Outdoor happenings

Ski the pass

On March 14, ski Stemple Pass to Flescher Pass with the Helena Outdoor Club. The trip has been requested by several people and is subject to avalanche conditions and locating an experienced guide. Call 449-7971 for more information.

Birds and fire ecology

On March 17, at 7 p.m. at Fish, Wildlife and Parks meeting room, the Last Chance Audubon Society will host Vicki Saab, a research biologist with the Rocky Mountain Research Station of the U.S. Forest Service. Saab will give a presentation on burned forest ecology and how fire creates habitat for some birds. Saab will also explore the mechanisms that create habitat for birds after fire and the importance of conserving burned forests for the long-term persistence of many bird species.

Ratchet those racing gears

On March 18, the Montana Velo Cycling Team will present its first Helena Junior Cycling Summit at Helena High School at 7 p.m. All area students in grades 5-12 and their parents who are interested in competitive and recreational mountain biking, road cycling and cyclocross, are encourage to attend.

The program is co-directed by HHS teacher Geoff Proctor, Helena Middle School teacher Dave Stergar and Central Elementary teacher Scott Herzig. For more information e-mail CrossSportif@aol.com

Horse bonding program

On March 20-22, a group of folks in Belgrade will put on a Horse Expo featuring clinician Josh Lyons at the Circle L's heated indoor facility, which is located four miles northwest of Belgrade. Josh's program, "The Next Generation," features the Lyons' conditioned response training methods.This gentle training method uses the horse's respect while creating a safe and willing partner. This is Josh Lyons' first time in Montana. The trade show's activities include clinicians, a ranch-sorting demonstration, a stallion alley, private treaty horses, vendors and concessions. Call Rod Cline at 581-0697 or Lisa Armstrong 570-5711 for more information.

Trout Unlimited

On March 21, at the Helena Civic Center at 6 p.m., the Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host its banquet. Event includes no-host cocktails, dinner, original art, raffles and other things. Tickets are $35 and are available at Cross Currents, Montana Fly Goods, Capital Sports and the Trout Shop. Call 495-2675 for more info.

Hike and soak

On March 21 and 22, hike or snowshoe near White Sulphur Springs. The trip will be followed by a soak and stay at the Spa Hot Springs Motel. Call early for reservations at 449-7971.

Montana's butterflies

On March 24, at 7 p.m., Steve Kohler will present "Montana's Butterflies and Their Plants." Steve Kohler will talk about some of the work he has been doing on the food plants of butterfly larvae. Free in the large meeting room at the Lewis and Clark Library.

Send your fish art

Entries to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' fish art contest are due March 24 by 5 p.m.

The contest is open to all Montana students, grades 4 through 12. The artwork must focus on cutthroat trout, Montana's state fish. Entries will be grouped by grades 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Older students are particularly encouraged to enter.

Official entry forms, full contest rules and cutthroat trout information are available online at www.statefishart.com. Send or deliver entries to: FWP State-Fish Art Contest; 490 N. Meridian Rd.; Kalispell, MT 59901.

Jennifer Lowe-Anker

On March 25, at 7 p.m. at the Base Camp, the Helena Outdoor's Club will host Jennifer Lowe-Anker. The author of "Forget Me Not," Lowe-Anker will present a slide show and read from her memoir regarding her life with world-renowned climber Alex Lowe and her marriage to his partner Conrad Anker. For more information, call

406-310-1293.

Party with the horsemen

On March 27, the Last Chance Backcountry Horseman chapter of Helena will host its 2009 Backcountry Horsemen of Montana state convention.

The theme for this year's convention is "Traveling in the Back Country." Backcountry chapters from around the state will have displays of their activities with information, handouts and membership applications. There will also be a photo contest with a variety of categories.

Raffle tickets are $3 each, 2 for $5, or 5 for $10. Tickets can be purchased from any Last Chance Backcountry Horseman member or by e-mailing mules2ride@msn.com.

And yet more walleye...

On March 28, the Fresno Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited will host its annual big prize giveaway and fundraising banquet in Havre. The even includes games, raffles and drawings. Banquet tickets went on sale in February and are limited to the seating of 350 at the Havre VFW Club. Tickets can be ordered by calling Havre Rental at 406-265-8841, or Bing N Bob's Sports Shop at 406-265-6124.

Readers: The deadline to submit an event for Thursday's outdoors section is now on Monday. Please send event information to the outdoors editor at mkidston@helenair.com.