Harts Pass No. 340

So traditions have their groundhogs as prognosticators of Spring. But here in the Methow... when the marmots hit the sunny rocks (just FINALLY emerging from the snow this year) then you know that we're really getting close!

Spring School Visits in Tonasket, Washington!

So this is what it looks like on a March 24th afternoon when you drive from Tonasket back to Winthrop, WA... and we're four weeks into the track season too :) A really nice visit with the 4th graders at Tonasket Elementary -- and they just wrapped up a week of making their very own books with help from the UW Pipeline Project and the "Alternative Spring Break" program (read a little bit below or follow the link.) Anyway, the kids were great and the program seems like a fantastic way to get UW kids out n' about into all different corners of the state. Thanks to all!

Harts Pass No. 339

It's March Madness... and with Sweet Sixteen appearances for both the Wisconsin Badgers AND the Michigan Wolverines, the mustelids are tearing up the courts. And hopefully they still will be later this week. GRRR!

Harts Pass No. 338

The comment period on the proposed grizzly bear reintroduction is wrapping up this week. As per usual with this sort of study, there are choices -- and a "goldilocks principle" certainly at work. A lot of space in the North Cascades, and a probable chance of success for the work, but nothing is ever certain and these big 'ol bears DO indeed deserve a good hard look and due consideration!

PS The comic this week was equally inspired by The Oatmeal's call for public comments: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2017/03/15/a-proposal-to-bring-back-grizzlies-just-got-a-funny-boost/?utm_term=.c89da2732da0

I submitted this cartoon along with a few more thoughts in prose. GRRR!

Harts Pass No. 337

I wrote this on Tuesday, and sure enough we woke up to 5 inches of new snow on Friday morning! Sunny and 40 degrees on the way, so just a little more patience sun worshipers :)

School Visits Galore!

For the last two weeks I've been trekking all over Washington State - plus a virtual visit to South Carolina! SO much fun to share what I do with these students, and thank you such much to everyone (students, teachers, staff, PTAs and PTOs) at Lee, Cascade, Pioneer, Whiteside, and Sunnycrest for making it all so great. A special thanks to the kids for drawing with me and for putting so much attention to line, texture, and detail into all of the AWESOME Gator drawings!!

Harts Pass No. 336

So... the North Cascades might make a great spot for grizzly bear reintroductions, eh? The main challenge though might be in convincing Canadian bears to immigrate to the States, ya know?