Snowshoe up sperry trail w/ wild montana
NEAREST TOWN: West Glacier
MEETING TIME: 8 a.m.
MEETING LOCATION: Park and Ride, Jct Hwy 2 and 206
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous (view difficulty ratings here)
ROUND-TRIP MILEAGE: 9 miles
LEADERS: Chris Rost and Leila Avery
Join us for a Glacier National Park winter classic. We’ll snowshoe up the Sperry Trail starting at Lake McDonald Lodge. We will branch off that trail and head into the Snyder Lakes Basin, enjoying fantastic views while having lunch and hot cocoa. The basin holds both Snyder Lakes and is surrounded by Mount Brown, Little Matterhorn, and Edwards Mountain.
Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit - Inclusive Recreation
Learn how to make outdoor recreation more accessible and inclusive for everyone in your community. Our speakers will share practical strategies that helped them break down barriers and create welcoming spaces for all. Click here to sign up!
If rocks could talk
The mountains of Glacier National Park tell an incredible story of the geological events that created the park’s majestic scenery. Teagan will share an overview of the forces and processes that built and shaped the landscape of Glacier National Park.
Teagan Tomlin first came to Montana in 2008 for an internship at Glacier National Park through the Geological Society of America’s Geocorps program. At that time, she was finishing her master’s degree in geology at Brigham Young University, where her research focused on teaching stratigraphy and sedimentology concepts, geological data interpretation, and problem-solving and student-centered instructional design. In 2009, she was hired as a park ranger at Glacier National Park and worked seasonally from 2009 through 2016 working in interpretation and education. In the fall of 2016, she was hired to her first permanent position in the National Park Service as a visitor services assistant. In 2019, she was hired in her current role as the executive assistant in the Office of the Superintendent.
Taking Flight: Golden Eagles in Glacier National Park
Golden eagles are one of the largest aerial predators in Northwest Montana – or as Lisa says, “the grizzly bears of the sky.” Unfortunately, recent data indicates a decline in their numbers and they’ve been listed as a Species of Concern. Join us to learn more about Glacier National Park’s raptor / golden eagle observations and nest monitoring to better understand these avian predators, including the role that lookouts play in aiding park staff in observations and searching for nests.
Lisa Bate is a Supervisory Wildlife Biologist at Glacier National Park. She specializes in birds and bats, overseeing multiple research, inventory, and monitoring programs including harlequin ducks, songbirds, raptor nesting and migration, black swifts, Clark’s nutcrackers, and bats. Lisa Bate also oversees wildlife and compliance monitoring for projects like the reconstruction of the Going-to-the-Sun and Many Glacier Roads, focused on preventing detrimental effects to grizzly bears. Prior to her employment at GNP, Lisa worked as a private research wildlife biologist focusing mainly on birds, cavity-nesting species, and their habitat.
XC Ski with Wild Montana
Strap on your XC skis as we head out for a ski among the trees at Round Meadows. We’ll start on the wooded Round Meadows Loop trail and then make our around the full tour. Then, we’ll head back on the and finish where we started. A hot cocoa thermos will be waiting for us in the parking lot. This will be a moderately paced ski with some short hills, so pack some snacks and get ready to shed some layers.
https://wildmontana.org/event/round-meadows-xc-ski/
Montana Outdoor recreation Summit - Harmony in the wild
As the boundaries between human activity and wildlife habitats continue to overlap, finding practical and sustainable solutions for mitigating conflicts becomes paramount. Join us to hear from groups leading the charge, sharing effective strategies and solutions for resolving these challenges. Register here!
Public lands and the space to walk free
Walking, particularly walking in nature, has been shown by decades of research to improve all aspects of human health, from cardiovascular function and bone strength to depression and risk of Alzheimer's disease. Human and non-human flourishing cannot be separated from our access to nature, and the health of land and water. Explore how wilderness and intact ecosystems like the Bob Marshall – and the public's access to both – play a vital role in our individual physical and mental well-being, but also in ensuring fundamental human liberties.
Antonia Malchik has written essays and articles for The Atlantic, Orion, High Country News, the Los Angeles Times, and a variety of other publications. Her first book, A Walking Life, is about the past and future of walking’s role in our shared humanity. She currently writes On the Commons, a newsletter about ownership, private property, and the loss of the commons, and is a scholar of the history and ongoing consequences of private land ownership. A descendant of eastern Montana homesteading ranchers and wilderness advocates, and an enthusiastic volunteer for BMWF trail crews, she lives in northwest Montana.
