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.
Early Morning Birding (Daryl)
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - 9:00 am
This week, head SE along Highway 3 / 93, and turn right onto Ha Ha Creek Road. The turnoff is located at the far end of a level straight stretch, before the main highway curves to the left and descends toward the Kootenay River. There is a right turn slot and mailboxes at this intersection. Continue S for about 1 km and at 9:00, meet at the 'wye' at the Bulkot Road stop sign. We shall explore Bulkot, then continue south towards Wardner. Birders visited this interesting valley about 10 weeks ago on December 3rd, in preparation for the Jaffray-Wardner Christmas Bird Count.
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, February 11, 2026 - 9:00 am
This week, head SE along Highway 3 / 93, and turn right onto Ha Ha Creek Road. The turnoff is located at the far end of a level straight stretch, before the main highway curves to the left and descends toward the Kootenay River. There is a right turn slot and mailboxes at this intersection. Continue S for about 1 km and at 9:00, meet at the 'wye' at the Bulkot Road stop sign. We shall explore Bulkot, then continue south towards Wardner. Birders visited this interesting valley about 10 weeks ago on December 3rd, in preparation for the Jaffray-Wardner Christmas Bird Count.
Great Backyard Bird Count (Daryl)
Saturday, February 14, 2026 - 8:30 am
Daryl is planning to drive along a significant loop, south of Cranbrook, to the International Border at Newgate and return. The weather forecast is favourable, roads are good and the trip is just under 200 kms. This will be the 5th such trip in the last few years. He has 3 or 4 seats available in his vehicle. We will meet at 8:30 am at the Tamarack Mall between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop, drive south along Gold Creek Road, Tepee FSR and Newgate Road. Return via Kikomun Ck, Jaffray and Wardner. Bring multiple warm layers, binocs, camera, and scope. Expect a number of stops along the way, and bring your lunch, water/hot drinks. Return to Cranbrook late afternoon. A pleasant 1 hour walk in the South Country is to be expected.
Brewery Ridge GBBC Outing (Theckla/Betty)
Friday, February 13, 2026 - 1:30 pm
Join Theckla and Betty on Friday, February 13 at 1:30 p.m. to hopefully view some Golden and Bald Eagles above Brewery Ridge off Wildhorse Creek FSR. Meet at the Osprey Nest pullout at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 13. This pullout is located just off the Fort Steele- Wardner Road across from the Fort Steele RV Park. We will drive a short distance up the Wildhorse FSR to a lookout over the river and hike up towards Brewery Ridge. This is a moderate outing but it is not necessary to hike the whole distance up to the ridge. We will return to our vehicles by 3 p.m. Bring binoculars, grippers and poles as needed. Please RSVP to Betty.
St Mary River Walk at St, Eugene Mission (Marianne)
Friday, February 13, 2026 - 1:40 pm
Kick off The Great Backyard Bird Count with an easy walk along the St. Mary's River at St Eugene Golf Course and then down to Prairie Bridge for this two hour Outing. Dress for the weather and bring your grippers in case of ice. I have not yet checked out the footing conditions. Bring binoculars. To carpool, Cranbrook folks meet at the parking lot between Husky Truck Stop and Boston Pizza at the Tamarack Mall for a 1:40 pm departure. To carpool, Kimberley folks meet at the back of the Marysville Arena for a 1:35 pm departure. I will let you know who the Kimberley folk are. Everyone to meet at the St. Eugene parking area at 2:00 pm, just off Mission Rd in front of the big white event tent next to the avenue of trees that leads to the front entrance of the old school. RSVP to Marianne.
Walk Along Kootenay River (Marianne)
Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 1:00 pm
Enjoy a walk above the Kootenay River on an uneven trail but quite walkable above the riverbank heading south, to the mouth of Wildhorse Creek. We will return to the vehicles along an access road from our starting point at old Ft. Steele below Selkirk Ave. Checking for animal evidence and birdlife along the way will be a focus. The total distance is 2 km and about 2 hours from where we park at Ft. Steele. This is rated as an Easy Outing. Meet at Tamarack Mall between Husky Truck Stop and Boston Pizza to carpool for a 1:00 pm departure. Dress for the weather and warmly as we will not be walking fast. Bring grippers, perhaps a hiking pole and binoculars. Kimberley folk - I can let you know who is attending so you can arrange carpooling.
