Just another intern making the jump from the East to the West – from Virginia to Wyoming to be exact. I am a part of a smaller group of interns that were lucky enough to land wildlife positions.

When offered the position in Lander I was beyond excited! I have always wanted to live near Yellowstone National Park and study the wildlife in the area. Nothing like checking two things off your bucket list at once! I can say with confidence that this position is helping me to build a strong foundation for my future career. Working with CBG and the BLM has really helped me figure out my path and I am starting to think I am right where I need to be.

Not only do I hike every day for work but I do it on the weekends as well! Lander is a beautiful town with so many things to do I could easily do something different every weekend. My favorite place to adventure near town is Sinks Canyon. You can hike to the waterfall at the top and see a lot of really cool birds on the way. Rock climbing is popular here as well. Recently they opened the Loop Road allowing access to lakes at the top of the mountains.

The falls at Sinks Canyon

The “sink’ at Sinks Canyon

Another place near town is Johnny Behind the Rocks (JBR for short). There are a plethora of hiking and biking trails at JBR. I think I have been to JBR more for work than I have on my own time. But I can’t complain when I work in a place like this.

Johnny Behind the Rocks

Part of my training included a nature walk with the botanist to help me learn the common plants. Many people have this misconception that wildlife people only need to know the wild creatures in an area; this is not the case we also have to know what they like to eat. That meant I had to familiarize myself with all of the grasses, forbs, and woody plants that are commonly eaten by wildlife. JBR is great for wildlife viewing, the trails take you far enough out that you are guaranteed to encounter some wild things.

I am so thankful to be living and working in such a beautiful area of the country. There’s nothing better than being in a field where every day seems less like work and more like a grand adventure.