The Wyoming Field Studies program was one of the greatest experiences I have had in my life. Most of the first few weeks were spent learning about the basics of Western ecology and geology and, interestingly, how modern patterns are a reflection of the deep past. Days and nights spent out on the property were…

The main event for our day in Shoshone was a scenic six mile hike through the Beartooth mountains but, before we got started, we spent some time identifying local flora around the parking area. Practicing using the guides to understand the plants in different locations is useful, but more importantly it builds on principles of…

My independent project was focused on Short Horned Lizards and the microhabitats that they live in. These small lizards have limited home ranges that often span less than 100 meters. Short Horned Lizards on the property appear to cluster around certain areas, being notably absent across wide stretches of land. My question, then, was: are…

Wyoming is an excellent place to learn about how ancient ecology compares to modern times. Because of the frequency and quality of fossil-bearing outcrops, prehistoric life and conditions can be interpreted with accuracy, painting a detailed picture of how the landscape has changed over time. One of our first lessons exploring deep-time was an analysis…

As I walk out into the plain from the field site, the fragrance from crushed sagebrush wafts up from beneath my boots. In the wide-open expanse of the Laramie Valley, the smell is always around, but the uniqueness of the aroma never seems to get old. Taking a seat near the dirt road that leads…

Hello, I’m Zach Burke, and I will be entering my last semester this fall as an Ecology and Evolution major with a minor in religious studies. Most of my interests are related to the Ecology field; I enjoy spending my time hiking, birding, and fly-fishing. Some of my other favorite activities are photography, basketball, reading…