Field Education: Whitefish Bay High School

Last week, I was Morning and Evening Programming where I met with our program's students every morning and evening to do activities that reflected the field programming's days and topics.  It went pretty well, however, I would prefer not to do these programs because I felt that I was not getting to know my students really well, nor did I feel that I had enough dedication and time with my students.  So I would prefer to actually be in the field with them for 8+ hours a day instead of about an hour in the morning and 2 hours in the evening.

So this week, I was able to work in the field with Joe and lead about 9 high school students around the GYE all week!  I was a little nervous about going from teaching wee-younger human beings to young adults, but this group Joe and I had were beyond exceptional!

Welcoming The Wisconsinites to the Tetons.

Not only was I nervous about teaching high school students, but also incredibly nervous teaching high school students to cross-country ski!  Since I was an incredible beginner to this new activity, I wanted to make sure that not only were my students feeling comfortable about being on skis, but I wanted to make sure I was going at a pace that was comfortable for them as well.  Like I said these students Joe and I had were beyond exceptional.  Not only did they excel at learning to ski, but they were quite content at the pace we kept during the field program time.

Introduction to Communities

Monday was Introduction to Communities: Introducing them to all the different plant communities of the GYE as well as incorporating team building activities into the day was lots of fun.  The students definitely had a great time skiing around, learning about sagebrush, willows, conifers, and the aspens, while playing in the snow.

Teton Magic School
Props Miraculously Appear Out in the Field When We Need Them

Success!

On Tuesday, the program's topics of Fire & Ice, we traveled to the Bradley-Taggart Trailhead and hiked to Taggart Lake.  Our students really enjoyed it.  As we drew the terrain, geologic cross-section during our hike, the students were able to depict the landscape's story.  They discovered how the terrain was uplifted and sculpted throughout its early stages of life and how the fauna has gone through its' own transformation through fire.

Hiking the Bradley-Taggart Trail to Taggart Lake

Identifying Trees

Our students were so incredibly positive, energetic, funny, and full of entertainment.  They were all about photographing and capturing all moments of their Teton experience.  Of course, there were jumping shots and summit posing included!

My Chartreuse Squirrely Bison Ladies!

My Chartreuse Squirrely Bison Gentlemen!

Learning about the Tetons' formation and glaciers, our students were able to construct not mountain out of sand like at the beach, but out of snow!  We got the students to dig up and carve their own Teton Mountain Range at Taggart Lake.  Talked about how the glaciers formed, and asked them to identify parts of the glacial process on their Teton representation.

Sculpting the Tetons for Fire & Ice Day

Beautiful Day for a Hike

Wednesday, the students were able to explore Jackson Hole from a cultural point of view.  Experiencing an elk sleigh ride in the snow was a fun experience, however it was pretty chilly that day!

So Majestic.

Snow, Sleighs, and Elk Oh My!

A Bromantic Brawl

While on the tour, the students were able to ask their sleigh ride guide about the National Elk Refuge, its history, its purpose in the community and for the wildlife, ramifications, issues, and relationships that the refuge has within the community with different community stakeholders.  This opportunity to be on the refuge helped prepare them for a Elk Feeding Mediation evening program later that night.  After the sleigh ride, the students were able to visit the National Wildlife Art Museum.  This was a great way for students to reflect and synthesize how others see wildlife in a creative and artistic perspective.  The museum journal prompts we provided to the students as they toured through the museum at their own pace, allowed them to dig deeper into the meaning behind many of the works of art and the messages the artists portrayed within them.

Visiting the National Art Museum

Thursday was their Research Day.  These students come from a school that is incredibly focused on their academics and success into their college journeys.  There were two main goals that Joe and I wanted to get across to our students during this day: 1.) Allow them to take full ownership of their project including how their data is obtained by them (not given to them) as well as 2.) Give them as much time to explore and enjoy the snow experience on skis and snowshoes.  

