Join Us On Our Next Field Trip or Event.
Listed below are upcoming and recent field trips and events of the Rocky Mountain Naturalists.
Members welcome.
A guest must complete a waiver form and pay $2.00 per Outing.
Group sizes are limited in order to provide a quality and safe experience for everyone. Carpooling can be organized from the meeting place for those feeling comfortable. If there is space, guests are welcome to join an Outing up to twice a year.
Please let us know if you are interested.
Members welcome.
A guest must complete a waiver form and pay $2.00 per Outing.
Group sizes are limited in order to provide a quality and safe experience for everyone. Carpooling can be organized from the meeting place for those feeling comfortable. If there is space, guests are welcome to join an Outing up to twice a year.
Please let us know if you are interested.
Early Morning Birding (Daryl)
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - 8:00 am
This week, at 8:00 or a little earlier, meet at Rampart Rest Area. Drive south along Highway 3/93 from the Fort Steele overpass, and in a few kilometers, exit on the right, into the well marked facility beside a small pond. Following a good look, we'll continue south for another few kms and turn left onto the gravel road which accesses the 'Project'. Here we will have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of bird species in varied habitats. Continuing north on the gravel road, we'll eventually intersect a paved road which connects with the main highway.
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RM Nats Annual Club Camp - Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Sunday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 5, 2024
A schedule of events will be sent out in the near future. A guest speaker, hiking, biking, canoeing, birding, potlucks and wiener roasts are all on the agenda.
Nature Trust Cherry Creek Outing (Lyle)
Saturday, April 27, 2024
We will explore the burnt forest before descending to the Ducks Unlimited Pond, along the way we will observe the Historic Route of the McGinty Trail that carried ore from the mines in Kimberley in the 1890’s to the Kootenay River for transport to the Smelters downstream. We will check out the birds at the DU ponds before continuing out onto the grasslands hiking to the river at the north end of the property. Along the way we can observe and listen for song birds that have arrived from the south as well as a good chance to see the Sandhill Cranes that nest in the area.
We will be out for 3 to 4 hours not including driving so it's a good idea to bring a snack/lunch and water. Good hiking shoes will be needed as we will not be on trails. Bring binoculars. Dress for the weather. This is rated as a Moderate hike.
Kimberley members will meet in the parking area behind the Catholic Church at the corner of Highway 95 A and Church Avenue ready to leave at 8:15 am.
Cranbrook members will meet at the Tamarack Mall between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 8:15 am.
This outing is limited to 12 members. Please RSVP to Lyle.
Turtle Day at Elizabeth Lake
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The RMNATS, with our partner, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) are again organizing Turtle Day. All events will take place in the area between Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information Building and the new Viewing Platform. There is a school program with 3 schools of 2 Elementary classes each, rotating through 3 stations from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm.
The Public Event is from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, taking place in the same area with the same events. Chief Joe Pierre of the aq’am Community will open the Public Event at 2:30 pm, and then the public will be able to visit the stations.
Jim Smith Lake Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Saturday morning, April 20 Outing will be a loop walk of about 5 to 6 km from Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park. There will be a couple of viewpoints. This is a walk mainly on trails with some small hills. We will be looking for the earliest wildflowers including their rosettes, checking the progress of larch buds and looking and listening for birds. Come dressed for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Kimberley folk meet at the rear of the Marysville arena for carpooling, for an 8:30 am departure to meet at the Jimsmith Lake Provincial Parking area.
Cranbrook folk will meet at the Tamarack Mall off Highway 3 between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for carpooling, for an 8:45 am departure to the Jimsmith Lake Parking area.
Rampart Rest Area Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Saturday morning, April 13 Outing will be a loop walk on a trail of about 6.5 km from the Rampart Rest area off Highway 3. This is an easy walk with just a few small hills. We will be looking for the earliest wildflowers including their rosettes and checking out a couple small lakes for birds. Come dressed for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Kimberley folk meet at the rear of the Marysville arena for carpooling, for an 8:30 am departure and meet Cranbrook people at the Rampart Rest Area.
