Memories That Make Up A Summer

When I return home and think back on my time out in Idaho, I am going to remember the hilarious, fun, touching moments that sum up my summer. My main inspiration for pursuing this internship was the opportunity to gain invaluable field-research skills that I couldn’t learn in an academic building, but I am coming away with much more. Each intern here has helped make my summer special in a variety of ways. Together we have seen the entire watershed from the top of Sawtelle mountain, watched three season of How I Met Your Mother, and floated the river by Bear Gulch in car tires. We have recorded the size of hundreds of fish at the Buffalo fish ladder, put up miles of cattle fences to protect the river, and listened to hours of country music while piled into our lovely Suburban. These guys deserve individual shout outs though, so here goes.

  

Summer Field Crew 2013!
(from left to right:) Chris, Bess, Arielle, Jeff, Chau, & Will 

My favorite moments of the summer so far, by intern (and grad student):

Jeff: Jeff is the lead adventurer of the group, planning excursions tough enough to challenge even the bravest hiker. (Okay, maybe that is a little dramatic. But still – he loves a good hike.) Jeff, Bess, and I went backpacking a few weekends ago at Palisades Creek, and Jeff was super excited to try out his emergency shelter tent, which is essentially a large garbage bag held up by a long piece of string. Even though it was literally freezing outside (Jeff’s water-bottle froze overnight), he slept in his bright orange emergency tent, despite the fact that there was plenty of room in mine and Bess’s tent. He wanted to prove to himself that it worked and that he could do it – and even though I tease him for sleeping in a garbage bag, I love how committed Jeff is to being a true outdoorsman/backpacker.

Chris: watching The Lion King on my laptop - which we propped up on a tree stump - at Henry’s Lake on July 4^th. (A little background: once or twice a week a pair of interns heads up to Henry’s Lake to do boat inspections on behalf of Fremont County Weed Control, a government agency whose mission is to prevent invasive species from destroying the gorgeous and important natural resources in the area, including the water in Henry’s Lake. The biggest threats to the lake are zebra and quagga mussels, which have the potential to wipe out an entire ecosystem. They can be transported on boats, so we do inspections to make sure that boats from out of state aren’t bringing in any of these evil little buggers). While waiting for boats to come for inspection, Chris and I entertained ourselves by singing along to the soundtrack and reciting the memorable lines of this classic movie. Each time a car pulled up I would laugh while wondering what the driver thought of two twenty-something-year-olds watching a Disney movie outside in the 80 degree heat on July 4^th.

Will: Will and I spent one of his first days here working together as a team, putting up a cattle fence on the river by Mesa Falls. At the end, we met Matt and Chris who had done their half… wearing work gloves. Will and I just looked at each other and said that we were too hard-core for work gloves. After all, the fence was only a little rusty. This started a whole series of Arielle and Will adventures, and we have since dubbed ourselves “team A/W-esome” – also known as the “Dream Team”.

Bess: A group of us went to Five-11-Main for lunch one day, and Matt (our field-crew leader) and his lovely wife Paige ended up joining us. After a story Matt told, Bess and I both said “oh my GOD” at the same exact time, with the same sweeping hand gesture. This is constantly happening to Bess and me, and it always leads us to say that: “we are just the same person”, which is ironic because Bess and I are actually very different. Somehow, though, we tend to always say the same things at the same time, and it always makes us giggle.

Chau: Chau was the last of the group to arrive, and we were all excited to welcome the last member of Henry & The Forks to our little blue house. The moment she came in the door, we all crowded around introducing ourselves and offering to help move her things into the house. It was so great to have the whole group finally together, and even though we probably overwhelmed her a ton in that first five minutes, she was a total champ and didn’t seem fazed at all.

Zach: One of the first nights I was here, Zach somehow got rope-a-doped into playing a Ke$ha song on the guitar. Needless to say, it was hilarious. (Jeff did “interpretive dance” which is also a truly special memory!) Zach and I have spent several evenings at the breakfast bar in the kitchen, playing/singing along to any country song Zach can find the chords to online. We both like 90s country, and its so nice to sing along to these songs that sound like my childhood – with a new friend.

I am only ½ way done with my summer, and I can’t wait to make a whole new bundle of Idaho memories. 

love and trout...