Annual General Meeting and Bi-Monthly Meeting
Sunday, January 25, 2026 - 11:00 a.m.
Cranbrook Library, Manual Training Center
The AGM will take place at 11:00 a.m., followed by a brief Bi-monthly Meeting.
Following both meetings will be a potluck and social time. Please bring a dish to share along with your own plates, cutlery and a mug. Tea, coffee and napkins will be provided.
New Year's Day Hike 2026 (Daryl/Marianne)
Thursday, January 1, 2026 - 11:00 am
Join Daryl and Marianne on a 4 hour loop hike through Wilks Woods, including a wiener roast at the midpoint. Meet at the North (upper) end of Wilks Road which is a 1 kilometre spur off King Street, Cranbrook. Drive up Wilks Road, keep right at the 'Y', and take the 2nd right to the concrete barricade. We will hike up through open woods on a boot packed route, utilizing game trails and dodging rough, rocky sections. 4 + kms in length with a 200m elevation gain/loss. Expect hills, a variety of ups and downs and 3 viewpoints. Good, solid boots and poles are needed to navigate the shallow snow depth. You may want to bring your grippers. The primitive trail is not icy. Dress in layers. This is rated as a Moderate Plus Outing. At the first viewpoint, almost at the halfway point, we will start a quick fire for lunch. Bring your own wieners/ smokies/ bun or whatever you want for lunch, water, tea, etc. We will supply condiments, sticks, and mulled wine and apple juice. We will be standing around in this area for lunch so bring extra clothes to keep warm and perhaps a sitting pad. After lunch, we'll continue to Whiskey Jack summit, then north over to the 3rd viewpoint overlooking the Trench, then down Sunflower Hill and across to the vehicles. Naturalists will observe various forest types, animal signs and a few birds. We will listen and look for American 3-toed Woodpeckers and Brown Creepers. Consider bringing your binoculars. RSVP.
Christmas Bird Count Dates:
Jaffray Wardner: Sunday, Dec. 14,
Cranbrook: Sunday, December 28 and
Kimberley: Saturday, January 3
Kimberley Christmas Bird Count - Saturday, January 3, 2026
Announcing the Kimberley CBC on January 3rd, with four geographical areas within the count circle – Town Centre, Meadowbrook, Wasa / Ta Ta and Wycliffe. The map is on our website at
rockymountainnaturalists.org under Christmas Bird Counts. It also has lots of good information from
previous CBC counts. Once we have a list of participants, teams will be formed with a team leader for each area. You do not need to be an experienced birder to join the challenge and have fun. Birders are always learning, with teams having a variety of birding levels and expertise. Once teams are formed, their leader will decide when and where to meet. Most of the daylight hours on count day will be needed. Details on record keeping and submission will be provided after Dec. 29th deadline. After, there will be a dinner at 5:00 pm at the Marysville Pub. Please RSVP to Carol for both the count, and the dinner.
Cranbrook Christmas Bird Count - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Announcing the Cranbrook CBC, with four geographical areas within the count circle – South Cranbrook, North Cranbrook, Jimsmith/Green Bay, New Lake/Wycliffe. Once we have a list of participants, teams will be formed with a team leader for each area. The map for the Cranbrook count is on our website at rockymountainnaturalists.org under Christmas Bird Counts. It also has lots of good information from previous CBC counts. You do not need to be an experienced birder to join the challenge and have fun. Birders are always learning, with teams having a variety of birding levels and expertise. Once teams are formed, their leader will decide when and where to meet. Most of the daylight hours on count day will be needed. Each team will submit their data as one ebird Trip Report to Dianne, our count compiler. RSVP to Marianne.
