On July 14, our group visited the Snowy Range in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Mountains, and the hike we ventured on was an immense success. A majority of the hike was focused on learning more about stromatolites, which to the average human will look like a basic brown rock but to a geologist, is one of, if not THE, most indicative and incredible forms of life on earth.

These stromatolites, in the Snowy Range, are over 1.6 billion years old. They are fossilized microbial mats that helped oxygenize the Earth millions of years ago. These works of wonder were formed by photosynthesizing cyanobacteria on ancient marine shelves and were then pushed to high altitudes via tectonic uplift. It was surreal to stand in front of, and touch, an object that was created over a billion years ago.

Seeing these works of wonder up close was my “wow” moment for a few reasons. These layered structures provide scientists, researchers, and geologists with a visible record of Earth’s very early life. They are some of Earth’s earliest photosynthetic life that we have knowledge of, and the experience of being able to touch them was incredible. It is also a daily reminder of how incredible the natural world around us is. The land it sits in is completely undeveloped, which provides a special opportunity to hike in and view an untouched natural wonder.

In this image above, one can view a small rock outcrop on the left side of the lake. While seemingly insignificant, it is one of the world’s largest stromatolites, affectionately nicknamed the “Big Daddy” of stromatolites. 15 feet wide, the stromatolite is a prehistoric giant for its time and was incredible to walk around and view.

So far, the program has been incredible academically and I am excited to continue to learn more about anthropological studies and Wyoming!