Join Us On Our Next Field Trip or Event.
Listed below are upcoming and recent field trips and events of the Rocky Mountain Naturalists. You are welcome to join us. Please let us know if you are interested.
For anyone who is not a member and would like to join us on one of our outings, please be advised that there is a $2.00 fee for the day (for liability insurance purposes).
For anyone who is not a member and would like to join us on one of our outings, please be advised that there is a $2.00 fee for the day (for liability insurance purposes).
Early Morning Birding (Daryl)
Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - 8:00 am
This week we will visit the Idlewild Lake area. Please meet at the North main entrance of the park at 8:00 am on Wednesday, for several hours of birding. Our group has recorded bird species for the last 2 years (about 40+ species). This year has special significance because major restoration of the area has occurred, and because of Community Day. The Columbia Outdoor School is hosting a Community Day on Saturday 23rd. Naturalists will be able to provide 3 years of observations, all recorded at around this time of year. We will encounter a wide variety of habitats from grasslands to wetlands. Be prepared for walking about 1.5 km across varied terrain, ending at 11:30 am.
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Cactus Mountain Outing (Susan W.)
Saturday, June 23, 2018 – 1:00 pm
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 1:00 pm. If we are lucky, the prickly pear cactus will be in full bloom together with a multitude of other wild flowers. As well, we will enjoy lovely views of the Kootenay River Valley. It is estimated that this outing will be 4 km in length with a 100 m elevation gain making this an Easy Plus Outing.
Bluebird and Swallow Nest Box Monitoring Biking Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, June 10, 2018 – 9:00 am
9:00 am to noon for the Cherry Creek Route. This will be about a 10 km ride on relatively flat roads. Meet at Thunderbird Springs Road - see directions below in the June 8 Walking outing. Be ready to bike from the parking lot at 9:00 am.
Bluebird and Swallow Nest Box Monitoring Walking Outing (Marianne)
Friday, June 8, 2018 – 8:30 am
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 8:30 am. All others can meet at the Thunderbird Springs Road parking lot at 9:00 am, which is the cul de sac between Highway 95A and North Star Trail at Forties Corner, just south of Kings Chapel Church. Be ready to leave the parking lot at 9:00 am so we can carpool down Pighin Rd. This outing will be a 4+ km walk on a flat road from 9:00 am to noon.
Big Tree Outing (Susan W.)
Sunday, June 3, 2018 – 6:00 pm
Please meet at the college trail head [by the recycling bins in the upper parking lot at College of the Rockies, Cranbrook campus] ready to leave at 6:00 pm. A lovely wander through the pine and fir forest with a possibility to spot wild flowers or some bird life. It is estimated that this outing will be approximately 7 km in length with a 150 m elevation gain, making this a Moderate Outing.
RM Nats Annual Club Camp - Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, Alberta
Tuesday, May 29 - May 31, 2018 inclusive
A beautiful area for hiking, biking, paddling and birding with evening pot lucks and stories. Either camp or stay at one of the many motels or B&B's in the area.
Little Big Day (Greg)
Saturday, May 26, 2018 - 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
12-hours of competitive birding, 6:00 AM till 6:00 PM. Teams are forming up now, so get yours together as soon as possible, $25.00 per team. Teams will consist of at least 3 people and no more than 5. Please let Greg know when you have your team together. If you are not with a team and would like to join in, he will help put you together with others. The traditional area is from Canal Flats to the US border – i.e. the southern RDEK. We will meet for the count up at Marco Polo between 6:00 and 6:30 PM.
Monroe Lake Paddle (George)
Sunday, May 20, 2018 – 9:30 am
Please meet at the Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information parking lot ready to leave at 9:30 am. We will drive to Monroe Lake for an around the lake paddle. Canoes, kayaks, SUP, bathtubs or whatever your floating device may be. Bring a snack to enjoy while we sit and discuss the day after our paddle. Don't forget drinking water and binoculars.
Spring Plant Identification Outing (Paula)
Thursday, May 17, 2018 – 10:00 am
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 10:00 am. Bryan Kelly-McArthur, our speaker from the Bi-Monthly Meeting, will be joining us on our search for and helping to identify spring wildflowers. This will be at a slow pace as we wander through the meadows on the Crown land off the Mission Wycliffe Road. Expect to be around two hours so bring water and a snack.
