A few steps to the north of the Teton County Fairgrounds building in Driggs, thereâs a scraggly patch of ground. One corner is edged by pines, and the southern edge plays host to a ragtag line of shrubs, just beginning to muster up buds to greet the warmer weather. In some places the fence seems sturdy, while in others, it has certainly seen better days. Skeletal remains of bull thistles stand as tribute to past seasons of neglect.
While it doesnât look like much now, this swath of fallow ground has an exciting future: it will be revived into a vibrant community garden that will enrich the valley in a variety of ways.
Teton County Fairgrounds administrator Hallie Poirier was saddened to discover on April 7 that the Lewish-Parish Park picnic area, located between the riding pavilion and the museum, had been vandalized earlier this year. It s just unfortunate, Poirier said about the red and blue spray-painted curse words and obscene images now marring the picnic shelter walls, tables, and concrete floor. The lights fixtures were also broken. The area is heavily used during the spring and summer for 4-H events and private gatherings.Â
The vandalism happened on March 17 if the date spray-painted onto the concrete floor is accurate. Courtesy Photo/Hallie Poirier
The culprits dated their workâ3/17/21âand made references to Teton Middle School principal Brian Ashton, leading Poirier to guess they might have been middle school students who had gotten detention in March. A report has been filed at the sheriff s office. Â
Longer days and sunshine create optimism and hope for new beginnings. Easter, Passover, and the spring solstice all symbolize renewal, transformation, and rebirth. With spring just around the corner, you may be antsy to cultivate your green thumb. While in some areas of North America garden planting is getting underway, in the Tetons, we have 2-3 months before we can direct sow annual vegetable plants or flowers without the threat of early frost. With our short season, high-altitude climate, you can kick off your garden season by starting seeds indoors for later transplanting. I usually wait until after Memorial Day to transplant and direct sow. Seed starting not only helps extend a short growing season, but also can be quite rewarding and economical since there is more variety and flexibility instead of relying on nursery stock. Driggs has a 4b USDA plant hardiness zone, so varieties that are quicker to mature, dwarf size, and more cold-tolerant are more suitable for our climate. To
In a nod to the pervasiveness of the COVID-19 pandemic, we opted for a pair of top 10 lists. The one that begins above is the news that would have dominated in a usual year; below is what drew the most attention.
1. COVID-19 reaches Jackson
Though itâs hard to remember, there was a time before the pandemic gripped the Tetons. The first case of the coronavirus in Wyoming was reported March 11; then the virus reached Jackson a week later.
Operations were shut down March 15 at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Officials cited high avalanche danger, dangerous road conditions and concerns over the COVID-19 virus for the closure. Grand Targhee and Snow King shut down mountain operations soon after.