Adventuring to Our Research Site

The students conducted a silent conversation in the classroom to reach a consensus about what their topic of their research project should be.  They came to a conclusion after an hour discussion about how they wanted to determine how much of impact they have on the snow from their recreational endeavors of snowshoeing and cross country skiing on our campus and trails.  It was concluded the reason behind this project was to not only see how much snow was compacted on the trail by them as outdoor recreation enthusiasts but also how much they can impact and affect the Subnivean level organisms and species that reside under the snow during the winter season.

Measuring Snow Density

During their project, snow density samples were taken in snowpits that cross-sectioned into individual snowshoe tracks and cross-country trails that had been created by all eleven of us to represent a full group using a path.  Their snow density samples were taken at the top, middle, and bottom of their cross-section snowpit.

Getting Up Close & Personal in the Snow

The students had a great time being in the snow and being able to collect their own data on this subject matter.  They had explained that while in class, they are usually given the problem and the data collected, and it is their job to interpret and analyze the data.  By them being given the chance to obtain the data themselves, they felt like they had more involvement, responsibility, and ownership over the question they were trying to determine.  Excellent!  Students should feel that their involvement is more meaningful when they are given full ownership of a project!  Goal completed!

Snow Science Research at Upper Meadow

After they had analyzed their data to see if snowshoeing or cross-country skiing had a bigger effect on the Subnivean ecosystem based on compaction through snow density, they discovered that the impacts in density levels were the same for both recreational snow activities.  Even though there was no significance between the two types of activities, the students learned what parts of the methods could be made better, how they would change their project, and overall, enjoyed their experience of participating in science research out in the field.

Human Knot in the Snow

The high school students from Whitefish Bay are beyond incredible.  These students exceed concepts of community and share their optimism and support not just for themselves, but for each other, and their faculty and instructors.  The students that Joe and I had in our team were so extraordinarily brilliant, thoughtful, and fun.  They brought so much energy and curiosity to the table and enjoyed and conversed with us to explain their needs and what they wanted out of their week with us.

Whitefish Bay High School at Taggart Lake

A Pretty Awesome Week With a Talented Group of Students!

TheChristyBel

Sleighing the National Elk Refuge

Good Morning,

In preparation for our Winter Teaching Practicum, the Graduate Cohort explored the National Elk Refuge and the National Wildlife Art Museum.  These are two places that graduate students, as field instructors, can take students during program time.

This Morning's Hippie TV of the Tetons
Look at that moon!

Going to the National Elk Refuge was a really fun experience.  We met our tour guide at the entrance to the refuge, stock-piled into our SLEIGH, and off we went onto the refuge to meet the elk!

The Draft-Horses Taking Us to the Elk on the Refuge

The National Elk Refuge is very interesting.  The refuge was established in 1912 in order to provide winter habitat and preserve the Jackson Hole elk herd.  It was one of the first big game refuges established and was created as a result of the public interest in the survival of the Jackson elk herd.  Providing a habitat for approximately half of nearly 14,000 elk on the herd. 

There They Are!

As we traveled into the refuge, our tour guide talk about the history of the refuge, talked about the elk and their natural history, and answered any questions that we had.  When we take students on these sleigh rides, the tour guides also explained how our roles as field instructors can help support our tour guides during these tours with younger individuals.

So Majestic!

The grasslands are maintained with native plants and managed to produce enough natural forage for the elk through irrigation, seeding, prescribed burning, and other management activities.  The refuge is also managed throughout the summer and fall with hunting, to give the refuge land enough time to continue to produce the elk's vegetative food before they are allowed onto the refuge land.

Since the number of wintering elk on the Refuge is limited to avoid overuse of the range and spread of diseases common when herd animals are crowded.  As the winter season progresses, the management program enhances the winter elk habitat and reduce the need for supplemental feeding. 

Bull Elks Resting in the Early Hours of the Afternoon

The Refuge Has Carrying Capacity of About 5,000 Elk to Stay Here on the Refuge for the Winter

Some of the controversial activities and issues include the supplemental feeding of the elk (and bison), the management hunting program, spread of disease between elk and livestock, concentrated elk and bison populations on a limited wintering area, and the growing bison populations on the Refuge. 