Bi-Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - 7:00 pm, Room 210, COTR
Our presenter for this bi-monthly meeting will be Bryan Kelly-McArthur who is a dedicated citizen scientist closely involved with native wildflowers and plants for many years and has added macro photography of these as an added approach. Come join us for some wonderful photography shots and talk followed by a very brief business meeting. Don't forget your toonies for the raffle.
Creston Valley Bird Festival - Creston
May 11 - May 13, 2018 inclusive
Registration commences on April 3, 2018
Website: www.crestonvalleybirds.ca
Wings Over the Rockies - Invermere
May 7 - May 13, 2018 inclusive
Registration commences at 9:00 am on April 9, 2018
Website: www.wingsovertherockies.org
Memorial Hike at Wasa (Ruth)
Saturday, May 5, 2018 – 9:00 am
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 9:00 am. All others can meet at the Wasa Provincial Park campground entrance at 9:30 am for a 3 km hike on the ridge. This is an easy/moderate hike. After the hike, we will check out the water fowl on Wasa Lake. Bring snacks and drinks. Our club has been doing this outing almost since we formed in the 1980’s. Mildred White, one of our original members, led this hike for years, first looking for spring wildflowers on the ridge and then birding afterwards. For the past few years, we have done this outing in memory of many former members who have passed but contributed much to our club.
Columbia River Headwaters and Fairmont Hoodoos (Daryl)
Friday, May 4, 2018 – 8:00 am
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 8:00 am. Kimberley members can meet us at the Kootenay River/Wasa Rest area at 8:40 am. Take an easy trail walk of 1.5 km to the Headwaters of the Columbia River in Canal Flats. We will then drive north to a parking lot on Westside Rd. for a 6 km hike through dry bench lands to the rim of the Fairmont Hoodoos. This hike is on a trail with elevation gain and some uneven footing, taking about 3 hours. There are many interesting plants, birds and great views. Dress for the weather, bring water, lunch, binoculars and camera. We will eat lunch between the 2 events, location to be decided by the group.
Balancing Rock Hike and afternoon option of Paddling/Biking - Creston (Daryl/Marianne)
Monday, April 30, 2018 – 8:00 am
Please meet at the Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information parking lot ready to leave at 8:00 am. Meet Daryl and Marianne at the base of the Balancing Rock Trail at 8:15 am Creston time which is one hour later than our time zone (MST). Upon our arrival at the Balancing Rock trailhead, we’ll spend a few minutes shuttling a couple of vehicles up the highway to the trail end. This well-established trail consists of 4 sections; a moderately difficult climb up a rocky slope with steeper sections, a relatively flat and slightly muddy upper section, a long, moderately steep decline and a relatively flat, uneven stroll back to the vehicles. The area is interesting because of amazing wildflowers, an array of birdlife, topographical variations and scenery. This is a 3 hour moderately difficult hike. Dress for the weather. Bring water, lunch, binoculars/camera. We’ll eat lunch along the trail. After lunch, for those with a canoe or kayak and paddling gear, we will drive South 15 minutes to the Old Ferry Crossing, and embark on a 2-3 hour flatwater paddle trip to the confluence of the Goat River and Kootenay River depending on flow conditions. The rivers are large and placid - we’ll hug the shoreline to avoid the current and any wind, as we paddle upstream. It is possible to navigate East up the Goat River a fair distance through varied riparian ecology and then into Indian Arm. This water route is not particularly hazardous, but requires experienced, strong paddlers that have a level of confidence above that of a beginner. Bring your full paddling gear, water and snack. Those who are not paddling may decide to bring their bikes for a ride in one of several areas. Please RSVP to Daryl by Thursday, April 26, 2018. We are camping overnight on Sunday, April 29. If that is of interest to you, please contact us.
Turtle Day at Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information
Tuesday, April 24, 2018 - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and the Rocky Mountain Naturalists are again hosting Turtle Day. Talk to biologists and discover how this amazing creature has evolved and survives the winter. Learn about its life cycle and get a chance to be up close and personal with Western Painted Turtle hatchlings hours after emerging from their nests! Learn more about the projects FWCP funds to support these at-risk turtles. If you are interested in learning more about the event and/or volunteering, contact Marianne.
