Join our available projects to help inspire and educate!
Volunteer to help us: species inventories, hikes, talks, service projects.....
Just write us a note at: jdbadlands@gmail.com and we will welcome you!!
Activities
Welcome to our great activities for the summer of 2026!
Friday, July 17 and Saturday July18
Dubois Badlands Art Show!
The dramatic landscapes, rich geological history, and wild beauty of the Dubois Badlands will take center stage during a special juried art show and sale presented by Friends of the Dubois Badlands on July 17 and 18 at the Headwaters Art and Conference Center in Dubois. This is to inspire a deeper appreciation for one of Wyoming’s most remarkable and fragile ecosystems. An opening reception will be held Friday, July 17, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Headwaters Art Center in Dubois. Guests are invited to meet participating artists and enjoy refreshments while viewing the exhibition. The show and sale continues Saturday, July 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15
Jared Asselta: "Geology Research in Byrd Draw"
Don’t miss this amazing talk by our favorite research geologist. Jared is due to receive his doctorate From the University of Minnesota for the research he has done in our own Byrd Draw over the last few years. Early Eocene Paleoclimate Reconstruction in the Wind River Basin is his topic. His previous talks and hikes described what he was doing and now he is going to fill us in on the results of his work. Another talk and hike with refreshments in Byrd Draw!
Friday and Saturday, August 21 and 22
Utilizing Terrestrial Food Web and Ecological Succession Concepts to Build Resilient Ecosystems
Michael Curran, PhD, Certified Wildlife Biologist, CEO & Principal Ecologist, Abnova Ecological Solutions returns to give a stimulating talk!
Wyoming is home to some of North America’s most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, but its harsh and unpredictable climate make restoring ecosystems difficult. Wildfires, invasive weeds, long and cold winters, hot and dry summers, low soil fertility, and rugged terrain are some of the issues that present challenges to creating functional ecosystems and wildlife habitat in the state. Over the past 16 years, researchers associated with Abnova Ecological Solutions have worked to solve these challenges and have found success utilizing proven ecological concepts.
The talk Friday night with focus on pathways to improving habitat and ecosystem functionality in the Dubois area. Seed mix design, installation, terrestrial food web and ecological concepts will be discussed at Dennison at 7 pm.
Saturday morning at 9 am a nature walk will take place with the emphasis on identification of flora and fauna in the area to implement these ideas. Meet at the Sheep Center.
Requirements
Be at the Headwaters July 17 and 18!
Be at 1 Crystal Ave. at 5 pm Wednesday July 15
Friday be at the Dennison at 7 pm August 21.
Future Activities
We hope: Hike and class on “Ranching and Control of Invasive Species” by Andy Williams of Diamond D Ranch.
August: Annual meeting: party and hike
Conservation Success
Alltrails, an on-line trail guide site, has long had a “trail” suggested through the State Land and WSA that could impact the sensitive area. Earlier this year, Tim Judson was able to get Alltrails [see: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/wyoming/dubois-badlands-wilderness-study-area ] to change their hiking trail #2 from the fragile soil just to the west of the wash in Mason Draw to the wash itself rather than the multi-trail section that can be seen Figure 1 in the site. Their new trail, suggested by the Friends of Dubois Badlands, should reduce some of the traffic on the fragile, friable soil that they originally had the trail on. Their Trail #1 goes up some steep slopes that are already eroding.
Ongoing Background Activities
TIn addition to the many exciting summer activities, Friends of Dubois Badlands carry on many activities in the background. These include helping BLM monitor potentially negative behavior in the WSA area and updating the signage posts, helping the State clean up debris left on nearby State land, and monitoring the legislative status of the WSA. We also work with the local school and Boys and Girls Club.
But the most exciting new project is called the:
Kingfisher Parcel Special Use Lease Project
Why join the Activities
Friends of Dubois Badlands?
Help support the work of education, protection and scientific study of these Badlands
Help with projects that improve conservation of this magic area.
Help build awareness of the value of these Badlands by spreading the word about their specialness .
Have fun! Meet new people!