Jaffray Wardner Christmas Bird Count - Sunday, December 14, 2025
Announcing the Jaffray Wardner CBC, with four geographical areas within the count circle – Jaffray, Tie Lake, Bull River and Wardner. Once we have a list of participants, teams will be formed with a team leader for each area. The map for the Jaffray Wardner count is on our website at rockymountainnaturalists.org under Christmas Bird Counts. There is lots of good information from previous CBC counts. You do not need to be an experienced birder to join the challenge and have fun. Birders are always learning, with teams having a variety of birding levels and expertise. Once teams are formed, their leader will decide when and where to meet. Most of the daylight hours on count day will be needed. Each team will submit their data as one ebird Trip Report to Dianne, our count compiler. RSVP to Marianne.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC152
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 7:00 pm
Guest Speaker is Marnie Duthie-Holt - Kootenay Boundary Forest Entomologist with the BC Ministry of Forests. Marnie will talk about the health of our local coniferous forests and the factors involving their health.
A business meeting will follow the guest speaker. There will be a toonie raffle of a few items and a silent auction for a beautiful turned plate with inlaid wood features (great Christmas gift). All proceeds to the Scholarship fund.
Devil's Hole Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, November 2, 2025 - 1:00 pm
Usher in November and the time change with a hike near Fort Steele at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop ready to depart at 1:00 pm. Kimberley members - I will contact you as to who is coming from there so you can carpool. The drive is mostly on paved roads with 4 kms on flat, bumpy gravel just off Holmes Rd. The entire trip from town and back will be about four + hours.
A one-hour moderate hike on a rocky, uneven quad track with some steepness for a distance of 2.5 km will bring us to the bluff overlooking the Devil’s Hole tarn. This is rated as a Moderate hike. On the drive out we could stop at Lakit Lake for a walkabout. Dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy footwear. Bring water, a snack, binoculars and phone.
This trip will be limited to 10 or 11 people.
Duck Box Outings (Katrin/Greg)
The Rocky Mountain Naturalists “Cavity Nesting Group” will be conducting 5 duck box cleanup dates through the month of October. We would like to welcome up to 2 interested Rocky Mountain Naturalists to each session, as an educational opportunity. We find an interesting array of nest box usages and it’s quite fun to decipher what species has used the box. The first 2 people that RSVP for each outing will be given preference. If there are openings available, then you can come to more than one outing. Once you are signed up, we will let you know the meeting spot. We hope to see some interest as this is a really fun opportunity!
Wednesday Oct 1 @ 11am - McGinty Lake (2 boxes)
Likely 2-3 hours with some birding and picnic lunch, minimum walking is approx 1km easy. Around the lake would be approx 3km.
Sunday Oct 5th @ 11am - Elizabeth Lake East Side Forest Trail (8 boxes)
Likely 4-5 hours with picnic lunch and some birding at Brown blind after the first 2 boxes. Approx 3km walking required on flat ground.
Wednesday Oct 15th @ 1pm - Westport (aka Ft Steele) (3 boxes) and Community Forest (1 box)
Likely 2-3 hours. Approx 1km walking required.
Sunday October 19th @ 3pm Elizabeth Lake West Side (near Info Centre) (4 boxes)
Likely 2 hours. Approx 1km walking required.
Thursday Oct 23 @ 1pm Irrigation Fields/ Rampart (5 boxes)
Likely 3 hours.
BC Rivers Day Paddle Monroe Lake (Marianne/Daryl)
Sunday, September 28, 2025 - 10:00 am
In celebration of the 45th BC Rivers Day, please join us for a 7 km Monroe Lake paddle on Sunday, September 28. https://www.orcbc.ca/bc-rivers-day
Meet at Monroe Lake Recreation Site public access for a 10:00 am launch. It takes time to unload boats and park along the road so arrive with time to get ready. We will be picking up bits of litter from the shoreline so bring a small plastic bag. After paddling the perimeter of the lake and doing a quick litter pick up around the put-in area (gloves would be helpful) you are welcome to join us for a wiener roast lunch. Bring your own food. We will bring condiments. Firewood provided. Bring - kayak or canoe, paddles, lifejackets, bailer, a tow rope. Lunch if staying. Monroe Lake is accessed off the Highway 3 turn-off to Moyie Lake Provincial Park. Monroe Lake Rd is the only road to the right before the Moyie Park entrance. Keep right. RSVP by Friday, September 26 with your emergency contact information.
