News
October is Firewood Month!
October is Firewood Month! Did you know every person who uses the Bridger-Teton National Forest plays a vital role in protecting the forest land we all love? Enjoying a campfire at the conclusion of a day’s activities could bring some unintended consequences. Invasive and destructive pests can be transported inside of firewood that is brought in from out of the area.
Weed of the Month: Skeletonleaf Bursage
For this Weed of the Month, we’re laying bare skeletonleaf bursage—bones and all. Although it’s a native, it competes with crops and can cause severe allergic reactions. We’ve got the tips and tricks to managing and eliminating this pest.
PlayCleanGo Week 2025
Help us celebrate PlayCleanGo Week this year from June 7–14!PlayCleanGo is a national campaign dedicated to protecting our wild lands from the spread of invasive species. It encourages outdoor recreationists to reduce the spread of dirt, seeds, and burs from noxious weeds during regular outdoor activities. The PlayCleanGo campaign works tirelessly to advocate for North America’s lands and waters by empowering people to take simple, proactive steps—like thoroughly cleaning mud and debris from gear, clothing, shoes, tires, and pets before and after outdoor adventures. Looking for inspiration on how you can protect public lands this summer? Follow us on social media throughout the week as we partner with conservation agencies across the country to share the top ways to #PlayCleanGo in our regions. When we commit to making small changes in how we prepare for and leave activities on public lands, we can make a big impact—preserving our parks, forests, rivers, lakes, and waterways for future generations to enjoy.
2025 Tick Blitz Results and Expanding Wyoming's First Tick Surveillance Program
The 2025 Tick Blitz, held in Teton County on May 16–17, yielded impressive results! Our team was thrilled to work alongside dedicated community citizen scientists who volunteered their time to help advance our understanding of tick phenology and abundance locally. Check out the results from our two-day sprint to collect as many ticks as possible within 48 hours!
Mosquito Control Awareness Week: Valent Biosciences Field Cage Trial Results in Mosquito Insecticide Resistance
West Nile Virus is the major mosquito-borne disease in the state of Wyoming. One element of our District's Integrated Mosquito Management Plan (IMM) is the use of adulticides for the control of adult mosquitoes. Currently, there are limited modes of action available for their use as adulticides. This has resulted in an alarming degree of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, particularly in vector species such as Culex tarsalis. Explore how abundance of West Nile Virus has exploded in recent years, the results of our field cage trials with Valent Biosciences and evidence of the resistant populations in Teton County, how resistance develops in mosquitoes, the types of resistance, and how our team prevents, detects, and manages resistance once found.
Weed of the Month: Sulfur Cinquefoil
For this Weed of the Month, we’re calling out the black sheep of the cinquefoil family: the sulfur cinquefoil. Though there are desirable native cinquefoil species, the sulfur cinquefoil is a tenacious invader—it can push out native plants and even other invasive species! Luckily, we’ll help you come out on top.
CABI & BBCA Facilities Tour
Our research and work at Teton County Weed and Pest is fostering international connections! Following a recent NAISMA Conference, Entomologist, Mikenna Smith, was invited to expand our relationships with international scientists and tour research facilities at CABI Switzerland & BBCA (Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency) in Italy. Both CABI and BBCA are recognized leaders in invasive species management, respectively, with extensive credentials in biological control research and implementation. This trip, funded by the WWPC Bio Control Steering Committee & Teton County Weed & Pest District enabled our team to expand and foster meaningful relationships that benefit our work.
Native Plant: Sagebrush
Sagebrush might be our favorite native shrub! An iconic symbol of the American West, sagebrush has historically been used in spiritual ceremonies and as medicine. Today, it plays a vital role in preserving landscapes and wildlife habitat during times of drought.
Native Plant: Arrowleaf Balsamroot
We’re getting straight to the point this month with a community favorite native species, the arrowleaf balsamroot! As a native plant, it can be found widespread throughout Canada and the western US. The beautiful flower head isn’t just for show—it’s a useful plant from root to pedal.
Weed of the Month: Scentless Chamomile
For this Weed of the Month, we’re sniffing out an invasive pest that’s all looks, no substance: scentless chamomile. Despite its looks, this weed is no daisy: it can harm livestock and overtake areas if left unchallenged.