Outdoors briefs
Independent Record - 07/08/08
Moonlight hike planned for Flesher Pass
There will be a moonlight hike led by the Montana Discovery Foundation at Flesher Pass on Highway 279 Saturday from 7-9 p.m.
The hike is free, but reservations are required. Call 495-3711.
Trail to be dedicated to Mike Cormier
A new trail on Mount Helena honoring the memory of Mike Cormier will be dedicated July 17 at 5:30 p.m. The City Commission recently OK’d the trail name.
Participants will meet near the intersection of Le Grande Cannon Boulevard and Grant Street. Those attending should bring a snack and a drink.
Cormier was a longtime champion of the Helena trails system. He died last October at age 52.
Gates of Mountains boat program slated
On July 18, the Gates of the Mountains Chapter of Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation presents its annual fundraising boat ride through the Gates of the Mountains on the Missouri River. The boat leaves the Gates dock promptly at 5:30 p.m.
Historical interpreter Ritchie Doyle will present a new program as Capt. William Clark in 1814, when he is preparing expedition maps for publication. He consults with Sgt. John Ordway, who led the only return group that returned through Gates of the Mountains in 1806.
Passengers also can view results of the 2007 wildfire that began just two days after the chapter’s last boat trip visit.
Attendees must bring brown-bag suppers. The chapter will supply brownies, lemonade and iced tea.
Reservations are required, and the cost is $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Phone Darlene Gilchrist at 444-1223 (day) or 449-0354 (evening) or Barbara Fifer at 443-0407.
Doyle, a Lolo resident raised along the Lewis and Clark Trail in western Montana, is an actor, artist, teacher and writer who portrayed Clark at many national sites during the expedition bicentennial celebration.
Moose Creek Ranger Station concerts set
The Montana Discovery Foundation and the Helena National Forest are providing free musical concerts every second Sunday during the summer months at the Moose Creek Ranger Station, located on Rimini Road, west of Helena.
This Sunday, The Irish Session Players will perform, and on Aug. 10, The Wilbur Rehman Jazz Quartet will provide the entertainment. All concerts will begin at 3 p.m. The public is invited to arrive early (2 p.m.) or stay late (until 6 p.m.) to tour the first ranger station on the Helena National Forest. Please bring your lawn chairs and picnic supplies and enjoy an afternoon of great music in an historic setting.
To get there, turn south on Rimini Road and drive approximately five miles. There is ample parking just north of the cabin. For more information, call 495-3711 or 449-5201.
Ducks Unlimited
banquet is Saturday
Helena Ducks Unlimited is holding its annual Sponsor Banquet this Saturday at the Red Fox Supper Club.
The event begins at 5 p.m. and includes dinner and music by the MSK Project. The cost is $30 per person.
In Montana, DU has completed more than 440 projects at a cost of over $20 million with over 46,000 acres of habitat being protected or improved. These projects include both private and public lands with both direct involvement and technical assistance being rendered.
Besides assisting waterfowl, these projects benefit upland birds, big game and many non-game species as well. Sponsor members provide more funding than the average member for waterfowl and bird species.
There will be a silent auction and several raffles with the chance to win art, knives, guns and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door but RSVPs are appreciated. Call 458-5193 for Edie, 449-8771 for JeanAnn or 431-9057 for Jackie to RSVP or for more information.
Charter Oak Mine tours will be Saturday
The Montana Discovery Foundation and the Helena National Forest are hosting a tour of this historic Charter Oak Mine and Mill site on Saturday. A tour guide will be on site from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide personal, unscheduled tours of the site.
The Charter Oak Mine and Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This well preserved mine site offers great photo opportunities now and a snapshot of a day in the life of a hard-working miner of the 1920s, 30s and 40s.
To get there, drive west from Helena on U.S. Highway 12 for 22 miles to the Little Blackfoot River turnoff (Forest Road 227). Turn south off the highway and continue 2.9 miles until the road forks. Follow the right fork for 1.3 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 227 B-1 and drive 2 miles, passing through two gates. For more information, call 495-3711.
Program on fur-bearers at Caverns State Park
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologist Vanna Boccadori will cover both past and present information on fur-bearing animals with her presentation “Fur Trapping in the Wild West” July 18 at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.
With the Corps of Discovery’s charting of the waterways to the Pacific Ocean, the west started opening up to trappers in search of beaver and other furbearing animals. Learn more about the history of trapping in Montana Territory, the current culture and heritage of trapping in today’s Montana. Also learn to identify the state’s furbearer species.
This program is free to Montana residents and those registered to camp that evening in the park’s campground. There is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee for any non-residents who would like to attend. It will begin at 8 p.m. at the campground amphitheater.