Cranbrook folk will meet at the Tamarack Mall off Highway 3 between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for carpooling, for an 8:45 am departure to Rampart Rest area.
St. Mary's Slump Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - 9:00 am
Cranbrook members please meet at the highway side of Tamarack Mall in the parking area between Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop for a 9:00 am departure. Kimberley folk meet at the back of the Marysville Arena just off Jim Ogilvie Way for a 9:10 am departure. There is very limited parking off the busy highway at the trailhead, so please carpool. This is an easy walk on a trail of about 3 kilometres return. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Eager Hill Lookout Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - 9:00 am
Please meet at the highway side of Tamarack Mall in the parking area between Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop. This Outing is to the Fire Lookout at Eager Hill. The trail is open, uphill most of the way with good views at the top. Classified as an Easy to Moderate walk due to the uphill nature. If you have issues with mobility or stamina, speak to the leader before the day of the Outing, to check that it is suitable for you. Dress for the weather conditions. Bring binoculars as we will be looking for both birds and evidence of the earliest spring plants. Please RSVP to the leader so that they can share changes due to weather, site location or trail conditions. Include an emergency name and phone number.
Equinox Eagle Migration Tour (Daryl)
Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 24, 2024
Meet at the regular Tamarack Mall parking location beside Husky Truck Stop, ready to carpool and leave at 9:00 AM. Naturalists from the Crowsnest Pass will meet our group at Frank, Alberta in the late morning, and lead us to several areas with good potential for migratory Hawk and Eagle sightings. We'll spend the night in Blairmore, at the Travelodge. You will need to make reservations accordingly. On Sunday, March 24th, some of us will get up early for a walk and Early Birding in Blairmore. Then we will, again, be guided by the Crowsnest Naturalists, along scenic backroads west of Pincher Creek, and loop around to Beaver Mines, a particularly good spot for viewing the stream of migrating raptors through the Rocky Mountains. Return to East Kootenay during mid to late afternoon.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC151
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Guest Presenter: Aaron Canuel, currently working as a Recreation Technician with BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails will be speaking about his role while working as a Conservation Officer. This is just one of a number of jobs Aaron has held during an interesting career.
This is followed by a short business meeting. Attendance at the business meeting is optional.
RM Nats Winter Social - Wycliffe Regional Park
Sunday, February 25, 2024 - 4:30 pm
Rocky Mountain Naturalists are hosting our Winter Social Wiener Roast on Sunday, February 25 at 4:30 pm at Wycliffe Regional Park, Site Area # 2. Wycliffe Regional Park | RDEK Just follow the road to the end where you will park. The fire and tables are right there. Bring your own wieners/smokies and buns to cook over the fire along with your own drinks. There will be some roasting sticks available or bring your own. Condiments will be provided. There are several picnic tables at this site and you may wish to bring along a foam pad to sit on or even a chair.
3:00 - 4:30 pm - Join a group who will hike a loop trail from the wiener roast site. Wear your grippers and bring a pole(s).
4:00 - 4:30 pm - Join a group who will walk a relatively flat, short loop near the picnic site. Wear your grippers and bring a pole(s).
4:30 pm Come just for the wiener roast and visiting.
Check out the top notch disc golf course - bring your own disc to explore on your own. Disc players keep the pads shoveled during the winter.
Great Backyard Bird Count Road Trip (Daryl)
Monday, February 19, 2024 - 9:00 am - 3:30-4:00 pm
Meet at the regular Tamarack Mall parking spot, arrange carpooling and plan to head out at 9 AM. Expect to return at around 3:30 to 4 PM. Drive a sizable loop from Cranbrook to the International Border and return. Proceed south on Gold Creek Road, Caven Creek Road and Kikomun - Newgate Road to the south end. Return via Teepee Ck Road, Jaffray - Baynes Lake Road and Highway 3 - 93. We shall hop out and take perhaps a dozen short walks, watching for birds and noticing tracks in the snow etc. It is possible that, in the early afternoon, 'thermals' will enable resident and migratory birds of prey to be seen.