Bi-Monthly Meeting for September 17, 2025
Since so many members are away this month enjoying the lovely early autumn weather, it has been decided to take a break from our regular September bi-monthly meeting. We did have a presentation on grasslands planned, and this will now take place in May next year. Our next bi-monthly meeting will be in November.
Ram Creek Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, August 24, 2025 - 7:30 am
The Rocky Mountain Naturalists Club are going to visit Ram Creek Warm Springs Ecological Reserve on Sunday, August 24. The Rocky Mountain Naturalists Club are wardens for this Ecological Reserve. https://bcparks.ca/conservation/ecological-reserves/
We will carpool, leaving Cranbrook at 7:30 am from the Tamarack Mall parking area between Husky Truck Stop and Boston Pizza. Kimberley folk will leave Kimberley at 7:30 am, from behind the Catholic Church. Both groups will meet at the Wasa Rest Area at 8:00 am. From there it is a 30 minute drive on pavement and then 30 minutes (9 km) on a rough Forest Service Rd. A high clearance 2 or all wheel drive vehicle will be fine. After parking, it is less than a 2 km hike to the springs and then 0.7 km to check on the east entrance before returning to the parking lot. We should be back on the pavement by mid-afternoon. This is rated as a moderate outing on an established trail with limited elevation gain.
We will be pulling some invasive plants such as knapweed and thistles, collecting litter, identifying plants and birds, and looking for the Blue Darner dragonfly. Bring gloves for pulling weeds.
Dress for the weather. Wear sturdy footwear, bring lunch, water, bear spray, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, gloves.
RMNats Summer Social
Sunday, August 17, 2025 - 3:45 pm
Our Summer Social is on Sunday, August 17th at Elizabeth Lake Lodge Mini Golf. All members and partners are welcome.
Mini Golf 3:45 - 5:00 pm. $5.00 per person. Please arrive by 3:45 so that teams can be made by pulling names from a hat. A round takes about an hour. For those not golfing, please take a walk around Elizabeth Lake or just arrive around 5:00 to visit before dinner.
Potluck dinner at 5:30 pm. Please bring a dish of your choice, your own beverage, dishes and cutlery.
Everyone, please park in the Confederation Park parking lot just off Wattsville Road behind the EL Lodge. Please RSVP by Friday, August 15th so we have an idea of numbers for golf, tables and chairs.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information Centre
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 7:00 pm
Please note: The business meeting will be brief. Bring a lawn chair or seating pad. Our guest presenter Brittany Eliadis - Education + Outreach Manager for East Kootenay Invasive Species Council - will lead us all on a "Weedy Walk".
Bat Monitoring Outing (Scott)
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - 10:00 am
Join Scott Bodaly to learn about bat monitoring and guano collection at the Wycliffe site. Scott will lead a walk to view the modified trees for bats at Wycliffe overlooking the "crack" above the St. Mary's River. This is an easy to moderate walk approximately 4 km. and 2 hours return. The parking lot is 1 km. south of Porteous Road, beside the Rails to Trails by the highway. Carpooling is encouraged since parking there is limited. Cranbrook folks meet at 9:40 am at Tamarack Mall between the Husky Stn. and Boston Pizza. Kimberley folks meet behind the Marysville arena at 9:45 am.
Cactus Mountain Hike and EMB (Gretchen)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 7:55 am
Meet Wednesday June 11th at the Tamarack Mall area close to the Husky, ready to leave at 7:55 AM or at the Osprey Nest pullout at Fort Steele at 8:15 AM. Some hikers or birders may want to bring lunch and stay longer at the Fish Hatchery. Others will be back to Cranbrook by 1 PM.
The Prickly Pear Cactus should be in flower soon, so we plan to hike to Cactus Mountain on Wednesday morning, June 11. This is generally a time slot reserved for Early Morning Birding, so we will be birding along the way. Birders not hiking can see the quarry or go to the Fish Hatchery then make their way along Picture Valley Road. Please choose one of the options below.