Arielle  

Mountains and Storms, Oh My!

            When the workweek finally comes to an end, Henry and the Forks are always excited for the adventures that the weekend is sure to hold. Some recent escapades have included floating the Warm River and Henry’s Fork, hiking around by Sawtelle Mountain, backpacking in the Caribou Range, and exploring the towns and cities around Ashton (and of course a bundle of fishing). This past weekend, Bess and I went for a hike to the very popular Table Mountain in the Teton Range. Little did we know, this trip would prove to be far more exciting than we thought.

A lovely day for a hike!

            With daypacks slung over our shoulders, we left the Teton Camp Ground around 10:00AM for the ~6 mile trek to the summit of Table Mountain. We talked with a number of people on the way up, and all assured us that the views of the Tetons from the peak would be marvelous. Talking with folks was wonderful, until one guy coming down the trail warned us “watch out, there’s a big storm up ahead.” This wasn’t exactly what we’d hoped to hear. As we ascended some final switchbacks to reach a plateau 1.5 miles from the summit, we saw the dark grey and purple thunderheads heading straight for us. After discussing our situation with an awesome man sporting a “Fear Grandpa” tee shirt, we decided to press on and see if we could make it to the top before the storm unleashed its fury. And boy oh boy, did things get interesting.

            A mile from the peak, the storm set in. We were more or less above tree line, standing in the open at 10,000 feet. If I were a bolt of lightening, I would have loved to strike us. Accordingly, we flew down the trail as fast as we could and took shelter from the hail and lightening in a small grove of trees, layering up as the temperature dropped 20 degrees in a matter of minutes. We were a bit discouraged, but even more determined to make it to the summit. Forty-five minutes later, the storm had passed and we set out once again.

...not as lovely of a day...

           Of course, another storm decided to mosey on in and say hello. Now past the point of no return, we went off trail to a stunted copse of trees and sat out this storm, the hail not reaching us through a thatched roof of pine. A half hour later, we opted to make another dash for the summit, passing a few groups that were up there hiding in rocks when the storms hit (they could feel the static electricity building up around them).

            This attempt was rather short lived. Almost completely above tree line, a third storm rolled in and forced us to hide under some gnarled tree/shrubs. The temperature dropped even more, and we didn’t have nearly as much protection from the storm as we huddled together for warmth. But deterred we were not! We emerged from our lair and stared defiantly at the peak, perhaps a quarter mile away, beckoning for us to climb to its precipice. Then we glanced across the mountains.

            Storm numero quatro was also staring at the peak. It decided to make itself known by sending down from the heavens a fiery stab of electricity, right to the top of the mountain. A moment later, a repeat strike had Bess and I turning our backs on that fine looking mountain. After nearly three hours of playing cat and mouse with storms that shouldn’t be reckoned with, we decided it wasn’t worth it. We made our way down trail (a mighty steep trail, might I add), stoked to have made it out alive (we had our doubts at some points), and even happier to have seen some wonderful scenery and met a number of rad people (we had a nice chat with “Fear Grandpa” man again at the trailhead). This hike may not have been what we were expecting, but it was still a great time!

Still alive! (yay)

Checking the weather is for squares,

Jeff

5 am: Magic on the River

If, one month ago, someone had told me that I would soon be excited to wake up at 5 am, it is highly likely that I would have been quite skeptical. But the thing is… they would have been right. There is something truly wondrous about waking up before the sun rises and hopping into a canoe for a full day of field research. With freezing cold fingers and two layers of pants under my Simms waders, we launch into the river from the log jam or from the bank of the river by Millionaires, searching out the next point on our map of spots that we must cover to complete habitat surveys. It’s best to be on the water as early as possible. This way we can avoid disturbing fishermen during peak fishing hours, and the wind is far weaker in the morning – making for easier rowing. For the last few weeks, I have had the privilege of spending several days on the water with Zach Kuzniar (a grad student at Grand Valley State University in Michigan) who is conducting research on adult rainbow trout habitat use in the ranch portion of the Henry’s Fork. Part of this research involves a series of in-depth habitat surveys: at 200 points on the river we measure water velocity, temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, water level, substrate, and a whole slew of other variables. And it is always an adventure.

