Sunday, September 30, 2012

Scientists Use Stalagmites to Learn about Past

Here's another story from The Salt Lake Tribune that relates to Snake Valley, particularly how cave stalagmites can record climate history.

You can find out about a couple active studies being done using Lehman Caves stalagmites in this pdf of The Midden, winter 2011 edition. This is the resource management newsletter for Great Basin National Park that is published twice a year.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Dry West Desert

The Salt Lake Tribune has a story from today's paper about the effects of the drought on the West Desert. It includes quotes from several people in Snake Valley. Let's hope for a good winter and not a return to Dust Bowl conditions! Western Utah Driest Year

Friday, September 14, 2012

2012 Wheelathon

 The day of the annual Wheel-a-thon, a fundraiser for the Baker/Garrison schools started out with rain all night and a forecast of thunderstorms for the morning. We were a little nervous about if we'd be able to do the event. As the kids lined up, you can see all the jackets. They were ready!

 Fortunately patches of blue sky allowed the sun to come down. The kids got their bikes ready. The K-2 students were planning to ride eight miles, while the 3-6 students would ride sixteen miles.

 It wasn't a race, as the kids stopped every mile for a snack and a mark, but they were eager to go!

 Little Neto was on the smallest bike, with twelve inch tires. He had to do a lot more pedaling than everyone else. Plus he had training wheels adding friction. Nonetheless, he was a trooper and kept on going. Parents (and younger siblings) rode along to encourage the kids.

 One challenge was a cattle guard. Some of the students had no idea what to do.

 June had to repeat the rules of it not being a race, as the kids were just ready to zoom!

 Near mile marker two we met the bik kids coming from the opposite direction.

 All the kids gathered for a photo.

 A little further on, Charlie and Nomi found this horned lizard.

 It started sprinkling on us as we continued, but that didn't dampen anyone's spirits.

It turned out to be a wonderful day for the Wheel-a-thon, complete with some big puddles to make the views even more interesting. Thanks to all who pledged students, helped organize it, and rode!

Friday, September 7, 2012

Head Outside for a Fall Hike

 The leaves are starting to turn color up at the higher elevations. Along with the cooler temps, this makes it a great time to head out for a hike.

 Check out the multiple kinds of fungi. This year I'm seeing so many more than I've ever seen before.

I wish I knew a little more about fungi! Anyone willing to give a guided walk and share their expertise?