Paul Ollig
A white-tailed deer peeks through the snowy understory near the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center offices.
Of Mice and Men
December 29, 2008
Current Weather Conditions at Glacier National Park Headquarters
Temp: 28°F
Sky: Heavy Snow
Wind: Calm
"The best laid plans of mice and men
often go awry."
From the poem To a Mouse,
by Robert Burns
So much for those glacier morphs of the week I promised. Even the deer hanging out around park headquarters seem to be inquiring about why I’m not posting more. Alas, my grand plan to post at least once a week became a victim of busy schedules and shifting priorities.
But I foresee a renewed blogging spirit in the upcoming year, and will most definitely rededicate myself to highlighting the science and research being conducted here at Glacier National Park. In fact, my desk already has a stack of fascinating studies, graphs, and photographs just waiting for someone (me) to post them here.
As the final days of 2008 pass by, we’re already looking ahead. We have some big changes in store for the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center (CCRLC) in the coming year. The biggest change will be the departure of our Director, Dr. Sallie Hejl. She recently accepted a position as the regional biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service outside of Sacramento, CA. Exciting news for Sallie, but sad news for us here at Glacier National Park. We all wish her the best in her new position.
For those of us not moving to California, the rest of this winter will be spent preparing for the upcoming summer field season.
Our bunk-house is already starting to book up with researchers coming in from far and wide to explore and study the fascinating resources of the Crown of the Continent.
Our citizen science programs will also be back for another year, giving you an opportunity to become an active participant in the research process as we monitor the status of Glacier National Park’s Common Loons, invasive weeds and high country wildlife such as mountain goats, pikas and Clark’s Nutcrackers. Keep an eye out on this blog for more information on how you can be involved.
Speaking of websites, the poor will be getting a complete facelift in the coming weeks. I’m really excited about the look and feel of the new site, which will be incorporated directly into the park’s own web pages.
2009 is going to be an exciting year for research in the Crown of the Continent. Hopefully, this blog will continue to provide an opportunity for a greater understanding and insight into the issues facing the resources of Glacier National Park.
So, as I walk home from my office this evening beneath the slopes of Strawberry Mountain listening to the muffled crunch of the new fallen snow under my mukluks, I will be reflecting on my good fortunes and the accomplishments (and disappointments) of 2008, and pondering the promise of the coming year. I encourage you to find some time these next few days to do the same. Happy New Year!