St Eugene Mission Walk (Marianne)
Saturday, February 17, 2024 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Marianne is offering a 2 hour walk to look for birds for the GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count). This will be along trails which are on the golf course near the St. Mary River. Be ready to leave the parking area at 1:00 pm. Please park and meet in the parking lot in front of the large white tent at St. Eugene, across from Aqam on the west side of Mission Road. Dress for the weather and bring your grippers. This is rated as an Easy Outing - flat terrain with good footing with grippers on your boots. And of course bring your binoculars and perhaps your camera. If you are interested in recording birds on your phone, download the ebird and Merlin apps at home. RSVP to Marianne.
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 16 - 19, 2024
The Great Backyard Bird Count, a world-wide event which is easy to participate in at any birder level. Fun to do with family, friends or by yourself. Over one or more of the days, identify and count the birds in your yard, neighbourhood or where you are recreating. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before their annual migrations take place. Go right to Great Backyard Bird Count for more information including a webinar on February 13.
AGM and Bi-Monthly Meeting - Manual Training School
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Following the AGM there will be a short Bi-monthly business meeting followed by a slideshow of members' photos organized by Lyle, and some snacks.
Three of the seven positions on the Executive are up for election this year - Treasurer, Member-at-Large and BC Nature Representative. The incumbents for Member-at-Large and BC Nature are willing to run again. We also have a member who is willing to run for the Treasurer's position. All three positions are open for further nominations. Bring a toonie for the informal raffle - proceeds to the Scholarship Fund.
Wilks Woods New Year's Day Outing (Marianne/Daryl)
Monday, January 1, 2024 - 10:30 am
Join Daryl and Marianne for a 4 hour hike through Wilks Woods and a wiener roast at about the halfway point. Meet at the north end of Wilks Rd which intersects with King St. Once on Wilks Rd, keep right at the Y and take the second right to the end of Wilks. Meet here for a 10:30 am start. We tromp through open woods on uneven ground and fragments of game trails with a distance of about 5 km and a 200+ metre elevation gain. There are hills and a variety of ups and downs with three viewpoints. We will observe forest types, animal signs and a few birds. Sturdy boots with good tread are needed along with a pole/s. At the moment, there is very little snow or ice. Bringing your grippers in your pack is a good idea. This is rated as a moderate plus Outing. Dress in layers for the weather. Bring your own wieners/smokies, bun or other lunch item, and beverage. We will supply the condiments, sticks and some mulled wine and apple juice.
Christmas Bird Count - Kimberley
Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Sign up by December 31. More information will be provided once you have signed up. There will be a potluck count up in the evening.
Christmas Bird Count - Cranbrook
Friday, December 29, 2023. Sign up by December 26. More information will be provided once you have signed up.
Christmas Bird Count - Jaffray-Wardner
On Thursday, December 14th, organized teams of birders will tour their designated quadrant of the 12 km radius circle. This will be the 3rd official count of this scenic, varied, lowland region. Dress warmly and bring a lunch. We’ll sharpen our skills as we learn to ID our resident birds and winter visitors. The circle includes a wide variety of habitats – small lakes, grasslands, streams and forests along with 3 small towns with active feeders. You do not need to be an experienced birder to join the fun and challenge. Birders are always learning and teams will have a range of birding levels, ‘tools’ and expertise. Once teams are formed with a designated leader, they will decide when and where to meet, to begin their quadrant count. Each team will submit their data as an ebird Trip Report to our count compiler, Claude Rioux. For more information, visit our website rockymountainnaturalists.org Click on Christmas Bird Counts and Maps.
