24 - March - 2020
For the safety of our members and communities, and to be in compliance with recommendations by federal and provincial Chief Health Officers, the Rocky Mountain Naturalists will suspend all outings, including field trips, early morning birding and social events, until further notice. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will resume outings and events when it is safe to do so. Thank you for your understanding in these uncertain times.
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 and a liability waiver to sign.
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 and a liability waiver to sign.
Early Morning Birding (Jim)
Early Morning Birding has been cancelled for the time being due to COVID-19.
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Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Room 210
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - 7:00 pm
This meeting has been cancelled as a precautionary measure due to concerns about the possible spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in a public gathering. The presentation by Janice and Jamie Strong will be postponed to our next meeting in May.
Brewery Creek Outing (Gretchen)
Sunday, March 14, 2020 - 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. Join us on an early spring hike near Fort Steele. The plan is to walk a 6 km loop starting at the Brewery Creek turnoff up the Wildhorse, climbing up the bare bumps. The route will be on old roads and hiking trails. Parts of the road have ice, so grippers are essential and a pole would be prudent. Other parts may be muddy. Rating Moderate, but be aware of ice and mud and some steep bits. Estimated time three hours including driving, unless we are distracted. From the top of the bump we may see eagles crossing from Lone Peak to Lakit, or some Gray-Crowned Rosy Finches. As usual, bring water and a snack if you wish and dress in layers. Bring grippers. Earlier in the week the road was impassable without them.
RM Nats Annual Winter Social
Sunday, February 23, 2020
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Snowshoe or ski on Conservation Land near the end of Pighin Road followed by a Potluck Dinner at 5:00 pm hosted by Hasi and Sandy in Cranbrook. Members are welcome to attend the potluck even if you are not participating in the snowshoe/ski. Final details will be sent out a few days before February 23.
Wanklyn Road Snowshoe (Daryl)
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 10:15 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 10:15 am or meet at the trailhead. The trailhead is located just to the north of the Wycliffe Park Road intersection with River's Crossing. A rather short road, on the left, with it's own name and stop sign, 'Wanklyn Road', joins Wycliffe Park Road, immediately west of the Rail Trail parking lot, kiosk and washroom. Drive west about 300m along the level, plowed, Wanklyn Road to a wide spot beside a stack of concrete culvert sections. A slow speed will not upset the horses.
Snowshoe approximately 6 km along a new route. Please bring poles, water and food. Most of the trail climbs and descends gradually, with some steeper sections and pleasant flats. We will get a small campfire going at one of the viewpoints to rest and visit for half an hour.We can expect quiet conditions in several forest types, with some bird and animal tracks and signs, and a return to civilization around 2:30 or so. Moderate difficulty.
South Hill Outing (Stewart)
Sunday, January 19, 2020 - 1:30 pm
Meet at the parking area by Pyatt Lake at the head of 12 Ave. S., which can be accessed off 14 Ave. then 12 or 13 St. S. opposite the Catholic Church. The walk will be similar to that offered last winter but will explore some different areas. It will take us uphill past Akloo, the site of the former downhill ski hill in Cranbrook to a ridge with views to Baker Mtn. and Cranbrook Mtn. We will also visit the site of former mining explorations as well as some deserted cabins. We will climb 100 - 200 metres and probably be out for no more than two hours covering 4 to 5 kms. The weather forecast predicts milder temperatures around 0, but you should dress in layers and bring water. Snowshoes are optional, but poles are recommended.
Annual General Meeting and Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Room 210
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 - 7:00 pm
The AGM and Bi-Monthly Meeting will be held tonight. A business meeting plus elections will be taking place at this time.
Wilks Woods Loop Annual New Years Day Outing (Daryl/Marianne)
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 - 11:00 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 11:00 am or meet at the North end of Wilks Road which is a paved spur that intersects with King Street. This intersection is about 5 km NW of Cobham Ave, and is the only opportunity to turn right on a paved road, if travelling NW from Cranbrook. This time, only an inch or 2 of snow covers the hard ground. A portion of the route follows a narrow trail, and, otherwise, we tromp through open woods. Good boots with aggressive tread and/or grippers will be an asset, and poles may be helpful. The loop accesses several viewpoints, is approximately 5 km in length and will be completed in 2 1/2 to 3 hours. We can observe forest types, tracks in snow, shrubs, lichens, skyscapes and a few birds.