Wintering Birds of Prey Field Trip, Co-Sponsored by Owl Research Institute
Denver Holt, world-renowned owl and bird of prey expert and founder of the Owl Research Institute, and Laura Katzman of Flathead Land Trust will lead a tour of the wintering birds of prey in the Mission Valley on Saturday, February 1. The Owl Research Institute monitors raptors each winter in the Mission Valley with monthly surveys. The tour route will be based on those surveys and will include lands that are important to wintering birds of prey that are in the process of being conserved. Last year on a similar tour participants saw rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, northern harrier, bald eagles, and American kestrel as well as other birds. Group size is limited and carpooling will be required. To sign up please e-mail: lkatzman@www.flatheadlandtrust.org.
Documentary Screening w/ Wild montana
Wednesday, January 22nd - Screening of the film 'Youth v. Gov' which is a documentary about the national climate change lawsuit filed in 2015 by 21 American youths who argued that the government's actions caused climate change and violated their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property. This will be held at 6pm at the Gateway Community Center at 124 2nd Ave E. in Kalispell, MT.
Winter Trails Day with Glacier Nordic Club
Celebrate Winter Trails! This is a chance to try out cross country skiing on groomed trails!
January 19th, 2025:
Where: Glacier Nordic Center at Whitefish Lake Golf Course
Hours: 10am – 3pm
Free trail pass for cross-country skiing.
Free one-hour rental and demo for classic skis; limited skate skis available.
Free classic ski lessons. Learn the basics to get you going.
Free cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee.
Some Details
Lessons:
– Group Lessons are first come first serve!
– All lessons are Classic Only
– 12pm and 2pm Lessons are for people with their own ski gear ONLY
– Each group lesson is capped at 20 (2 groups of 10)
– 11am and 1pm are for those who want to use Rentals
Rentals: Arrive 30 minutes prior to the lesson to get outfitted with skis, boots, and poles.
Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit - Indigenous Collaboration in Outdoor Recreation
Gain valuable insights from Indigenous leaders as they discuss the importance of cultural relationships in successful collaborative outdoor recreation projects. Learn firsthand how integrating cultural heritage and traditional knowledge with recreation and conservation efforts can create more inclusive, respectful, and meaningful experiences for all. Click here to register!
Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit - Unleashing the Power of Data Driven Storytelling
How can data storytelling make a difference? Join Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit to hear from data experts and community organizers as they share practical strategies for turning data into engaging stories and why it matters. Learn how to leverage insights to boost support and secure funding to create a lasting impact in your community. To register click here!
Montana OUtdoor Recreation Summit - Get Grant Ready Webinar
Join Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit as they feature how "Get Grant Ready and Pitchfest" turned a small-town Montana dream into an outdoor recreation success story. Learn how they leveraged the workshop’s process and template to gain crucial community backing and secure funding for their project. Click here to register!
The BobFest
The great Bob get-together! Gather with fellow wilderness enthusiasts and help us celebrate an unforgettable summer season in the Bob. Our annual gala includes live music, food, drinks, family friendly activities and special guests – plus incredible silent and live auctions filled with art, outdoor gear, adventures and getaways, gifts, and so much more!
More details to come: https://www.bmwf.org/bobfest
Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation Volunteer Appreciation Party
Join the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation celebrating their dedicated volunteers —
We want to say THANK YOU to all of you who volunteered with us this summer! All are invited to join the party and raise a glass to the hardworking folks who gave their time and sweat equity to keep the trails in tip top shape. Bring your friends and family for a fun night of catching up with old friends plus some Wilderness-themed games and activities for all ages.
If you volunteered this year, keep an eye on your email next week for a coupon for your first round on us! We'd love to buy you a beer (or N/A drink) to celebrate another successful season in the Bob.
THE WHITEFISH TRAIL BLAZER
The Whitefish Trail Blazer is Whitefish Legacy Partner's annual community racing and open lands celebration. If you've raced in the Whitefish Trail Legacy Run in the past 10+ years, come join us this year as we celebrate open spaces and blaze a trail forward for conservation and recreation in Whitefish.
Sign up here! https://www.whitefishlegacy.org/whitefish-trail-blazer
National Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day, help maintain trails in the FTBT system. Thanks goes out to Lone Pine staff, Americorps, Montana Conservation Corps, and Kalispell Daybreak Rotary for providing workers, tools and food to keep our trails in great shape!
Trail Blazer Training Series
Join us for our training series on the last Thursday of every month until the Trailblazer race!
