This summer, Grand Teton Association (GTA) worked in partnership with Bianca Walder, a University of Wyoming (UW) graduate student, on a visitor experience survey. Bianca is studying environment, natural resources and society at the WORTH Institute at UW in Laramie.

Bianca approached The Association last fall about meeting her practicum requirement to complete a project with a community partner. Grand Teton Association was curious about the visitor experience after the recent renovation of our Colter Bay store in Grand Teton National Park, creating an ideal opportunity for Bianca’s project.

“The opportunity to work in Grand Teton this summer on WORTH Institute-related projects gave me the opportunity to complete my practicum with GTA,” she said.

Bianca is no stranger to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and this summer was her fourth season working within it. Previously, she was an intern at Grand Teton National Park and a park ranger in Yellowstone.

Originally from New Jersey, she visited the area with her family for the first time at just 18 months old. This summer, she lived at the University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Station at AMK Ranch, just north of Leeks Marina.

“If we can make the store better, we can raise more money for the parks,” she said.

With 90 hours required to complete her practicum, Bianca launched into administering a 5-minute visitor survey outside the Colter Bay Visitor Center. Questions focused on why visitors came to Colter Bay, what they liked best about the park store operated by the Association, and what they might change. She surveyed roughly 250 people from June through August for four hours per day.

“People really love the visitor center,” she said.  “They love Colter Bay.” 

Bianca worked with Grand Teton National Park to get approval for her research project. After collecting the data from the summer, her next step is statistical analysis. She will also share the results with the park for research purposes.

“GTA has been super supportive,” she said. “They have been a fantastic partner.”

When Bianca finishes her Master’s program, she intends to return to Yellowstone and work seasonally. Her ultimate career goal is a permanent job with the park service.

Bianca enjoyed her project and all the different people she met from all over the world this summer at Colter Bay. “It’s always fun to connect with people,” she said.

We’re so grateful for this partnership with Bianca and look forward to incorporating the learning from park visitors into our store experience.