Daryl and Marianne will lead the group. Expect some 'ups & downs' and sidehills. Of course, you will want to dress in layers and bring a bit of food and drink.
Early Morning Birding has been cancelled for the time being due to COVID-19.
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Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Room 210
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - 7:00 pm
This meeting has been cancelled as a precautionary measure due to concerns about the possible spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in a public gathering. The presentation by Janice and Jamie Strong will be postponed to our next meeting in May.
Brewery Creek Outing (Gretchen)
Sunday, March 14, 2020 - 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. Join us on an early spring hike near Fort Steele. The plan is to walk a 6 km loop starting at the Brewery Creek turnoff up the Wildhorse, climbing up the bare bumps. The route will be on old roads and hiking trails. Parts of the road have ice, so grippers are essential and a pole would be prudent. Other parts may be muddy. Rating Moderate, but be aware of ice and mud and some steep bits. Estimated time three hours including driving, unless we are distracted. From the top of the bump we may see eagles crossing from Lone Peak to Lakit, or some Gray-Crowned Rosy Finches. As usual, bring water and a snack if you wish and dress in layers. Bring grippers. Earlier in the week the road was impassable without them.
RM Nats Annual Winter Social
Sunday, February 23, 2020
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Snowshoe or ski on Conservation Land near the end of Pighin Road followed by a Potluck Dinner at 5:00 pm hosted by Hasi and Sandy in Cranbrook. Members are welcome to attend the potluck even if you are not participating in the snowshoe/ski. Final details will be sent out a few days before February 23.
Wanklyn Road Snowshoe (Daryl)
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 10:15 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 10:15 am or meet at the trailhead. The trailhead is located just to the north of the Wycliffe Park Road intersection with River's Crossing. A rather short road, on the left, with it's own name and stop sign, 'Wanklyn Road', joins Wycliffe Park Road, immediately west of the Rail Trail parking lot, kiosk and washroom. Drive west about 300m along the level, plowed, Wanklyn Road to a wide spot beside a stack of concrete culvert sections. A slow speed will not upset the horses.
Snowshoe approximately 6 km along a new route. Please bring poles, water and food. Most of the trail climbs and descends gradually, with some steeper sections and pleasant flats. We will get a small campfire going at one of the viewpoints to rest and visit for half an hour.We can expect quiet conditions in several forest types, with some bird and animal tracks and signs, and a return to civilization around 2:30 or so. Moderate difficulty.
South Hill Outing (Stewart)
Sunday, January 19, 2020 - 1:30 pm
Meet at the parking area by Pyatt Lake at the head of 12 Ave. S., which can be accessed off 14 Ave. then 12 or 13 St. S. opposite the Catholic Church. The walk will be similar to that offered last winter but will explore some different areas. It will take us uphill past Akloo, the site of the former downhill ski hill in Cranbrook to a ridge with views to Baker Mtn. and Cranbrook Mtn. We will also visit the site of former mining explorations as well as some deserted cabins. We will climb 100 - 200 metres and probably be out for no more than two hours covering 4 to 5 kms. The weather forecast predicts milder temperatures around 0, but you should dress in layers and bring water. Snowshoes are optional, but poles are recommended.
Annual General Meeting and Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Room 210
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 - 7:00 pm
The AGM and Bi-Monthly Meeting will be held tonight. A business meeting plus elections will be taking place at this time.
Wilks Woods Loop Annual New Years Day Outing (Daryl/Marianne)
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 - 11:00 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 11:00 am or meet at the North end of Wilks Road which is a paved spur that intersects with King Street. This intersection is about 5 km NW of Cobham Ave, and is the only opportunity to turn right on a paved road, if travelling NW from Cranbrook. This time, only an inch or 2 of snow covers the hard ground. A portion of the route follows a narrow trail, and, otherwise, we tromp through open woods. Good boots with aggressive tread and/or grippers will be an asset, and poles may be helpful. The loop accesses several viewpoints, is approximately 5 km in length and will be completed in 2 1/2 to 3 hours. We can observe forest types, tracks in snow, shrubs, lichens, skyscapes and a few birds.
Daryl and Marianne will lead the group. Expect some 'ups & downs' and sidehills. Of course, you will want to dress in layers and bring a bit of food and drink.
Fill in the form below for more field trip info. [We do not share your contact info)
The fossil box at Nature Bob's Interpretive Centre at Mount Fernie Alpine Resort.
Photo - Greg