Circling Myrtle Mountain Outing (Lyle)
Sunday, December 10, 2023 - 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Meet at 10:30 am at the Higgins Street entrance to the Kimberley Nature Park. Lyle will be leading the way on trails he has hiked many times. After travelling the Southwest Passage, the group will stop at the Lookout for lunch and then carry on various trails to return to the Higgins Street start. The total distance would be about 10 kms with an elevation gain of 208 metres. This is not a difficult hike but a long one. The difficulty rating is Moderate Plus. Along the way we will be on the lookout for birds and wildlife as well as tracks in the snow. The weather forecast for the 10th is a high of -1 which is a pleasant temperature for a hike. Dress for the weather conditions. Bring a lunch, water, a walking pole(s), and grippers. You may want to include binoculars and a camera. This outing is limited to 10 people. Please RSVP to Lyle.
Christmas Bird Count Dates
Jaffray/Wardner – December 14, 2023
Cranbrook – December 29, 2023
Kimberley – January 3, 2024
More information will be posted in the near future.
Stump Lake Outing (Gretchen/Jo Ellen)
Sunday, November 19, 2023 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join Gretchen and Jo Ellen for a fall hike to Stump Lake. Although referred to as a lake, this interesting meadow is close to town and only a damp spot these days. The route is 5 kilometers and the full circuit involves a climb then a descent of 160 metres. It will take us about 2 1/2 hours to hike the loop. The trail is good but the hills are steeper than the hike at Badger Hill near Jimsmith Lake. The loop route takes us into a little valley then up on a ridge, then back down to the parking area. There could be old snow, sticks and stones scattered on the trail which should still be carpeted in larch needles. Rating is moderate plus.
Dress for the weather, bring hiking poles, your grippers, binoculars, camera, etc.
Meet at 1:00 pm just off King Street at the turnoff to Spruceland Estates. Wait by the mailboxes and we will drive in together. Limit of 10 participants.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC151
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - 7:00 pm
Presentation on Cranbrook's Spray Irrigation Program by Katelyn Pocha, City of Cranbrook. Katelyn is a Project Manager in the Public Works Department for the City of Cranbrook. In her role, she is responsible for leading a variety of projects related to climate mitigation/adaptation, solid waste and asset management. She is also responsible for managing the operations of the Spray Irrigation Facility. Katelyn will be doing a presentation about the Spray Irrigation Facility and its operations, and how the facility has evolved since it began operation in the late 1970s.
This is followed by a short business meeting. Attendance at the business meeting is optional.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - 8:00 am
This week, at 8:00 or a little earlier, meet at Rampart Rest Area. Drive south along Highway 3/93 from the Fort Steele overpass, and in a few kilometers, exit on the right, into the well marked facility beside a small pond. Following a good look, we'll continue south for another few kms and turn left onto the gravel road which accesses the 'Project'. Here we will have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of bird species in varied habitats. Continuing north on the gravel road, we'll eventually intersect a paved road which connects with the main highway.
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RM Nats Annual Club Camp - Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Sunday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 5, 2024
A schedule of events will be sent out in the near future. A guest speaker, hiking, biking, canoeing, birding, potlucks and wiener roasts are all on the agenda.
Nature Trust Cherry Creek Outing (Lyle)
Saturday, April 27, 2024
We will explore the burnt forest before descending to the Ducks Unlimited Pond, along the way we will observe the Historic Route of the McGinty Trail that carried ore from the mines in Kimberley in the 1890’s to the Kootenay River for transport to the Smelters downstream. We will check out the birds at the DU ponds before continuing out onto the grasslands hiking to the river at the north end of the property. Along the way we can observe and listen for song birds that have arrived from the south as well as a good chance to see the Sandhill Cranes that nest in the area.
We will be out for 3 to 4 hours not including driving so it's a good idea to bring a snack/lunch and water. Good hiking shoes will be needed as we will not be on trails. Bring binoculars. Dress for the weather. This is rated as a Moderate hike.
Kimberley members will meet in the parking area behind the Catholic Church at the corner of Highway 95 A and Church Avenue ready to leave at 8:15 am.