Heart Exploding From Seeing the Elk Up Close

These sleigh rides were very informative, interesting, and gave us an up-close and personal viewing of the elk.  Not to mention our tour guides give that pure, raw, cowboy vibe and of course on a sleigh!

TheChristyBel

A New Year: New Resolutions

Being out in the Tetons has been a great experience so far: trying new things, being outdoors, living in a new place, teaching more! Every new opportunity and experience has been such a blessing, but lately, I have been feeling pretty nostalgic and thinking that there is something missing from my life and daily routine.

So for the start of a new year, I thought it was pretty appropriate to add some New Year's Resolutions into my year.  So, as of last Thursday, I enrolled in a few dance classes.  Dance was a huge part of my life, and well based on being in 'the middle of nowhere, Wyoming' the closest winterguard is well more than +10 hours away.  But taking a dance class just to get my body bending and moving in a familiar routine I think is something I need to put back into my life.  Dance and Guard were sanity escapes from the real world, life, work, whatever.  The Dancers' Workshop in Jackson is a really cool company.  They offer lots of classes from ballet, pointe, contemporary, Pilates, hip hop, and so much more.  Mary Beth, one of my fellow graduates, and I decided to take some dance classes together, so every Thursday, when we are not teaching, we are going to be taking a Dance Party workshop.  This is totally different from my normal classes and rehearsals.  It is a Power Hour of a core-body warm up, cardio, and learning a routine.  Not to mention the genre of dance is mostly hip hop, and that is a genre I am not at all used to.  So not only is this a great swing into a routine I am familiar with, but I decided to try to out a new type of dance. After my first class on Thursday night, I felt pretty rejuvenated: happy to be back in a studio and on the dance floor, but excited to try a new dance.

Joined Some Dance Classes at the Dancers' Workshop in Jackson.

Also, even though this is not something I was used to, I wanted to try a new hobby and get myself outside at least once a week outside of teaching.  Jess and Tootsie, two other graduates, told me about a January deal package over at the Targhee Ski Resort.  It was a 'Start Me Up' package: 3 lessons, free ski or snowboard gear rentals with those lessons, and day lift tickets when you take those lessons.  After your third lesson, the package turns into a Season's Pass over at Targhee.  I think it was totally worth the $267.  Over at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, if I got the student discount, I would've paid $500+ and would have needed to find a friend or two to teach me, and paid more money for equipment rentals.  Plus, I hear Targhee is a better mountain for beginners to learn on.

Joined the Crowd & Bought a Season Pass

So Tootsie and I snowboarded all weekend.  So much fun!  I really like it!  I hate to say it, but I think I might like it more than skiing.  Not sure yet. I plan on doing both while I have this pass.  The pass will last me until August I think.  So, not only will I get to use this pass to ski and snowboard, but I can use it for hiking and biking too when the snow melts.  But yes, snowboarding was absolutely so much fun! I think I found it easier to learn than skiing.  Not sure.  But it was a pretty awesome experience learning and then going down the slope with Tootise working on s-curves.  Also, I really like the vibe that Targhee also has over there: mellow and laid-back.  I do not feel pressured or forced either.

Grar-Planking with Tootsie!

So a mixture of getting back into a routine of an old passion and then taking on and trying a new hobby is a great start to a new year.  The Animal Medicine Cards have also been a great touch to my mornings.  Instead of seeing my daily horoscope, I have been pulling an Animal Medicine Card.  These cards are used to understand improve one's connection to the Great Mystery and to all life.  Basically, it is a reconnection to mind, body, and spirit of personal power, strength, and understanding.  By pulling a card, or multiple cards, you can see how you are connecting to a specific animal and how those qualities of that Animal Medicine are relating to you and your daily life.  I also think it helps me understand how my attitude is towards something or someone and how I can reflect on how to approach and conquer.

Animal Medicine Cards!

So far, I think reconnecting with something I miss and love with a new hobby I am enjoying with a spiritual connection and focus is a pretty good start to a new year and the blessings that will unfold with time.  I can assure you more resolutions will come up throughout the year, but three is a good start.

