On the Expedition
Work with other teens to monitor migratory and resident songbirds and discover the reasons for their declining numbers.
Many songbird populations in the Jackson Hole area are declining, and you can help researchers study these birds and their habitats in an effort to stop this decline. You’ll search for migratory birds’ nests, relocate color-banded birds, and survey nest predators, providing much-needed information on seasonal survivorship and productivity. Your teen team will also spend one morning at the bird-banding station and will have the opportunity to observe birds up-close as project staff remove them from mist-nets and band them.
In the evenings you’ll enjoy dinner followed by a speaker or time to relax and socialize. During your recreational time you’ll enjoy scheduled activities that will be chosen based on the interests of your group. Possible group activities include viewing Jackson Hole on an aerial tram, hiking through Grand Teton National Park, taking in dinner and a variety show at the Bar J Chuck wagon, or experiencing the excitement of Jackson Hole’s authentic Rodeo
An Earthwatch Teen Team Facilitator will provide additional supervision and guidance for each Teen Team, from the rendezvous to the end of the expedition. Facilitators build good team dynamics and organize recreational and cultural activities designed for Teen Teams. Facilitators are available throughout the expedition to troubleshoot any concerns teens may have. All Facilitators have experience teaching and leading teen groups. Teen Teams may also feature volunteer tasks slightly altered or adapted to suit teen groups; please see the Teen Team Briefing for this expedition for more information.
Meals and Accommodations
Your team will stay at Teton Science School’s Kelly Campus, 45 minutes outside of Jackson, amid wildlife and stunning views of the nearby Gros Ventre Mountains. The rustic cabins where you’ll sleep reflect this historic Western setting. Each (single-sex) cabin is equipped with a shared bathroom, and laundry facilities are available if needed. Meals will be prepared for you on campus and will include typical American fare such as sandwiches, salads, and pasta. Meals are community events, and served buffet style, giving you plenty of time to get to know your teammates and share stories from the field.
About the Research Area
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is home to Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. It is surrounded by amazing views of the three mountain ranges that serve as its borders, with the Teton Range to the west, the Snake River Range to the south, and the Gros Ventre Range to the east. The famous Yellowstone National Park makes up Jackson Hole’s northern border. The area serves as a beautiful and majestic research setting, with flowing rivers, mountain vistas, and abundant North American wildlife including bison, elk, and bears. The Snake River flows out of Yellowstone and Jackson Lakes to the north, through the valley and to the south into Idaho.