Cranbrook members will meet at the Tamarack Mall between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 8:15 am.
This outing is limited to 12 members. Please RSVP to Lyle.
Turtle Day at Elizabeth Lake
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The RMNATS, with our partner, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) are again organizing Turtle Day. All events will take place in the area between Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information Building and the new Viewing Platform. There is a school program with 3 schools of 2 Elementary classes each, rotating through 3 stations from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm.
The Public Event is from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, taking place in the same area with the same events. Chief Joe Pierre of the aq’am Community will open the Public Event at 2:30 pm, and then the public will be able to visit the stations.
Jim Smith Lake Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Saturday morning, April 20 Outing will be a loop walk of about 5 to 6 km from Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park. There will be a couple of viewpoints. This is a walk mainly on trails with some small hills. We will be looking for the earliest wildflowers including their rosettes, checking the progress of larch buds and looking and listening for birds. Come dressed for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Kimberley folk meet at the rear of the Marysville arena for carpooling, for an 8:30 am departure to meet at the Jimsmith Lake Provincial Parking area.
Cranbrook folk will meet at the Tamarack Mall off Highway 3 between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for carpooling, for an 8:45 am departure to the Jimsmith Lake Parking area.
Rampart Rest Area Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Saturday morning, April 13 Outing will be a loop walk on a trail of about 6.5 km from the Rampart Rest area off Highway 3. This is an easy walk with just a few small hills. We will be looking for the earliest wildflowers including their rosettes and checking out a couple small lakes for birds. Come dressed for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Kimberley folk meet at the rear of the Marysville arena for carpooling, for an 8:30 am departure and meet Cranbrook people at the Rampart Rest Area.
Cranbrook folk will meet at the Tamarack Mall off Highway 3 between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for carpooling, for an 8:45 am departure to Rampart Rest area.
St. Mary's Slump Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - 9:00 am
Cranbrook members please meet at the highway side of Tamarack Mall in the parking area between Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop for a 9:00 am departure. Kimberley folk meet at the back of the Marysville Arena just off Jim Ogilvie Way for a 9:10 am departure. There is very limited parking off the busy highway at the trailhead, so please carpool. This is an easy walk on a trail of about 3 kilometres return. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Eager Hill Lookout Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - 9:00 am
Please meet at the highway side of Tamarack Mall in the parking area between Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop. This Outing is to the Fire Lookout at Eager Hill. The trail is open, uphill most of the way with good views at the top. Classified as an Easy to Moderate walk due to the uphill nature. If you have issues with mobility or stamina, speak to the leader before the day of the Outing, to check that it is suitable for you. Dress for the weather conditions. Bring binoculars as we will be looking for both birds and evidence of the earliest spring plants. Please RSVP to the leader so that they can share changes due to weather, site location or trail conditions. Include an emergency name and phone number.
Equinox Eagle Migration Tour (Daryl)
Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 24, 2024
Meet at the regular Tamarack Mall parking location beside Husky Truck Stop, ready to carpool and leave at 9:00 AM. Naturalists from the Crowsnest Pass will meet our group at Frank, Alberta in the late morning, and lead us to several areas with good potential for migratory Hawk and Eagle sightings. We'll spend the night in Blairmore, at the Travelodge. You will need to make reservations accordingly. On Sunday, March 24th, some of us will get up early for a walk and Early Birding in Blairmore. Then we will, again, be guided by the Crowsnest Naturalists, along scenic backroads west of Pincher Creek, and loop around to Beaver Mines, a particularly good spot for viewing the stream of migrating raptors through the Rocky Mountains. Return to East Kootenay during mid to late afternoon.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC151
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Guest Presenter: Aaron Canuel, currently working as a Recreation Technician with BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails will be speaking about his role while working as a Conservation Officer. This is just one of a number of jobs Aaron has held during an interesting career.
This is followed by a short business meeting. Attendance at the business meeting is optional.