For more information, contact Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park at (406) 287-3541.
Intro to geocaching will be held Tuesday
The Prickly Pear Land Trust is having a trail walk and introduction to geocaching Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Participants will meet at the Beattie Street Trailhead.
Geocaching is a high-tech outdoor adventure game. Using a GPS unit, geocachers seek hidden “treasures” that other geocachers place. Caches vary in size from tiny capsules to large containers, and they all contain a log that is signed whenever the cache is found. Some containers have “trade goods” that geocachers exchange for fun.
There are more than 800,000 geocaches hidden worldwide, and within just 10 miles of the Beattie Street trailhead nearly 200 geocaches are waiting to be found.
This introduction to geocaching will explain how to join the geocaching sport. Participants will also search for some special caches placed just for this event. You don’t need a GPS unit to participate in the hike, but if you have a GPS, bring it with you.
The walking part of this two-hour event will be about one mile with some elevation gain. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Kids over 10 and adults can participate. For more information, call the Prickly Pear Land Trust office at 442-0490.
Outdoor kids activities slated for this month
Outdoor Kidfitters has several kid-friendly outdoor activities planned in the next two weeks.
There will be a paddle today at Spring Meadow Lake State Park.
On Monday, there “iHike” in the South Hills.
On Wednesday, there will be an “iClimb.”
On July 24 “iPaddle” at Spring Meadow.
Participants must register for the free events. For more information or to register, call 443-3202
Big Sky State Games plans summer biathlon
Big Sky State Games summer biathlon will be held at the Bohart Ranch near Bozeman. Competition will begin Sunday at 10 a.m.
The summer biathlon — modeled after the traditional winter biathlon — was introduced to the Big Sky State Games in 2005. Featuring three runs, totaling 5K, and two shooting rounds, the event includes divisions for novice and experienced competitors and a large range of age groups. Novice competitors will be required to attend a mandatory safety clinic held prior to the event at 8 a.m. on Sunday for $22. On Saturday, July 12, the course will be available for course orientation and shooting practice from 6-7 p.m.
Deadline for registration is today. However, onsite registration will be accepted the day of the competition with a registration fee of $32.
For more information regarding the Summer Biathlon or other Big Sky State Games sports, please contact the State Games office at (406) 254-7426, or visit www.bigskygames.org.
Moonlight hike planned for Flesher Pass
There will be a moonlight hike led by the Montana Discovery Foundation at Flesher Pass on Highway 279 Saturday from 7-9 p.m.
The hike is free, but reservations are required. Call 495-3711.
Trail to be dedicated to Mike Cormier
A new trail on Mount Helena honoring the memory of Mike Cormier will be dedicated July 17 at 5:30 p.m. The City Commission recently OK’d the trail name.
Participants will meet near the intersection of Le Grande Cannon Boulevard and Grant Street. Those attending should bring a snack and a drink.
Cormier was a longtime champion of the Helena trails system. He died last October at age 52.
Gates of Mountains boat program slated
On July 18, the Gates of the Mountains Chapter of Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation presents its annual fundraising boat ride through the Gates of the Mountains on the Missouri River. The boat leaves the Gates dock promptly at 5:30 p.m.
Historical interpreter Ritchie Doyle will present a new program as Capt. William Clark in 1814, when he is preparing expedition maps for publication. He consults with Sgt. John Ordway, who led the only return group that returned through Gates of the Mountains in 1806.
Passengers also can view results of the 2007 wildfire that began just two days after the chapter’s last boat trip visit.
Attendees must bring brown-bag suppers. The chapter will supply brownies, lemonade and iced tea.
Reservations are required, and the cost is $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Phone Darlene Gilchrist at 444-1223 (day) or 449-0354 (evening) or Barbara Fifer at 443-0407.
Doyle, a Lolo resident raised along the Lewis and Clark Trail in western Montana, is an actor, artist, teacher and writer who portrayed Clark at many national sites during the expedition bicentennial celebration.
Moose Creek Ranger Station concerts set
The Montana Discovery Foundation and the Helena National Forest are providing free musical concerts every second Sunday during the summer months at the Moose Creek Ranger Station, located on Rimini Road, west of Helena.
This Sunday, The Irish Session Players will perform, and on Aug. 10, The Wilbur Rehman Jazz Quartet will provide the entertainment. All concerts will begin at 3 p.m. The public is invited to arrive early (2 p.m.) or stay late (until 6 p.m.) to tour the first ranger station on the Helena National Forest. Please bring your lawn chairs and picnic supplies and enjoy an afternoon of great music in an historic setting.