What to expect:
- A trail run for ALL abilities (no-drop style)
- Education from local professionals to help you prepare for the race (nutrition support, shoe fit/performace, injury prevention, etc)
Each run location and topic will be listed in advance on the website (click here!)
All events are free. Please bring bear spray, water, and your race prep questions!
Paved Path Group Bike Ride with Dream Adaptive Recreation
DREAM is so excited to offer a paved path cycling program. This program is open to any individuals with a permanent disability who’d like to get out and ride with others. DREAM will offers two organized Paved Path Group Bike Rides during the summer of ’24.
If you are new to biking, need a refresher, or are new to the DREAM Adaptive Cycling Program you must sign up for a private ride session to determine if a group ride is an appropriate fit.
Helmets are required for all DREAM rides.
If you need to borrow a helmet, please communicate that to DREAM staff in your program confirmation.
If riding a personal bike, it is required that you bring a spare tube(s), and appropriate tools for your bike when joining DREAM for a ride.
If using a DREAM bike, these items will be provided with the bike.
We will do our best to accommodate all riders each week. DREAM bikes *are reserved on a first come, first serve basis.
If you need to use one of DREAM’s bike for any of these rides please communicate your needs with our Program Team at least 1 week prior to the ride.
**Please note the DREAM Fleet of adaptive bikes doesn’t include bikes for kids at this time or two wheel bikes, however we will do our best to accommodate each rider.
Pre-Registration is required; this program fills quickly and bikes will be assigned on a first come first serve basis.
Paved Path Group Bike Ride Details:
When:
Monday, August 5th
Monday, September 16th
Time: 4:30pm – 6pm
Where: Smith Fields, Whitefish
Home Ranch Bottoms Community Benefit Day - With Flathead Rivers Alliance
Join us September 12th at Home Ranch Bottoms in Polebridge, MT, for a Community Benefit day/night, anytime between 9am-9pm. Home Ranch Bottoms will contribute a percentage of total sales for the day- so come on out and taste their legendary pies, and enjoy food and drinks all while supporting FRA. There will be live music, and camping is available for those of us who get to the North Fork and never want to leave.
As Home Ranch Bottoms puts it.... Come by for some pie and beer (and to support Flathead Rivers Alliance!), and stay for the live music, the old friends you'll run into, and the new friends you'll make.
Hush of the Land Storytelling & 60th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act Celebration
Tuesday, September 3rd, 6 to 8 PM at Flathead Valley Community College AT-139
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Backcountry Horsemen of the Flathead and Flathead Valley Community College are partnering to present an evening of campfire storytelling on the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Join Smoke Elser and Eva-Maria Maggi as they share tales from their book, Hush of the Land, that chronicles the six-decade quest of packer and outfitter Arnold “Smoke” Elser to protect wild lands by bringing thousands of people deep into the mountains of Montana on horseback.
Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana
This year, the local Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of Wild Montana will host several trail ambassadors events at the Camp Misery trailhead in the Jewel Basin. Trail ambassadors are public lands advocates who educate trail users on Wilderness values and responsible recreation. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we work to ensure hikers are prepared for the day ahead and educate trail users on best practices. This is an all-ability levels volunteer opportunity.
#5 Trail Ambassador Service Day - Jewel Basin - Saturday, August 24th
Whitefish Trail Hootenanny
The Whitefish Trail Hootenanny is BACK for 2024! Presented by Title Sponsor First Interstate Bank, the Whitefish Trail Hootenanny will be held again on August 23 in Depot Park in downtown Whitefish! Ticket sales will open in April 2024.
See more information here: https://www.whitefishlegacy.org/event-details-registration/whitefish-trail-hootenanny-1-1
Meet the Mules Monday with BMWF
Monday, August 12th, 11 AM to 1 PM at Whitefish Credit Union in Whitefish.
The mules are taking a break from the trails to say hi and raise awareness for the Great Fish Community Challenge! Join the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation for this family-friendly lunchtime gathering outside of Whitefish Credit Union to meet some of our favorite co-workers – the mules who help pack our crews in and out of the Bob. Learn more at www.facebook.com/share/NqrTDSApbpwYGuzT/
Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana
This year, the local Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of Wild Montana will host several trail ambassadors events at the Camp Misery trailhead in the Jewel Basin. Trail ambassadors are public lands advocates who educate trail users on Wilderness values and responsible recreation. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we work to ensure hikers are prepared for the day ahead and educate trail users on best practices. This is an all-ability levels volunteer opportunity.
