Calling Visitors: Voluntourism Helps Jackson Hole’s Wildlife
By Visit Jackson Hole 
Search for moose and volunteer in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Voluntourism on Moose Day means your visit can have a positive impact on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
How a morning spent searching for moose can help Jackson scientists better understand, and protect, the moose population for future generations.
Being Wild Jackson Hole is seeking visitors who will be in Jackson between February 20 and March 8, 2024. Visitors can participate in a "voluntourism" project in which you can not only explore Jackson Hole for free, but you give back to the local wildlife in important ways. The best part? All you have to do is look for moose!
SIGN UP FOR MOOSE DAY
Who
Anyone visiting Jackson Hole who wants to have a positive impact on the ecosystem they see here. Especially the moose lovers!
What
If you’re available to join the Hosted Moose Day hike at Cache Creek Trailhead on Saturday, March 2nd from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, you’ll be helping Being Wild JH cover the Cache Creek “search area” for our annual census of the Jackson Hole Moose Herd. Coffee and bagels are provided and you will cover up to 3.5 miles of snow packed, single-track trail along the creek in search of moose. While we can’t guarantee moose sightings, this family-friendly event is a chance to learn about all sorts of winter wildlife (tracks, scat, etc.), collect important data, and get some exercise and fresh air in the process.
Where
You and your fellow volunteers will search for moose on a pre-assigned parcel in the Jackson Hole Valley.
When
Jackson Hole’s Moose Day is March 2, 2024.
However, if you’d like to collect data on your own anytime between February 20 and March 8, 2024, you can download the free Nature Mapping Jackson Hole app and submit your moose observations in Jackson Hole during the Moose Day period. Including a photo with your submission will help us verify your sighting. This is a great way to contribute data if you already have plans for the morning of March 2nd but still want to take part in this citizen-science project during your visit.
How
We asked Being Wild’s Communications Manager, Kyle Kissock, how Moose Day will impact the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In other words, how your work on March 2nd will leave a lasting impression on Jackson Hole.
“Biologists use the moose observations submitted by citizen-scientist volunteers on Moose Day to better inform estimates of the population of the Jackson Hole moose herd. Because Moose Day occurs every year, population numbers can be tracked over time. An accurate assessment of population is key to gauging herd health and is helpful to inform management actions that benefit moose and other species.”
Why
And why is it important that visitors get involved with projects like this?
“Visitor volunteers are helpful for this particular citizen-science project because they give the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation more eyes on the ground. Moose Day is a one-day census of the Jackson Hole moose herd, so there’s a lot of ground to cover. The more volunteer participation we have, the less likely moose will be missed during the survey. Plus, looking for (and learning about) moose is just plain fun!”
For the moose!
…and the over 500 species of animals and plants that call Jackson Hole home.
If you are inspired by the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the incredible creatures you witness during your visit, please know they need your help! And Moose Day is the perfect place to start!