To a New Year of New A New Life,
TheChristyBel

Back in the Forever West...

Saturday, January 4th, 2014, I traveled back to the Forever West to start my Winter Semester with the Teton Science Schools.  Although I am very excited to continue with this graduate program, two weeks back on the East Coast was clearly not enough time to be with family and friends.  I did not even make a significant indent in the list of people or activities I wanted to do or see while I was home.  Wah.

I had never traveled during the winter holidays, I had no idea how hectic and crazy my journey back west would be.  Arriving at the Philadelphia Airport, I discovered large amounts of people with flight delays, cancellations, and camping out waiting for updated information on their travelling paths.  It was really hectic and very overwhelming.  Luckily, my flight was relatively 'untouched' except for minor delays that were caused be de-icing, additional fuel being added to the aircraft, and multiple requests for volunteers to give up their seats for a weight restriction.  So crazy!

Greeted by Denver with light snow and ice!

My first part of my westward journey was flying into the Denver Airport.  Denver was experiencing some nasty snow and was being constantly plowed and the planes were being constantly de-iced.  It was a stressful time flying into the airport, sifting through congestion at gates and landing/take off strips, and waiting patiently for other passengers to recollect themselves and get off planes in orderly fashions.  I was so worried that I was going to miss my flight into Jackson Hole, but luckily my flight was not the only flight that was delayed getting into Denver that all connecting flights out of the city were then delayed as well.  Which was convenient...sort of.

Beautiful Snow Peaked Mountains!

My flight from Denver to Jackson Hole is a really beautiful flight.  Unlike traveling to or from the East, where there is more flat land and more prominent cities, traveling west to Jackson Hole flies over beautiful mountain ranges and lots of really cool river systems.  I could not stop looking out of my window to just admire the natural geological landscape that has been carved into the Earth and how visible they are with the snow covering them.

Beautiful River Carvings!

Flying over and into Jackson Hole, I totally lost my barrings are how we flew in...I think we did a little 'U' as we were flying in.

Nearing Jackson Hole Airport - Overlooking I believe part of the Teton National Park!

A HUGE Thank You to Hazel and Joe!  They stayed on the Kelly Campus for the holiday break, so they said they would water and watch my plants for me!  And not only did they watch over my plants, but they turned my heat on when I returned to campus, picked me up from the airport, AND...shoveled out my cabin!  I love those two so much! Thank you so much Hazel and Joe!

Cloudveil received lots of snow over the break...

My cabin is the 'go-to' place where plowed snow will go...and after what, two months of plowing, my cabin has the best snow fort barrier wall in front of it!  We could totally have a snow ball fight and I would have the best place to hide!  I would totally win!

Thank You to Hazel for Shoveling Out a Path Upon My Return

Upon my return to the Kelly Campus, not only was I surprised with a shoveled out, WARM cabin, but I had a present waiting for me!  Christine sent me a gift from Los Angeles!  So cute and nice of her! Hello Kitty Hot Chocolate (don't hate), glow sticks, green jasmine tea!, a new tea infuser, some other goodies, and....

Late Birthday / Winter Wonderland Care Package From Christine

MACAROONS!  Oh my gosh, one of my favorites!  So delicious!  So excited I got these!

With Macaroons Included!

Coming back and settling in from being in the comforts of home was hard.  I was happy to come back to the Tetons and get back into school, but not ready for the work that comes along with it, and well, was not ready to leave everyone back home.  I just got to see them after being away from them for 6-months! Wah.

Settling Back Into My Cabin - My New Moose From Luke

Sunday morning, I TRIED...repeat, I tried to sleep in...did not happen since I felt like I was still on Eastern Standard Time...but I woke up to a light snow and was able to indulge in some of my holiday gifts!  So for breakfast, I had some of the tea Brenna gave me in my new moose mug given to me by my grandmother, Phyllis, along with Mom's famous banana bread, while listening to the Hawaiian music Christine sent me in my care package - all while watching the snow fall!  So relaxing!

