The summer is flying by in Lander, Wyoming.  The month of July was a frantic storm of collecting tons and tons of seeds!  Most of my 18 (so far) collections were done in a few busy weeks in July while the month of August has been filled with lots of processing, counting, weighing and packaging.  I have also been using the month of August to brush up on my shrub identification, pun intended.  I am hoping to reach my collection goal and beyond with collections of sage brush, salt bush, winter fat and bitter brush.  Wish me luck!

I’ve also been able to do some work with rare plants.  We took a field trip to the Casper Field Office to look at the elusive orchid, Ute Ladies’-Tresse.  After getting a good idea of its habitat, we went back to our field office and scouted out a few possible habitats in the Lander Field Office.  We didn’t find any Utes, but we did find some good habitat for it.

Checking out Ute Ladies’ Tresses in Casper Field Office

The elusive Ute

 

I’ve been able to do a little exploring around the Cowboy State, have meet some amazing people and have seen some amazing places.  I took a trip to the Grand Tetons a few weeks ago, went swimming in cold mountain lakes, ate antelope sausage and elk steak!

a quick nap in Cascade Pass

Forbs are getting hard to come by in the Lander Field Office, but they are in full swing up in the mountains!

I’m lichen this rock

One of my favorite places to work, Red Canyon

All in all, my time here in Lander has so far been full of new plants, new people and new places.  I’ve leaned so much and still have three months to go!  As the summer quickly fades to fall my work load will also be transforming….I’ll keep you updated!

Until next time,

Emily Usher

Lander Field Office, BLM, Lander Wyoming