#4 Trail Ambassador Service Day - Jewel Basin - Thursday, August 8th
Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana
This year, the local Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of Wild Montana will host several trail ambassadors events at the Camp Misery trailhead in the Jewel Basin. Trail ambassadors are public lands advocates who educate trail users on Wilderness values and responsible recreation. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we work to ensure hikers are prepared for the day ahead and educate trail users on best practices. This is an all-ability levels volunteer opportunity.
#3 Trail Ambassador Service Day - Jewel Basin - Saturday, July 27th
Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana
This year, the local Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of Wild Montana will host several trail ambassadors events at the Camp Misery trailhead in the Jewel Basin. Trail ambassadors are public lands advocates who educate trail users on Wilderness values and responsible recreation. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we work to ensure hikers are prepared for the day ahead and educate trail users on best practices. This is an all-ability levels volunteer opportunity.
#2 Trail Ambassador Service Day - Jewel Basin - Sunday, July 21st
Owen Sowerwine Celebration w/ Flathead Land Trust
After years of collaboration, we are thrilled to have finally placed a conservation easement on the 405-acre oasis just east of Kalispell! Together with our partners, Flathead Audubon, Flathead Lakers and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, we will celebrate this milestone event, a half-century in the making. Please join us! Stay tuned for details. Learn more details here: https://www.flatheadlandtrust.org/event/owen-sowerwine-celebration/
Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana
This year, the local Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of Wild Montana will host several trail ambassadors events at the Camp Misery trailhead in the Jewel Basin. Trail ambassadors are public lands advocates who educate trail users on Wilderness values and responsible recreation. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we work to ensure hikers are prepared for the day ahead and educate trail users on best practices. This is an all-ability levels volunteer opportunity.
#1 Trail Ambassador Service Day - Jewel Basin - Wednesday, July 10th
Pints for Paths with Gateway to Glacier
The annual Pints for Paths brewfest is a fundraiser for Gateway to Glacier Trails, and features over a dozen local and regional breweries, live music, food, silent auction items and family-friendly activities surrounded by beautiful scenery in West Glacier, Montana, right outside of Glacier National Park. All proceeds from the event go toward building and maintaining local trails in the greater Glacier area!
Wolves of the North Fork With Glacier INSTITUTE
This course will focus on the recovery and current status of wolves in Glacier National Park and the Northern Rocky Mountains. Since human behavior plays such an integral role in wolf recovery efforts, current wolf politics and western attitudes towards the wolf will be discussed and reviewed. We will spend time looking at and taking short hikes into wolf country on the west side of the Park. By the end of the course you will have a basic knowledge of wolf life history and characteristics, wolf ecology, an introduction to wolf research techniques, and an understanding of the complex politics surrounding wolf recovery in the area and globally.
See more info here: https://glacierinstitute.org/hike/wolves-of-the-north-fork-valley-in-glacier-park/
Paddle Day w/ DREAM Adaptive Recreation
Paddle days at DREAM are a great way to learn a new activity or improve your skills, and paddle around the beautiful local lakes! Adaptive and standard equipment is provided.
Pre-Registration is required for all paddle sessions: https://www.dreamadaptive.org/portfolio/paddle-program/
Participant – $10.00 / Session
Primary Caregiver (max. 1 per participant) – no cost
Secondary Caregivers and Family Guests must register over the phone with a program staff member – $10.00 / Session
*priority access to activities will be given to participants with disabilities*
If you have any questions please reach out to info@dreamadaptive.org or call 406-885-9539
Mountain Bike Ride w/ DREAM Adaptive Recreation
Join DREAM staff, volunteers, and other community members for group rides at various locations around the Flathead Valley! It’s a fun way to meet new people and share the joy of riding a bike in the great outdoors.
These rides are suited for *most* levels of riders. Although we do our best to find trails that have multiple options to suit everyone’s skills and goals, there may be some instances where trails might not be suitable. Group rides, due to time parameters and the number of individuals, do not include in-depth instruction and it is required that riders can independently navigate the trails. Please visit our individual lesson tab to sign up for skills, drills, and lesson opportunities.
Please note: You must have attended a DREAM skills & drills session prior to joining a group ride so we can get to know you, your experience, and your goals.
Pre-registration is required for all events. https://www.dreamadaptive.org/portfolio/mountain-biking/?portfolioCats=47
If you have any questions please reach out to info@dreamadaptive.org or call 406-885-9539