Cranbrook Cemetery Historical Outing (Daryl)
Thursday, April 12, 2018 - 10:00 am to approximately 12:30 pm
Please meet at the entrance to the Old Cranbrook Cemetery located on Borden Road W. off of Cobham Avenue. Join naturalists and local historians for a tour of the Old Cranbrook General Cemetery. Step back in time with tour leaders Pat Morrow and Jim Cameron. We'll remember the life and times of Conrad Kain and some of the other characters who shaped our local history. Some snow may still be on the ground and often a chilly wind blows so be prepared. This is an easy outing.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - 8:00 am
This week we will visit the Idlewild Lake area. Please meet at the North main entrance of the park at 8:00 am on Wednesday, for several hours of birding. Our group has recorded bird species for the last 2 years (about 40+ species). This year has special significance because major restoration of the area has occurred, and because of Community Day. The Columbia Outdoor School is hosting a Community Day on Saturday 23rd. Naturalists will be able to provide 3 years of observations, all recorded at around this time of year. We will encounter a wide variety of habitats from grasslands to wetlands. Be prepared for walking about 1.5 km across varied terrain, ending at 11:30 am.
=================================================================
Cactus Mountain Outing (Susan W.)
Saturday, June 23, 2018 – 1:00 pm
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 1:00 pm. If we are lucky, the prickly pear cactus will be in full bloom together with a multitude of other wild flowers. As well, we will enjoy lovely views of the Kootenay River Valley. It is estimated that this outing will be 4 km in length with a 100 m elevation gain making this an Easy Plus Outing.
Bluebird and Swallow Nest Box Monitoring Biking Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, June 10, 2018 – 9:00 am
9:00 am to noon for the Cherry Creek Route. This will be about a 10 km ride on relatively flat roads. Meet at Thunderbird Springs Road - see directions below in the June 8 Walking outing. Be ready to bike from the parking lot at 9:00 am.
Bluebird and Swallow Nest Box Monitoring Walking Outing (Marianne)
Friday, June 8, 2018 – 8:30 am
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 8:30 am. All others can meet at the Thunderbird Springs Road parking lot at 9:00 am, which is the cul de sac between Highway 95A and North Star Trail at Forties Corner, just south of Kings Chapel Church. Be ready to leave the parking lot at 9:00 am so we can carpool down Pighin Rd. This outing will be a 4+ km walk on a flat road from 9:00 am to noon.
Big Tree Outing (Susan W.)
Sunday, June 3, 2018 – 6:00 pm
Please meet at the college trail head [by the recycling bins in the upper parking lot at College of the Rockies, Cranbrook campus] ready to leave at 6:00 pm. A lovely wander through the pine and fir forest with a possibility to spot wild flowers or some bird life. It is estimated that this outing will be approximately 7 km in length with a 150 m elevation gain, making this a Moderate Outing.
RM Nats Annual Club Camp - Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, Alberta
Tuesday, May 29 - May 31, 2018 inclusive
A beautiful area for hiking, biking, paddling and birding with evening pot lucks and stories. Either camp or stay at one of the many motels or B&B's in the area.
Little Big Day (Greg)
Saturday, May 26, 2018 - 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
12-hours of competitive birding, 6:00 AM till 6:00 PM. Teams are forming up now, so get yours together as soon as possible, $25.00 per team. Teams will consist of at least 3 people and no more than 5. Please let Greg know when you have your team together. If you are not with a team and would like to join in, he will help put you together with others. The traditional area is from Canal Flats to the US border – i.e. the southern RDEK. We will meet for the count up at Marco Polo between 6:00 and 6:30 PM.
Monroe Lake Paddle (George)
Sunday, May 20, 2018 – 9:30 am
Please meet at the Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information parking lot ready to leave at 9:30 am. We will drive to Monroe Lake for an around the lake paddle. Canoes, kayaks, SUP, bathtubs or whatever your floating device may be. Bring a snack to enjoy while we sit and discuss the day after our paddle. Don't forget drinking water and binoculars.
Spring Plant Identification Outing (Paula)
Thursday, May 17, 2018 – 10:00 am
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 10:00 am. Bryan Kelly-McArthur, our speaker from the Bi-Monthly Meeting, will be joining us on our search for and helping to identify spring wildflowers. This will be at a slow pace as we wander through the meadows on the Crown land off the Mission Wycliffe Road. Expect to be around two hours so bring water and a snack.
Bi-Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - 7:00 pm, Room 210, COTR
Our presenter for this bi-monthly meeting will be Bryan Kelly-McArthur who is a dedicated citizen scientist closely involved with native wildflowers and plants for many years and has added macro photography of these as an added approach. Come join us for some wonderful photography shots and talk followed by a very brief business meeting. Don't forget your toonies for the raffle.
