The Green Wave
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013
The “Green Wave” has started. Spring is in the air. Most naturalists refer to the “Green Wave” as the emerging spring’s green vegetation from southerly latitudes to northerly latitudes. Anyone living in mountainous terrain can appreciate the “Green Wave” in a more local sense. As I was hiking up High School Butte yesterday I noticed the vegetation in the southern portion of our valley turning green. (The Jackson Hole Valley is slightly tilted upwards from south to north for a difference over 540 feet). As the next few weeks progress one can watch the wave of greenery advancing northward through our valley. This new spring growth is the most nutritious for many of the local mammals. Moose and elk have timed their calving season to coincide with the new growth. After parturition, the cow elk or moose needs the valuable calories of the new green vegetation to support lactation. Lactation is the most energy intensive part of bringing new life into the world.
In the Jackson Area there are over 900 species of flowering plants. Many of these species can be seen flowering on the lower slopes of the mountains earlier in the season and then at higher elevations later in season as the “Green Wave” ascends up the mountain slope.
This spring has been fantastic for wildlife viewing. We have hade great opportunities to view some of our local grizzly bears. The elk are slowly moving towards their summer range. And the bison are showing signs that their calving season is quickly approaching.
Join us for an educational program not to forget. With the nature of our small group wildlife viewing naturalist tours we can focus on your group’s specific interests.
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