What an exciting weekend! First, Brian Baxter led an Old-Growth Ecology hike to Ross Creek Cedars on Saturday, June 9. Thirteen hardy (and not-so-hardy) souls braved a lovely little rain and followed Brian on a fascinating journey through the amazing and somewhat hidden world of old-growth ecology. Brian’s enthusiasm and knowledge as a naturalist are hard to beat.
Sunday was chilly, but 50 people showed up at the Sanders County picnic; warm, friendly, and having fun. I won’t remember all of your names, but it was great to meet you. A special moment occurred when Molly Kieran received the Brass Lantern Award from the Montana Wilderness Association. Congratulations, Molly, and thanks for being who you are and everything you do!
And some exciting FSPW opportunities are just ahead! Saturday, June 16, Dennison Webb teaches a Leave No Trace program for youth and adults. This great workshop will give you a better appreciation for our natural world; you will also get the chance to put your knowledge into practice. Contact dennison.webb@soleexperiences.org or trails@scotchmanpeaks.org
Someday, after we get Wilderness designation, chainsaws will no longer be heard in the Scotchman Peaks. Tuesday, June 18, learn the secrets of the cross-cut saw from the Forest Service. To learn more, contact sandy@scotchmanpeaks.org
Idaho Conservation League and FSPW present a “Bearly Summer Celebration” on June 21 from 5:30-9:30 at Evans Brothers Coffee. It is a great chance to get together with old friends and new hiking buddies. Check our Facebook page for more of Sandy’s puns about bears.
Idaho Native Plant Society gathers in our corner of the world June 22-24. This is, by the way, a good time to get up in the hills and take a gander at wildflowers that are popping out all over. We may be tired of rain, but the plants are loving it!
Phil and Deb lead another family and dog-friendly hike on East Fork Creek Trail Sunday, June 24. Contact phil@scotchmanpeaks.org. And, there are two Scotchman Peaks Education Series hikes on Saturday, June 30. Brian Baxter leads a hike on Riparian Ecology. Also, Rachel Reckin, USFS archeologist, explores the archeological history of the Scotchman/Cabinet ecosystem along Spar Creek on the trail to Little Spar Lake.
We have our first volunteers signed up for the July 8 kick-off for the rebuild of the Star Peak trail. It isn’t all about swinging pulaskis — no matter how much time you can give or what kind of physical condition you are in, this is a chance to be part of a great stewardship project. You may be a little sore the next day (or not), but it’s a feel-good opportunity!
See you on the trails!
