Local Students Launch Wings At Risk

At Jackson Hole Middle School, a hands-on sustainability program is empowering students to turn their environmental passions into meaningful action. Now in its second year, the class introduces students to topics like renewable energy, recycling, and conservation—and challenges them to launch their own community-based projects.

For students Ellie Hunt and Atten Aronowitz, their project focus was clear: raptors. They teamed up and reached out to Teton Raptor Center to deepen their understanding and expand their impact.

“I’ve loved birds since before I could walk,” said Atten. “I had a few birthday parties at Teton Raptor Center, and I’ve been inspired by these fascinating birds for years.”

Together, they created Wings at Risk, an outreach initiative designed to educate younger students about the challenges birds of prey face in the wild.

“Our goal was to inspire younger generations to care about the environment and take action,” they shared.

In partnership with Teton Raptor Center, they presented at a local science symposium and helped deliver a raptor education program—complete with a live bird ambassador—to a kindergarten class.

“Living in Jackson Hole really brings to your attention how special wild places are—and how quickly we’re losing them,” said Atten. “That’s what motivates us to do our part to help raptors and the ecosystem.”

Although the school year has ended, Ellie and Atten hope to continue volunteering with TRC and spreading awareness for raptor conservation. “It’s been an eye-opening experience,” said Ellie. “And we’d love to keep going.”