Join Us On Our Next Field Trip or Event.
Due to the ongoing COVID and respiratory illnesses, outings are limited to members only. Group sizes are limited, and the Club is not facilitating carpooling.
Listed below are upcoming and recent field trips and events of the Rocky Mountain Naturalists. Members welcome. Please let us know if you are interested.
Listed below are upcoming and recent field trips and events of the Rocky Mountain Naturalists. Members welcome. Please let us know if you are interested.
Early Morning Birding (Daryl)
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 9:00 am
At 9 AM, this week, meet at the 'Wasa Junction', where Highway 93 /95 intersects with Highway 95A. At first, we'll park in the little space SW of the Kootenay River bridge, walk down to the riverbank and step under the bridge. Then we shall examine half a dozen good spots within a few kilometers. The mild weather will encourage many migrants to make their way north
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RM Nats Annual Club Camp - Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Sunday, June 2 to Thursday, June 5, 2024 - 4:30 pm
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.
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.
Jim Smith Lake Area Loop Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, November 12, 2023 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
We will be able to enjoy some carpets of larch needles, several views of the area and look for signs of fall such as fungi and resident birds. This is a 6 kilometer hike with 121 metres of elevation gain on a hiking trail. There are some up and down hilly sections and is rated as a moderate hike. Meet at the front entrance of Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park for a 1:00 pm departure. Dress for the weather conditions, wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes and bring water, perhaps a snack, a hiking pole, binoculars and camera. Please RSVP to Marianne.
Planting Cottonwood Stakes (Marianne)
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 either 11:00am - 1:00pm or 1:00pm - 3:00pm
On Wednesday, November 1 there will be an opportunity to help plant cottonwood stakes in three areas at the Elizabeth Lake Conservation property. This is part of the year 2 plan for the Elizabeth Lake Ecosystem Restoration program.
We will make pilot holes with a bar, place each 1 inch diameter stake into the ground about 50 cm deep, in areas close to the shore. Then 6 t-bar fence posts will be pounded in to form a rectangle and plastic fencing placed around each plot.
We would appreciate some help on Wednesday, November 1 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm or 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Wear warm clothes, sturdy footwear and bring work gloves. Park in the parking lot at 11th St. S and Innes Ave. We will be just past the brown wood blind toward the forest trail. Your help is appreciated.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 9:00 am
At 9 AM, this week, meet at the 'Wasa Junction', where Highway 93 /95 intersects with Highway 95A. At first, we'll park in the little space SW of the Kootenay River bridge, walk down to the riverbank and step under the bridge. Then we shall examine half a dozen good spots within a few kilometers. The mild weather will encourage many migrants to make their way north
=================================================================
RM Nats Annual Club Camp - Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Sunday, June 2 to Thursday, June 5, 2024 - 4:30 pm
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.
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.
Jim Smith Lake Area Loop Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, November 12, 2023 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
We will be able to enjoy some carpets of larch needles, several views of the area and look for signs of fall such as fungi and resident birds. This is a 6 kilometer hike with 121 metres of elevation gain on a hiking trail. There are some up and down hilly sections and is rated as a moderate hike. Meet at the front entrance of Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park for a 1:00 pm departure. Dress for the weather conditions, wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes and bring water, perhaps a snack, a hiking pole, binoculars and camera. Please RSVP to Marianne.
Planting Cottonwood Stakes (Marianne)
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 either 11:00am - 1:00pm or 1:00pm - 3:00pm
On Wednesday, November 1 there will be an opportunity to help plant cottonwood stakes in three areas at the Elizabeth Lake Conservation property. This is part of the year 2 plan for the Elizabeth Lake Ecosystem Restoration program.
We will make pilot holes with a bar, place each 1 inch diameter stake into the ground about 50 cm deep, in areas close to the shore. Then 6 t-bar fence posts will be pounded in to form a rectangle and plastic fencing placed around each plot.
We would appreciate some help on Wednesday, November 1 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm or 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Wear warm clothes, sturdy footwear and bring work gloves. Park in the parking lot at 11th St. S and Innes Ave. We will be just past the brown wood blind toward the forest trail. Your help is appreciated.
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