Sunday Morning - Indulging in my Holiday Gifts

Monday morning brought the start to class in the new year, starting with our second week of Winter Ecology in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.  Not only did Monday bring class, but some really cold weather.  Look at that comparison in the photo...Kelly, WY gets negative degree temperatures and light snow while Newark, DE is getting 'warmer' temperatures and rain....not sure which weather I would prefer! haha.

Monday Morning's Temperature Comparison

More updates to come about class and life back in the Tetons!

Welcome Back to the Forever West, Miss Bel!
TheChristyBel

Living the East Coast Dream

The moment finally arrived on Friday, December 20 - the moment I was able to congratulate myself on completing my first semester of graduate school!

I set foot back on my East Coast Homelands around 4:30pm EST, where one of my besties, Brenna was waiting for me at the Philadelphia International Airport!

Oh, Hello, Philadelphia! I've Missed You!

It was such a wonderful feeling and a sense of relief when I saw the skyline. Even though I am not at all a city girl, Philly is always a comforting sight of home!

First Stop - Brew HaHa! Coffee! Delicious!

Of course when I got home, I had to endulge in some East Coast treats, like Brew HaHa! And Wawa! Haha. And of course fitting in as much time with friends, like Brenna, Lana, Tine, Jaclyn, and many DNS people!

I'm Glad my EMS Boys Enjoy My Postcards & Photos!

Another wonderful thing that I got to do was get back into working mode with Eastern Mountain Sports! I am 200% positive the boys enjoyed having a girl back in the store. I mean come on, who else would trot back into 151, put on a. Onesie and dance around the store...this girl! And I totally did on my first shift back!

It was also really touching to see my postcard and photos on the wall in the break room! I guess they did miss me! Haha such a loser I am for being all emotional about this!

Christine & Christy
Friendship Established in 1999!

Being back for only 2 weeks was clearly not enough time to work, visit with friends and family, and complete a long bucket list of east coast wishes. But what I did do was make sure I was busy my entire stay! Never sitting around!

Home is Where the Wawa Is!

On the second weekend of my stay, Luke and I traveled to Asbury Park, NJ for the night to visit with my wifey, Kelsey! So excited to see her!

Forever in Love with New Jersey!

Even though I am not a true blood, Jersey girl, I still feel this is a second comfort of home for me (despite former relationships that brought me there in the first place).

Mogo Taco Fix

As soon as I got into AP, we had to introduce Luke to Mogo Tacos and check out and support the grand opening on the new shop! By far the best tacos ever!

Wifeys Reunited!

Later that night, we hit up the town like old times. Checked out some oldies but goodies as well as some new bars. Very fun!

Bar Hopping in Asbury Park!

We're Cute as a Button!

I am so happy I got to see Kelsey! I miss her so much! Despite how crazy and terrible he circumstances were on how we met 2013 brought me to one of my newest best friends! It kills me That we are so far away from each other!

XOXO

The day before New Years, I took a hike at Ashland Nature Center with Tracey, her husband Glynn, and two of my favorite children ever, Kaylen and William! A great morning hike catching up and playing! I even took a stroll to my favorite secret spot ever, my tree. As a child  to when I needed a break from my desk in the nature center, this tree was my go to and escape!

My Favorite Place on Earth!

Not only did I see my tree, but had a Delaware Nature Society reunion with staff and my fellow interns, Brittany, Austin, and the newest addition to our DNS Family, baby Micah! Micah is by far the cutest babies of all time! His Auntie Christy loves him so much!

The Fantastic Foursome - With Newly Inducted Baby Micah!

Also the day before I leave, the east coast recorded about 7 inches of snow! Very appropriate as I prepared to head back west, as well as I needed snow to do snow density data research for my Winter Ecology class back in the Tetons!

Doesn't Feel Like the Holidays Without Snow!

Saying goodbye to everyone just after reconnecting with them 2 weeks earlier was such a tease! I mean, I'm ready to continue with school, but not at all ready to have to get up and leave home. I cannot wait until my winter break is a month long and not two weeks!

Brandon & I
EMS Represent!

My heart will always head East,

TheChristyBel