Description:
Since 1997, the Resort Naturalist Program has offered environmental education opportunities to employees, the community, and guests of Grand Targhee. This program has been running in partnership with Targhee Institute and Targhee National Forest. There are two main components to this program: first, to improve employee and guest knowledge of the fauna and flora of Targhee National Forest; second, to increase employee and guest understanding of the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area that borders the Grand Targhee permit area. So far this program has resulted in increased awareness of Grand Targhee’s partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and increased understanding and knowledge of the fauna and flora of the surrounding National Forest. Evening speakers present information on various wildlife subjects. These lectures are offered each Saturday evening during both operating sessions. Topics covered include geology, wildlife, local mountaineering history, natural history, and avalanche awareness. Statistics indicate that attendance ranges from 10 to 40 people each night. Both guided mountain tours and snowshoe tours are offered as well. Topics covered on the snowshoe tours include track identification, winter challenges to wildlife, and natural history of the animals whose tracks are identified. For a 21-week operating season, attendance varies from 3 to12 participants per week. The resort uses an employee newsletter for written outreach. This is a year-round bi-weekly publication that reaches 100 people each edition. The newsletter gives natural history briefs, and “The Naturalist’s Corner” of the newsletter answers questions from employees relating to the National Forest. Grand Targhee also offers environmental education classes with 4-H clubs and local elementary schools. The environmental education curriculum includes animal tracking, snow shoeing, fire safety, and outdoor cooking. There are three classes of 14 students for 1 day, which equals 42 students per season. The Elementary School Outdoor Program of Targhee Institute is a hands-on natural history education that has become a scheduled aspect of elementary science education. There are three scheduled school year sessions that consist of 1-day field trips per classroom to Grand Targhee to study geology, local birds, and animal tracks. In 1998-99 one mixed class and three fifth grade classes participated for a total of 375 student days.

Resort Web Site

Resort Contact: F. Scott Pierpont

Golden Eagle Award - Overall Environmental Excellence
2008 (FINALIST)

Silver Eagle Award - Environmental Education
2008 (FINALIST)