RM Nats Winter Social - Wycliffe Regional Park
Sunday, February 25, 2024 - 4:30 pm
Rocky Mountain Naturalists are hosting our Winter Social Wiener Roast on Sunday, February 25 at 4:30 pm at Wycliffe Regional Park, Site Area # 2. Wycliffe Regional Park | RDEK Just follow the road to the end where you will park. The fire and tables are right there. Bring your own wieners/smokies and buns to cook over the fire along with your own drinks. There will be some roasting sticks available or bring your own. Condiments will be provided. There are several picnic tables at this site and you may wish to bring along a foam pad to sit on or even a chair.
3:00 - 4:30 pm - Join a group who will hike a loop trail from the wiener roast site. Wear your grippers and bring a pole(s).
4:00 - 4:30 pm - Join a group who will walk a relatively flat, short loop near the picnic site. Wear your grippers and bring a pole(s).
4:30 pm Come just for the wiener roast and visiting.
Check out the top notch disc golf course - bring your own disc to explore on your own. Disc players keep the pads shoveled during the winter.
Great Backyard Bird Count Road Trip (Daryl)
Monday, February 19, 2024 - 9:00 am - 3:30-4:00 pm
Meet at the regular Tamarack Mall parking spot, arrange carpooling and plan to head out at 9 AM. Expect to return at around 3:30 to 4 PM. Drive a sizable loop from Cranbrook to the International Border and return. Proceed south on Gold Creek Road, Caven Creek Road and Kikomun - Newgate Road to the south end. Return via Teepee Ck Road, Jaffray - Baynes Lake Road and Highway 3 - 93. We shall hop out and take perhaps a dozen short walks, watching for birds and noticing tracks in the snow etc. It is possible that, in the early afternoon, 'thermals' will enable resident and migratory birds of prey to be seen.
St Eugene Mission Walk (Marianne)
Saturday, February 17, 2024 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Marianne is offering a 2 hour walk to look for birds for the GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count). This will be along trails which are on the golf course near the St. Mary River. Be ready to leave the parking area at 1:00 pm. Please park and meet in the parking lot in front of the large white tent at St. Eugene, across from Aqam on the west side of Mission Road. Dress for the weather and bring your grippers. This is rated as an Easy Outing - flat terrain with good footing with grippers on your boots. And of course bring your binoculars and perhaps your camera. If you are interested in recording birds on your phone, download the ebird and Merlin apps at home. RSVP to Marianne.
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 16 - 19, 2024
The Great Backyard Bird Count, a world-wide event which is easy to participate in at any birder level. Fun to do with family, friends or by yourself. Over one or more of the days, identify and count the birds in your yard, neighbourhood or where you are recreating. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before their annual migrations take place. Go right to Great Backyard Bird Count for more information including a webinar on February 13.
AGM and Bi-Monthly Meeting - Manual Training School
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Following the AGM there will be a short Bi-monthly business meeting followed by a slideshow of members' photos organized by Lyle, and some snacks.
Three of the seven positions on the Executive are up for election this year - Treasurer, Member-at-Large and BC Nature Representative. The incumbents for Member-at-Large and BC Nature are willing to run again. We also have a member who is willing to run for the Treasurer's position. All three positions are open for further nominations. Bring a toonie for the informal raffle - proceeds to the Scholarship Fund.
Wilks Woods New Year's Day Outing (Marianne/Daryl)
Monday, January 1, 2024 - 10:30 am
Join Daryl and Marianne for a 4 hour hike through Wilks Woods and a wiener roast at about the halfway point. Meet at the north end of Wilks Rd which intersects with King St. Once on Wilks Rd, keep right at the Y and take the second right to the end of Wilks. Meet here for a 10:30 am start. We tromp through open woods on uneven ground and fragments of game trails with a distance of about 5 km and a 200+ metre elevation gain. There are hills and a variety of ups and downs with three viewpoints. We will observe forest types, animal signs and a few birds. Sturdy boots with good tread are needed along with a pole/s. At the moment, there is very little snow or ice. Bringing your grippers in your pack is a good idea. This is rated as a moderate plus Outing. Dress in layers for the weather. Bring your own wieners/smokies, bun or other lunch item, and beverage. We will supply the condiments, sticks and some mulled wine and apple juice.