A green drake that landed on our boat during habitat surveys - fishermen's dream!

I had the special opportunity to help conduct surveys on the water before the ranch portion was open to fishing, when herds of elk and other animals that are native to that area had not yet been permanently frightened into the woods by the presence of too many people. On my first day on the water, Zach, Chris and I watched an enormous herd of elk running across the river. It was absolutely gorgeous, and I was completely entranced by the natural wonder before me. I felt like I was in an incredible National Geographic TV special. Now that the ranch is open, I have seen far fewer animals, and none in herds. This is a pity, because it is a truly awesome experience to be that close to something that seemed so primal, but which is simply a part of everyday life in the wilderness. It was torrentially down-pouring that entire day, but it was one of my favorite days of the summer because I spent it on the water, in good company, in the name of science. I really don’t know what more I could ask for (perhaps a touch of sunlight, but then again… the rain added to the experience. Plus I get to brag about how hard-core my field research experience is to all of my friends back home!)

Measuring water velocity
(p.s. Check out my Simms waders! They make me feel like a true outdoors woman)

Habitat surveys themselves can get a bit monotonous, but all I ever have to do is look up and take in the breathtaking sight of the Henry’s Fork and I am reminded of why I love being here in Idaho. After a month, the beauty of this place is still remarkable to me. I have never been anywhere so open in my life. I can see for miles, all the way to the crest of the caldera and far beyond it. How many people can say that they can see the Tetons all day while they work? The air here is fresh and my lungs are definitely grateful. After having spent the last five months of my life in London (a wonderful city… but a city with tons of gas-guzzling cars and pollution), the purity of this landscape is such a constant joy to me. Right now I am gazing into our backyard, where a beautiful black horse is grazing in the thick grass…which stretches for miles and miles… until the green blends into the bright blue of the sky, which is endless here. I can't dream of a better place to spend my summer.

:D Arielle 

Welcome to the Reel World

 This is the true story…of seven strangers…picked to work in a watershed…live together and blog about their lives…to find out what happens…when people begin to catch fish…and start getting reel…The Reel World: Henry’s Fork Edition.

MTV seriously dropped the ball when they didn’t get the rights to follow Henry & the Forks (trademark pending) around this summer.  With California (x2), Idaho, Michigan (not really an intern, but we let him hang out with us), Mississippi, New York, and Pennsylvania all represented, we’ve got a variety of demographics covered.  It has been an interesting social experiment the past three weeks living with such a diverse group, but I can’t imagine a better situation.  After spending long days together, we all gravitate back to the living room at the end of the day (sometimes because we’re too tired to make it to our rooms) to rehash the highlights of the day, e.g. spending twenty minutes “mowing” the field for Henry’s Fork Day only to realize that you have to put the blade down on a ride-on mower for it to actually cut the grass.  (In my defense, I had only ever used a push mower, also known as character building.)  Another example, the time Jeff (a.k.a. Nugget) ate an entire box of expired Raisin Bran cereal in one afternoon (true story). 

             It’s stories like those above that, for me, will be the most meaningful takeaways from this internship.  I’ve learned so much about conservation management and the inner workings of a nonprofit in the past three weeks, but it’s the people I’ve met, the stories I’ve heard, and the memories I’ve made so far that really make me appreciate the intangibles this internship has to offer. 

            Now that we’ve got the blog up and running for the summer, keep a look out for posts from the rest of the interns!

Peace, love, and oreo balls,

 

Bess

 

Introducing Henry & The Forks - Summer Field Crew 2013

            So many wonderful, new, exciting things have happened since I arrived here in Idaho three weeks ago that I hardly know where to begin. I have tucked myself into a canoe before sunrise to assist with habitat surveys on the ranch portion of the Henry’s Fork River, gaining field-research skills I could never learn in a classroom. I have wrestled with trout of all sizes at the Buffalo fish ladder, discovering the incredible (and humbling) strength of these creatures so much smaller than myself. My new intern friends and I have spent days hauling the remnants of the Thurmon Creek weir through the forest, learning about the inglorious but nonetheless important side of field-research. And somehow, in the midst of all of this, 22-inch-long rainbow trout have miraculously appeared on the end of my fishing line! It has been a busy blur of summer days well spent, with plenty of learning, laughing, and country music to boot.

