Trails Center Presents Program On Weather: the Constant Companion

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BLM Wyoming

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High Plains District Office

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CASPER, Wyo --   Wind, thunderstorms, and an arid landscape were the constant companion of the pioneer traveler. Find out more about how weather impacted pioneers on Sunday, July 1 at 1:00 p.m. at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.

Chris Jones, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Riverton, Wyoming will present his program, Weather: A Constant Companion.  This program aims to connect participants with public lands, and in turn with America’s natural and cultural heritage.

Pioneers heading west along the trail quickly found out just how different the climate and day-to-day weather was from their homes in the east and abroad. Mr. Jones uses historical records and diaries in an attempt to reconstruct weather patterns associated with the ill-fated Willie and Martin Handcart companies of October 1856. This program will enlighten visitors as to how weather affected the Overland emigrants on their westward journey.

For more information, please contact the NHTIC by calling (307) 261-7780.

The NHTIC is a public-private partnership between the BLM and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The facility is located at 1501 N. Poplar Street, Casper, Wyoming.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, there are 30 congressionally designated National Scenic and Historic Trails in the National Trails System. National Historic Trails are extended trails that closely follow a historic trail or route of travel that is of national significance. The BLM now protects nearly 6,000 miles of 18 designated trails in 15 States, and the BLM also manages thousands of miles of trails under study for potential designation.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.