I’m enjoying learning about the plants of the sagebrush steppe in Southern Idaho. Most of my botany training was along the Front Range of Colorado, so I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find many familiar plants hidden between the sagebrush. Before starting this internship I had very few expectations- I had never been to Idaho and didn’t know much about the state except for its famous potatoes (which is conveniently written on all the license plates). After just two short weeks, I’ve begun to appreciate all of the hidden beauty this state has to offer.

Idaho truly is a hidden gem (but don’t tell anyone). One of my biggest hobbies and passions is rock climbing. In Colorado, the climbing is world-class and people flock to the state to climb in Rifle, Eldorado Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, etc. However, two weekends ago I got to climb the amazing formations in City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park. I was blown away by the beauty of the area, friendliness of the people, and quality of the climbing.

This is part of the view from the top of a multi-pitch climb called Sinocranium.

Myself and two other CLM interns 650 ft up!

After spending most of the time training during the first two weeks, I’m very excited to spend more time outdoors doing field work. We are conducting Modified AIM (Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring) surveys to assess the area’s suitability as sage grouse habitat. Right now, that means we have been getting to know the flora of Idaho better; I’ve enjoyed diving into the complicated world that is plant terminology and dichotomous keys. It’s been a little while since I’ve gotten this nerdy about botany but I’ve found the skills coming back. (Thank you to my plant ID professor at CSU!)

Linum lewisii– Wild blue flax

Ok, I realize this isn’t a plant. But he’s so cute!

This past weekend I got a chance to explore Craters of the Moon National Monument, which is within the boundaries of our field office in Shoshone. This landscape was truly unique- giant underground caves formed by lava tubes, spatter cones, and best of all…wildflowers! The tiny dwarf monkeyflowers were in bloom everywhere! We picked an ideal time to visit.

Mimulus nanus– Dwarf monkeyflower

Lewisia rediviva– Bitterroot

So, with my first few weeks under my belt, I can say that I think I’m going to like this place. My internship is equipping me with valuable skills and re-igniting my passion for botany; my weekend explorations are allowing me to explore all this state has to offer. I can’t wait to see what else is in store.

Savanna

Shoshone Field Office

Bureau of Land Management