To get there, turn south on Rimini Road and drive approximately five miles. There is ample parking just north of the cabin. For more information, call 495-3711 or 449-5201.
Ducks Unlimited
banquet is Saturday
Helena Ducks Unlimited is holding its annual Sponsor Banquet this Saturday at the Red Fox Supper Club.
The event begins at 5 p.m. and includes dinner and music by the MSK Project. The cost is $30 per person.
In Montana, DU has completed more than 440 projects at a cost of over $20 million with over 46,000 acres of habitat being protected or improved. These projects include both private and public lands with both direct involvement and technical assistance being rendered.
Besides assisting waterfowl, these projects benefit upland birds, big game and many non-game species as well. Sponsor members provide more funding than the average member for waterfowl and bird species.
There will be a silent auction and several raffles with the chance to win art, knives, guns and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door but RSVPs are appreciated. Call 458-5193 for Edie, 449-8771 for JeanAnn or 431-9057 for Jackie to RSVP or for more information.
Charter Oak Mine tours will be Saturday
The Montana Discovery Foundation and the Helena National Forest are hosting a tour of this historic Charter Oak Mine and Mill site on Saturday. A tour guide will be on site from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide personal, unscheduled tours of the site.
The Charter Oak Mine and Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This well preserved mine site offers great photo opportunities now and a snapshot of a day in the life of a hard-working miner of the 1920s, 30s and 40s.
To get there, drive west from Helena on U.S. Highway 12 for 22 miles to the Little Blackfoot River turnoff (Forest Road 227). Turn south off the highway and continue 2.9 miles until the road forks. Follow the right fork for 1.3 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 227 B-1 and drive 2 miles, passing through two gates. For more information, call 495-3711.
Program on fur-bearers at Caverns State Park
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologist Vanna Boccadori will cover both past and present information on fur-bearing animals with her presentation “Fur Trapping in the Wild West” July 18 at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.
With the Corps of Discovery’s charting of the waterways to the Pacific Ocean, the west started opening up to trappers in search of beaver and other furbearing animals. Learn more about the history of trapping in Montana Territory, the current culture and heritage of trapping in today’s Montana. Also learn to identify the state’s furbearer species.
This program is free to Montana residents and those registered to camp that evening in the park’s campground. There is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee for any non-residents who would like to attend. It will begin at 8 p.m. at the campground amphitheater.
For more information, contact Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park at (406) 287-3541.
Intro to geocaching will be held Tuesday
The Prickly Pear Land Trust is having a trail walk and introduction to geocaching Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Participants will meet at the Beattie Street Trailhead.
Geocaching is a high-tech outdoor adventure game. Using a GPS unit, geocachers seek hidden “treasures” that other geocachers place. Caches vary in size from tiny capsules to large containers, and they all contain a log that is signed whenever the cache is found. Some containers have “trade goods” that geocachers exchange for fun.
There are more than 800,000 geocaches hidden worldwide, and within just 10 miles of the Beattie Street trailhead nearly 200 geocaches are waiting to be found.
This introduction to geocaching will explain how to join the geocaching sport. Participants will also search for some special caches placed just for this event. You don’t need a GPS unit to participate in the hike, but if you have a GPS, bring it with you.
The walking part of this two-hour event will be about one mile with some elevation gain. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Kids over 10 and adults can participate. For more information, call the Prickly Pear Land Trust office at 442-0490.
Outdoor kids activities slated for this month
Outdoor Kidfitters has several kid-friendly outdoor activities planned in the next two weeks.
There will be a paddle today at Spring Meadow Lake State Park.
On Monday, there “iHike” in the South Hills.
On Wednesday, there will be an “iClimb.”
On July 24 “iPaddle” at Spring Meadow.
Participants must register for the free events. For more information or to register, call 443-3202
Big Sky State Games plans summer biathlon
Big Sky State Games summer biathlon will be held at the Bohart Ranch near Bozeman. Competition will begin Sunday at 10 a.m.
The summer biathlon — modeled after the traditional winter biathlon — was introduced to the Big Sky State Games in 2005. Featuring three runs, totaling 5K, and two shooting rounds, the event includes divisions for novice and experienced competitors and a large range of age groups. Novice competitors will be required to attend a mandatory safety clinic held prior to the event at 8 a.m. on Sunday for $22. On Saturday, July 12, the course will be available for course orientation and shooting practice from 6-7 p.m.
Deadline for registration is today. However, onsite registration will be accepted the day of the competition with a registration fee of $32.
For more information regarding the Summer Biathlon or other Big Sky State Games sports, please contact the State Games office at (406) 254-7426, or visit www.bigskygames.org.
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