The Class of 2026 Whale Sharks recently returned from an incredible outdoor education adventure in Wyoming, where they attended the Teton Science Schools for immersive, hands-on learning in the rich natural and cultural history of the Greater Yellowstone Geo-ecosystem. Throughout the week, students engaged deeply with the landscape, exploring the dynamic relationships among geology, climate, wildlife, and human history in one of the most ecologically complex regions in North America.
From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through snow-covered valleys to studying alpine flora and fauna beneath the towering peaks of the Grand Tetons, the week was filled with curiosity, challenge, and discovery. Students studied directly in the field on snowshoes and skis to explore winter ecology, observing animal tracks and signs, examining snowpack layers, and investigating how plants and animals adapt to seasonal change. They considered watershed processes, energy flow, and ecological interdependence as they explored the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Students also enjoyed a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, offering a rare opportunity to observe large herds of elk wintering in the valley while learning about wildlife conservation and migration. Observing these animals in their winter range sparked conversations about land stewardship, carrying capacity, and the role of protected habitats in supporting biodiversity.
Learning extended beyond the daytime excursions, as programming continued in classrooms during the evenings where students synthesized their observations, analyzed data, and presented their scientific findings from the field. One evening, students set out on a night hike beneath the winter sky and encountered “Mama Mimi,” a large wooden troll sculpture created from reclaimed materials near the Teton Science Schools campus, inviting reflection on creativity, storytelling, and our connection to place.
Bundled in their winter layers, students practiced careful observation and reflection through field journaling and scientific sketching, while developing stewardship skills grounded in a leave-no-trace backcountry ethic. The experience encouraged students to think deeply about humans' relationship to the land and our shared responsibility to protect these remarkable ecosystems.