Creston Valley Bird Festival - Creston
May 11 - May 13, 2018 inclusive
Registration commences on April 3, 2018
Website: www.crestonvalleybirds.ca
Wings Over the Rockies - Invermere
May 7 - May 13, 2018 inclusive
Registration commences at 9:00 am on April 9, 2018
Website: www.wingsovertherockies.org
Memorial Hike at Wasa (Ruth)
Saturday, May 5, 2018 – 9:00 am
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 9:00 am. All others can meet at the Wasa Provincial Park campground entrance at 9:30 am for a 3 km hike on the ridge. This is an easy/moderate hike. After the hike, we will check out the water fowl on Wasa Lake. Bring snacks and drinks. Our club has been doing this outing almost since we formed in the 1980’s. Mildred White, one of our original members, led this hike for years, first looking for spring wildflowers on the ridge and then birding afterwards. For the past few years, we have done this outing in memory of many former members who have passed but contributed much to our club.
Columbia River Headwaters and Fairmont Hoodoos (Daryl)
Friday, May 4, 2018 – 8:00 am
Please meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot closest to Hwy 3 between the Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 8:00 am. Kimberley members can meet us at the Kootenay River/Wasa Rest area at 8:40 am. Take an easy trail walk of 1.5 km to the Headwaters of the Columbia River in Canal Flats. We will then drive north to a parking lot on Westside Rd. for a 6 km hike through dry bench lands to the rim of the Fairmont Hoodoos. This hike is on a trail with elevation gain and some uneven footing, taking about 3 hours. There are many interesting plants, birds and great views. Dress for the weather, bring water, lunch, binoculars and camera. We will eat lunch between the 2 events, location to be decided by the group.
Balancing Rock Hike and afternoon option of Paddling/Biking - Creston (Daryl/Marianne)
Monday, April 30, 2018 – 8:00 am
Please meet at the Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information parking lot ready to leave at 8:00 am. Meet Daryl and Marianne at the base of the Balancing Rock Trail at 8:15 am Creston time which is one hour later than our time zone (MST). Upon our arrival at the Balancing Rock trailhead, we’ll spend a few minutes shuttling a couple of vehicles up the highway to the trail end. This well-established trail consists of 4 sections; a moderately difficult climb up a rocky slope with steeper sections, a relatively flat and slightly muddy upper section, a long, moderately steep decline and a relatively flat, uneven stroll back to the vehicles. The area is interesting because of amazing wildflowers, an array of birdlife, topographical variations and scenery. This is a 3 hour moderately difficult hike. Dress for the weather. Bring water, lunch, binoculars/camera. We’ll eat lunch along the trail. After lunch, for those with a canoe or kayak and paddling gear, we will drive South 15 minutes to the Old Ferry Crossing, and embark on a 2-3 hour flatwater paddle trip to the confluence of the Goat River and Kootenay River depending on flow conditions. The rivers are large and placid - we’ll hug the shoreline to avoid the current and any wind, as we paddle upstream. It is possible to navigate East up the Goat River a fair distance through varied riparian ecology and then into Indian Arm. This water route is not particularly hazardous, but requires experienced, strong paddlers that have a level of confidence above that of a beginner. Bring your full paddling gear, water and snack. Those who are not paddling may decide to bring their bikes for a ride in one of several areas. Please RSVP to Daryl by Thursday, April 26, 2018. We are camping overnight on Sunday, April 29. If that is of interest to you, please contact us.
Turtle Day at Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information
Tuesday, April 24, 2018 - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and the Rocky Mountain Naturalists are again hosting Turtle Day. Talk to biologists and discover how this amazing creature has evolved and survives the winter. Learn about its life cycle and get a chance to be up close and personal with Western Painted Turtle hatchlings hours after emerging from their nests! Learn more about the projects FWCP funds to support these at-risk turtles. If you are interested in learning more about the event and/or volunteering, contact Marianne.
Cranbrook Cemetery Historical Outing (Daryl)
Thursday, April 12, 2018 - 10:00 am to approximately 12:30 pm
Please meet at the entrance to the Old Cranbrook Cemetery located on Borden Road W. off of Cobham Avenue. Join naturalists and local historians for a tour of the Old Cranbrook General Cemetery. Step back in time with tour leaders Pat Morrow and Jim Cameron. We'll remember the life and times of Conrad Kain and some of the other characters who shaped our local history. Some snow may still be on the ground and often a chilly wind blows so be prepared. This is an easy outing.
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The fossil box at Nature Bob's Interpretive Centre at Mount Fernie Alpine Resort.
Photo - Greg