Students return from Yellowstone trip

This spring, our fourth graders at Ralph Witters Elementary School experienced two wonderful trips overnight in Yellowstone National Park. The first trip stayed at the YCC (Youth Conservation Corps) in Mammoth from March 9-12. The second trip stayed at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch in Lamar Valley from April 16-20.

Yellowstone Park Rangers immersed the fourth graders in engaging learning experiences on ecology, geology, history, and preservation of the park. Students participated in many activities such as snowshoeing, testing the pH and temperature of hot springs, learning about the formation of the caldera, learning the park's history, acting out the water cycle, identifying animal skulls, comparing and contrasting predators and prey, understanding animal adaptations, writing and acting out legends, following park rules and safety, and much more! The experience students get from the trip is truly magical and unforgettable.

"The hikes were hard, but I made it through the snow," said Lane Baker.

"The dorms were awesome!" Xavian Vargas said. "We each got our own bunkbed and we told scary stories."

Students visited Mammoth Hot Springs, saw an abandoned wickiup once used by the Sheepeater Indians, hiked the Yellmar Trail along the Lamar and Yellowstone Rivers, and visited the museum in Mammoth Hot Springs. A variety of wildlife was seen on both trips including bighorn sheep, bison and their babies, elk, black bears, grizzly bears, coyotes, mountain sheep, moose, osprey and golden eagles.

"We encountered a black bear on the trail that was 15 yards away, Dallyn Griffin said.

"It was epic!," said Dean Bihr. "I wish I could do it again."

For many of the students, a lot of "firsts" occurred, whether it was seeing certain animals, doing dishes by hand, or just visiting the park. It was amazing to watch the students' eyes light up and see their smiles grow. As teachers, those are the moments that make it all worthwhile!  

To the wonderful people of Thermopolis, the students and teachers at Ralph Witters Elementary School cannot thank you enough for making these "once-in-a-lifetime" trips possible. Thank you again for allowing our students to experience the magic of Yellowstone firsthand through your donations and pie purchases!

"I loved Yellowsone," said Blevins Little. "It wasn't about the animals and all that. It's about all the love and support. Thank you Ranger Trudy and Ranger Michael."