We are incredibly proud of our guides as we truly believe that they are the best in the business. When one guide poses a niche question about a particular GYE species or change in land management policy to the group, it is usually answered well before anyone searches the omniscient Google. The amount of collective knowledge that is stored in our guides' brains reminds us of a small naturalist internet, with a few megabytes of nature-related Dad Jokes in there as well. So, it isn't a surprise that in addition to guiding thousands of people year-round, our guides love to be guided themselves. Our team enjoys being in a reciprocal role to learn from someone else who is the expert in their world and add more knowledge to their naturalist internet minds. 

ETA Staff during winter staff training.

Recently, our guides traveled to the National Museum of Wildlife Art located just north of downtown Jackson Hole, WY. This incredible resource sits opposite the National Elk Refuge and truly is a place of learning and reflection. With a dozen guides in tow, we were led through the museum's collections from a fantastic docent who taught us not only about the individual pieces of art and their histories but also, and importantly, how to teach others about them. Each piece of art is similar to a roadside turnout in the National Parks with a breathtaking view. Upon first seeing the view you can appreciate the beauty, but having a guide lead you through how to view the landscape with a different perspective allows you to zoom in to notice the most minute details and zoom out to see all the variables that were required to align just right in order for the beauty to move you. The docent taught us specific techniques that defined the artist's fame and about the history of the building of the museum, allowing our guides to zoom in and zoom out to get a fuller picture of the amazing resource that the museum is for the world.

One of the current fantastic exhibits at the museum, running until April 29, 2023.

It was a fantastic afternoon, and with a few more files still downloading in our heads, we walked back to the parking lot to take in the view of the valley below—this time with an enhanced appreciation of the castle-like building that sits just above the road into Jackson Hole.

If you want to experience the muesum with one of our knowledgeable guides—and take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge—we offer combination wildlife/refuge/museum tours in the winter! Call us today at (307) 699-9533 to learn more.

Written by ETA Naturalist Bo Welden, who holds a Master's Degree in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources.