Shell in Big Horn County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Oasis in the Desert
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
1. Oasis in the Desert Marker
So, what is an “Oasis” anyway?
The dictionary defines it as “a green area in a dry, arid region.”
What makes it so green?
If you guessed WATER, then you were right.
Most of this area gets less than ten inches of rain and snow yearly, qualifying it as a desert. In this arid climate, Shell Creek stands out as a “green ribbon of life.”
Plants and animals thrive in these streamside zones, also called riparian areas. These green zones provide plenty of food and shelter right next to water – the basics for survival.
Riparian areas are also transportation corridors or highways for animals that depend on water for food and shelter.
Shell Falls Trail
Erected by Bighorn National Forest.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 44° 35.204′ N, 107° 36.898′ W. Marker is in Shell, Wyoming, in Big Horn County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 14, on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lifeblood of the West (here, next to this marker); Carving a Course (here, next to this marker); Hummingbirds (here, next to this marker); A 4,000 Mile Journey (a few steps from this marker); Forming Waterfalls (a few steps from this marker); Shaping a Canyon (a few steps from this marker); Moving Mountains (within shouting distance of this marker); Wringing Out a Livelihood (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shell.
More about this marker. Pictures of a Red-tail Hawk and a doe with a fawn appear on the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
2. Oasis in the Desert Marker
There are several markers at this location. The Oasis in the Desert marker is the leftmost of the three in the foreground.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
3. Oasis in the Desert Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
4. Bighorn National Forest.
Marker is located in the Shell Falls Interpretive Site in Bighorn National Forest.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 344 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 5, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