Hike to Cactus Mountain. This route has to be rated as hard because half the route is not on a trail and involves slopes and side hills. You must be a confident, surefooted hiker to safely negotiate the hills. The loop is 4 or 5 kilometers around and will go up (and down) about 150 meters (500 feet) - mostly not on a trail. You will want a hiking pole, sturdy shoes, drink, snack and binoculars if you hope to see birds. Time 2-3 hours. You'll be accompanied by Gretchen and Lyle.
Cactus Quarry walk then Birding at Hatchery. Walkers interested in seeing the rock walls of the quarry below the cactus slopes will start with the hikers but only go to the quarry, then return the same way. The route is on a gentle slope and gravel road. Vehicles will be parked at Fenwick siding. After this you can return to the Fish Hatchery or continue birding along Picture Valley and Fenwick roads back towards Fort Steele. You'll be accompanied by Gretchen to the Quarry, but retrace your steps on your own.
Birding only. Stop at Garbutts Lake, then the Fish Hatchery. Drive back towards Fort Steele via Picture Valley and Fenwick roads or head towards Wardner and return on the highway. You can do this option on your own time.
Annual RMNats Club Camp
Sunday to Wednesday, June 1 to 4, 2025
This year the annual Club Camp will be held in Creston. We have reserved the Canyon Community Park for the campers. A variety of motels/hotels are available in Creston for those who do not have a camper or do not wish to camp. Hiking, birding, biking, paddling and a guest speaker are all on the list.
Little Big Day (Greg)
Saturday, May 24, 2025 - 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Participants and their spouse or guest will meet at the Marysville Pub in Marysville (6:15 PM cocktails, start at 6:30pm) to submit their checklists and share their day. Dinner is not provided with the registration fee
Each team will consist of 3 to 5 participants travelling in one vehicle or on the ground. Each team will select its own name which will be submitted at the supper final. The registration fee will be $5.00 per person. All registration fee money will be donated to a conservation effort in the East Kootenay. The conservation donation will be discussed at the count-up dinner. The objective of the LBD competition is to identify as many bird species as possible between 6am and 6pm on May 24th. At least two members of each team must correctly identify the species either by sight or vocalizations. Each species will be checked off on the East Kootenay Bird Checklist that will be provided to each team. No tape recorders or other electronic devices can be used to attract birds.
Brewery Ridge Hike (Marianne)
Sunday, May 25, 2025 - 1:00 pm
Brewery Ridge Butte Hike to observe flowers, birds, views and learn a little of our local history. This is rated as a Difficult outing as per the RMNats rating system. We will not be going fast. It is a moderate climb on a trail to the viewpoint then downhill on a wider trail through the forest to Wildhorse FSR where we will walk back to the vehicles. A total of about 4 km. We should be back in town by 4:30 pm. Dress for the weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear, bring water, a snack, and binoculars. We will carpool as there is very limited parking at the trailhead. Cranbrook members meet at the Tamarack Mall between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for a 1:00 pm departure. Kimberley members meet behind the Marysville Arena for a 12:45 pm departure. Both groups will meet at the Osprey nest on the Wardner Ft. Steele Rd across from the Ft. Steele Resort and RV Park. This Outing will be limited to 10 participants.
Skookumchuck Prairie Key Biodiversity Area Bird Count (Wasa, BC) - Birds Canada and Rocky Mountain Naturalists
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - All Day, 6:00 am start time
Join the Birds Canada team for this volunteer-based count, and survey birds in this new Key Biodiversity Area along the Kootenay River between Wasa and Skookumchuck. Amazing grassland bird sightings await you! Intermediate-good bird ID skills preferred. Register at [email protected].
Elizabeth Lake Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Please join us at Elizabeth Lake to learn about Cavity Nesting Ducks, Long-billed Curlews, Bluebirds and the Bluebird Box Monitoring Program, area Bats and new monitoring program taking place at Wycliffe Flats. Also available will be two bird-watching walks - one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and take in the waterfowl on the lake at the new viewing platform through supplied scopes. For those that do not have binoculars, there are Birding Backpacks available for checkout at the Cranbrook, Kimberley, Creston, Fernie and Invermere Public Libraries (1 backpack per library).