Arielle with her first trout: a 22-inch rainbow

            When I first accepted this internship, I had only an inkling of what this summer would hold. I knew that I would be assisting with field-research, that I would finally get to spend my summer outdoors again, and that I would be moving into a house with six other interns from across the country. Little did I know that I would be making some truly amazing new friends who share my passions for the outdoors and conservation. I also didn’t know that I would have a very hard time learning how to hold a live fish… but that with lots of kind encouragement and coaching, I would learn how to gently but deftly handle those little guys in no time. I still have much to learn out here beneath these beautiful Idaho skies, and I can’t wait to see where the next seven weeks will take me and the rest of the 2013 field crew.

            So here I am, a girl from the suburbs of New York City, writing to you from rural Idaho – and loving every moment of it. Stay tuned for more blog posts from me and the rest of Henry & The Forks (as we interns have named ourselves) as we keep you updated with stories of our summer adventures! 

Sunrise on the Henry's Fork

Waterfalls, Cliffs, and Cutthroat. All in a day’s work.

E-fishing doesn’t sound that hard, right? You just have to walk through 100 meters of stream and scoop up all the fish you stun. No biggie. The hidden challenge is getting to the sites. Armed with our trusty GPS, we look for the easiest way to get to the stream from the car. Sometimes it’s an easy hundred meters. Most of the time it’s a lot farther.

Gorgeous Waterfall on Wyoming Creek

Last week we headed into Wyoming Creek, in Targhee National Forest. We followed a deer trail for a while, which was pretty easy-going, but then the banks of the creek turned to cliffs, and we realized we needed to walk up the stream in order to reach our site.  We put on our waders, only to realize that Chase managed to grab two left wader boots. He managed to stuff his neoprene cover feet into his Chacos, and we started splashing upstream, only to hit a series of 10 ft. waterfalls. We managed to climb over the first one with our gear, but the second was above a deep pool. Time to improvise. Luckily Charlie, the resident rock climber, had some webbing and carabineers in his pack, so Matt climbed up and we hauled our gear up and over the cliff next to the falls, and then scrambled up ourselves.  All in all, our site was only 1 km as the crow flies. Unfortunately we are not crows, and the trek took us over 2 hours.

Hauling our e-fisher up the cliff

Two left shoes :( 

Our next stop was Squirrel Creek, which is pretty close to Ashton.  Our first site was right off the road, and we were excited for what we though was going to be an easy day.  We started hiking in to the second site and it wasn’t too bad: we just had to walk around a swamp. Suddenly we broke through an aspen grove and found ourselves on the edge of a cliff, looking down at the creek far below. We were momentarily stumped because there was no way we were going to be able to climb down safely, much less get back up. Hmmmm. With a little scouting, we found a tiny break in the cliff that was less steep, and made it down to the bottom in one piece.  Found some great looking cutthroat at the bottom, so the adventure was all worth it!

Nessa and a Cutthroat from Squirrel Creek

Stopping Erosion with Native Plants

A few weeks ago we teamed up with North Fork Native Plants and Intermountain Aquatics to restore a portion of bank on the lower Henry’s Fork. They have done several restorations in the past and have determined a method based on trial and error. The status quo for stopping erosion is to use large rocks, which works when the natural substrate of the river is rocky, but is not effective in sandy riverbeds because the rocks are just washed away. Rocks also do nothing to re-establish native vegetation. 

Bio-logs

Partially restored bank

            Instead of rocks we used organic materials and native plants to secure the banks. After an excavator had leveled the steep slope, we staked down a burlap cloth made of biodegradable coconut fibers on the tow of the slope.  Above this, we dug a huge trench and dropped in bio-logs. Bio-logs are pre-planted with a mixture of native grasses and young willows and are given their cylindrical structure by more burlap. After the bio-logs, we planted coyote willows of various sizes, and a mixture of hawthorn, currant, roses, and snowberries. As Katie Salsbury of North Fork Native Plants explained, diversity is the best insurance policy when it comes to successful restoration.

Check out the awesome video that Matt put together about our week! Watch it to the end, it gets really good.