Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve

The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is an interesting place to say the least.  We drove there after visiting the Craig Thomas center.  We didn't know how long the drive was going to be or we might not have gone there since it was late by the time we got back to our campsite that evening.  However, as you'll see in upcoming posts we did see animals that we wouldn't have seen at other times...

The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is located four miles south of Moose on the Moose-Wilson Road. The Preserve provides a special opportunity to connect with nature in an environment designed to reduce congestion and provide an opportunity for solitude and reflection. Explore the network of trails leading to Phelps Lake through mature forests and aspen groves.--from Grand Teton website, LSRP section

The drive was beautiful, if slow along a narrow road and the entrance looked like a ranch, which the area used to be.

The parking lot was located quite a ways from the main building.  I got my first inkling that this wasn't a "normal" tourist area when I spotted the reserved sign for hybrid cars.

Sustainable Site Development
Between July 2004 and May 2007, thirty buildings, roads, utilities and other structures were removed from the Preserve and the sites were reclaimed to blend with natural surroundings.  By relocating and reusing the buildings locally, the PReserve saved 155.2 tons in demolition waste.  The extensive reclamation also enhances wildlife habitat, reduced non-native vegetation, reconnects fragmented wetlands and improves the visitor experience throughout the property. 

To develop the site sustainably, the buildings, parking and trails have been located on areas that were previously developed.  In the parking lot, gravel pave and a bioswale reduce flows and filter contaminants from stormwater.  The Preserve also eliminates waste by asking visitors to "pack it in and pack it out."
--from "Green Building" brochure produced by Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve

The building was another modern, yet beautiful structure situated amongst amazing scenery.

And as we rounded the building we walked by several aspen trees.  I'm quite familiar with aspens due to summers spent in Colorado as I grew up and the blowing breeze brought very familiar sounds to my ears, so I had to take a video.  I did learn something new just now from the Teton website however about aspen trees:
"Did you know that the bark on Aspen trees looks green because it contains chlorophyll? Aspen bark is photosynthetic, a process that allows a plant to make energy from the sun, and helps the tree flourish during the short growing season."


When we entered the building it was very quiet.  Later we speculated that we had come in the wrong door.  The area was full of chairs and books.  On a table I found the passport stamp--and found it very unusual that nobody else was around.

Energy Efficiency
Exterior wall and roof insulation, window glass insulation, lighting, geothermal heating, natural ventilation, photovoltaic panels and renewable energy reduce the Preserve's energy cost by 78% compared to a typical building.  This is equal to taking approximately five passenger cars off the road for a year. 

One special component of energy savings is lighting.  Designers tested the level of illumination needed and worked together to design a system that used automated lighting controls to adjust individual lights based on occupancy and daylight.  Another component is geothermal heating.  The building uses a series of 250' wells to transfer the natural temperature of the ground into the building with a heat pump.
--from "Green Building" brochure produced by Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve

Once we walked further into the building we did encounter a park service employee and a couple other guests.  There were also a few traditional exhibits explaining the area.

Apparently it was once a ranch belonging to the Rockefeller family (yes the same family the Memorial Parkway was named after).  But recently it was converted back into wilderness.

Between 2004 and 2007, the JY Ranch underwent a dramatic transformation from a private family ranch to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve.  Reversing generations of human activity, all buildings were removed, native habitats were reclaimed, equestrian trails were restored as pedestrian trails, and the property was donated to Grand Teton National Park.  This effort carried out Laurance S. Rockefeller's intent that the property should serve as  model of public use and enjoyment in balance with land conservation and environmental stewardship.
--from NPS signage

It was interesting.  I don't have a problem with conservation or preservation, but the concept of people placing the environment above human life makes me nervous.  I believe it is quite important to take care of the environment, but some people go too far.  The vibe I got from this place was of someone going too far--or appearing to.  Hopefully that wasn't the intention.  One room contained several screens playing videos from nature.  This room and one other had occupants when we came through--and at least one of them appeared to be sitting and meditating.  It just gave me sort of a "New Age" feel...


Still, I'm glad we visited for the scenery, the passport stamp, the aspen video, and the interesting glimpse into the building.

~Matt

PS We stopped by the restrooms on the way out and they used only composting toilets.  I'm glad that people don't follow these rules exactly.  If they did then literally only toilet paper would end up in the toilets...

PPS

Water Savings
By planting native species to eliminate permanent irrigation and using composting toilets and low-flow lavatories, the Preserve reduces water use by 96% for annual savings of over 76,000 gallons of potable water.
--from "Green Building" brochure produced by Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve

PPPS All of our pictures are in this album.

~Matt