through breath-taking sub-alpine environments. We will start the day by catching the first Tram ride of the morning to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at Teton Village. We drop almost 1,600’ of elevation in the first 2.5 miles, followed by two short but steeper climbs of roughly 500’ on our way up to the lake. After a well-deserved lunch rest at Marion lake, we will return along the same trail to catch the Tram back down to Teton Village. The last 2.8 miles to the top of the Tram, with 1,800’ elevation gain, can be a challenge after a full day on the trail. Guaranteed to be a memorable hike for all.
Bring: daypack, water bottle, extra warm clothing, rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy/comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of food. I have a water purification filter so we can refill water bottles along the way. This is a non-technical hike and we will travel on a hiking trail the entire day.
Notes: As with all hiking ventures in the mountains, our trip will be weather dependent.Tram tickets are $42.00 at window, $32.00 online (ages 18-64); >65 yrs $34 at window,$26.00 on line.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
Stewardship – Stream Volume measurements
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 9:00 AM
Description:
Conducting a ‘stream profile’ consists of using a ‘digital flow meter’ that records the average volume of water at mid-depth at every foot across the creek. This is how we come up with an average stream velocity. We will set up a standard protocol for recording at all three spring creeks. This is a great opportunity to pull on the waders, enjoy a slow quiet morning on the water, learn more about the ecology of our precious creeks and help me record meaningful data!
Bring: appropriate clothing for the morning, rain or shine
Notes: We will provide hip waders.

LIVE RAPTOR PROGRAM at the Nature Center
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 3:30 PM
Description:
Teton Raptor Center is bringing three of their live raptor ambassadors to the Nature Center. This is an exciting opportunity to see these magnificent raptors up close, and appropriate for the all ages. This is the third of five live raptor programs we are offering this summer here at the Nature Center. Not to be missed.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
Office Hours
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Nature Center
Notes: Stop by the Nature Center for a casual visit to say hello, request some help planning your next outdoor adventure, or bring your guests for a tour of the Center.

Roger Smith & Murph
Resident Naturalist
3 Creek Ranch Nature Center

3 Creek Ranch Outings are reserved for club members and homeowners. Photo compliments of Roger Smith.