Christmas Bird Count - Kimberley
Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Sign up by December 31. More information will be provided once you have signed up. There will be a potluck count up in the evening.
Christmas Bird Count - Cranbrook
Friday, December 29, 2023. Sign up by December 26. More information will be provided once you have signed up.
Christmas Bird Count - Jaffray-Wardner
On Thursday, December 14th, organized teams of birders will tour their designated quadrant of the 12 km radius circle. This will be the 3rd official count of this scenic, varied, lowland region. Dress warmly and bring a lunch. We’ll sharpen our skills as we learn to ID our resident birds and winter visitors. The circle includes a wide variety of habitats – small lakes, grasslands, streams and forests along with 3 small towns with active feeders. You do not need to be an experienced birder to join the fun and challenge. Birders are always learning and teams will have a range of birding levels, ‘tools’ and expertise. Once teams are formed with a designated leader, they will decide when and where to meet, to begin their quadrant count. Each team will submit their data as an ebird Trip Report to our count compiler, Claude Rioux. For more information, visit our website rockymountainnaturalists.org Click on Christmas Bird Counts and Maps.
Circling Myrtle Mountain Outing (Lyle)
Sunday, December 10, 2023 - 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Meet at 10:30 am at the Higgins Street entrance to the Kimberley Nature Park. Lyle will be leading the way on trails he has hiked many times. After travelling the Southwest Passage, the group will stop at the Lookout for lunch and then carry on various trails to return to the Higgins Street start. The total distance would be about 10 kms with an elevation gain of 208 metres. This is not a difficult hike but a long one. The difficulty rating is Moderate Plus. Along the way we will be on the lookout for birds and wildlife as well as tracks in the snow. The weather forecast for the 10th is a high of -1 which is a pleasant temperature for a hike. Dress for the weather conditions. Bring a lunch, water, a walking pole(s), and grippers. You may want to include binoculars and a camera. This outing is limited to 10 people. Please RSVP to Lyle.
Christmas Bird Count Dates
Jaffray/Wardner – December 14, 2023
Cranbrook – December 29, 2023
Kimberley – January 3, 2024
More information will be posted in the near future.
Stump Lake Outing (Gretchen/Jo Ellen)
Sunday, November 19, 2023 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join Gretchen and Jo Ellen for a fall hike to Stump Lake. Although referred to as a lake, this interesting meadow is close to town and only a damp spot these days. The route is 5 kilometers and the full circuit involves a climb then a descent of 160 metres. It will take us about 2 1/2 hours to hike the loop. The trail is good but the hills are steeper than the hike at Badger Hill near Jimsmith Lake. The loop route takes us into a little valley then up on a ridge, then back down to the parking area. There could be old snow, sticks and stones scattered on the trail which should still be carpeted in larch needles. Rating is moderate plus.
Dress for the weather, bring hiking poles, your grippers, binoculars, camera, etc.
Meet at 1:00 pm just off King Street at the turnoff to Spruceland Estates. Wait by the mailboxes and we will drive in together. Limit of 10 participants.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC151
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - 7:00 pm
Presentation on Cranbrook's Spray Irrigation Program by Katelyn Pocha, City of Cranbrook. Katelyn is a Project Manager in the Public Works Department for the City of Cranbrook. In her role, she is responsible for leading a variety of projects related to climate mitigation/adaptation, solid waste and asset management. She is also responsible for managing the operations of the Spray Irrigation Facility. Katelyn will be doing a presentation about the Spray Irrigation Facility and its operations, and how the facility has evolved since it began operation in the late 1970s.
This is followed by a short business meeting. Attendance at the business meeting is optional.
Fill in the form below for more field trip info. [We do not share your contact info)