Birding 101 (Theckla)
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Meet at the Calgary Public Library. This is aimed for anyone beginning/new to birding, but anyone interested in birding is welcome to come join.
Birding 101 - McGinty Lake Outing (Theckla)
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet at the parking lot to McGinty Lake Recreation Area. This walk is aimed for anyone beginning/new to birding, but anyone interested in birding at McGinty Lake is welcome to come join. We will walk into the main picnic area of the lake to take in the waterfowl on the north end. From there, we will do the walk around the south end of the lake to the east side picnic area. Following more waterfowl spotting, we will take in the east side trail along the lake, then on to Mini-Ginty. The whole walk will be approx 5km, easy terrain. Hiking boots/shoes and binoculars are required. Prize for the first person to check out the birding backpack from the Kimberley Public Library.
Elizabeth Lake Work Bee
Saturday, April 26, 2025 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
We need to finish pulling back the dead grass and weeds from the planted shrubs in the plots that are located from the Broadstreet swale to the cedar rail. The first work party two weeks ago did a great job from the weir to the swale. Bring leather work gloves, (there are some thistles), short handled clippers and if you have one, a small rake to help pull back grass from the fence edges. Dress for the weather. Meet Stewart at the parking area at the corner of 11th St. S and Innes Ave. for a 9:00 am start.
Elizabeth Lake Turtle Day
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
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 to 2:00 pm. The Public Event is from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, taking place in the same area with the same events. 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.
Elizabeth Lake Work Bee
Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Things that need attention: litter pick up; clipping dead weed stalks and bagging, inside the fenced plots; checking fenced plots and pounding down any fence posts that are leaning.
Bring work gloves, short handled clippers and dress for the weather. Please indicate if you will meet a leader at the parking area at the corner of 11th St. S and Innes or at the parking area off Wattsville behind the Elizabeth Lake Lodge. That way we can have two groups in two different areas.
Potato Butte Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, April 6, 2025 - 9:00 am
Cranbrook members meet for a 9:00 am departure at the Tamarack Mall parking lot between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop to carpool.
Kimberley members meet behind the Marysville Arena for a 9:10 am departure to meet at Stirton parking area at 9:15 am.
Join Marianne for a walk from Stirton Rd to the top of Potato Butte and return via the east fenceline. We will be looking for the earliest spring flowers - Sagebrush Buttercups, Spring Beauty, and Mertensia and identifying rosettes of later blooming ones. Our eyes and ears will also be tuned up for any nearby birds.
This walk is rated as Moderate with a couple steeper sections, especially at the beginning. You may want to bring a walking pole. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, bring water, a snack and binoculars. We will be back at the parking area just before noon. This Outing will be limited to 10 participants so that discussions and observations can be discussed and we are able to stay on the trail. If there are more than 10, I will do the same walk the following weekend.Kick off The Great Backyard Bird Count with an easy walk along the St. Mary's River at St Eugene Golf Course and then down to Prairie Bridge for this two hour Outing. Dress for the weather and bring your grippers in case of ice. I have not yet checked out the footing conditions. Bring binoculars.
To carpool, Cranbrook folks meet at the parking lot between Husky Truck Stop and Boston Pizza at the Tamarack Mall for a 1:40 pm departure.
To carpool, Kimberley folks meet at the back of the Marysville Arena for a 1:35 pm departure. I will let you know who the Kimberley folk are.
Everyone to meet at the St. Eugene parking area at 2:00 pm, just off Mission Rd in front of the big white event tent next to the avenue of trees that leads to the front entrance of the old school.
Saturday, February 14, 2026 - 8:30 am
Daryl is planning to drive along a significant loop, south of Cranbrook, to the International Border at Newgate and return. The weather forecast is favourable, roads are good and the trip is just under 200 kms. This will be the 5th such trip in the last few years. He has 3 or 4 seats available in his vehicle. We will meet at 8:30 am at the Tamarack Mall between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop, drive south along Gold Creek Road, Tepee FSR and Newgate Road. Return via Kikomun Ck, Jaffray and Wardner. Bring multiple warm layers, binocs, camera, and scope. Expect a number of stops along the way, and bring your lunch, water/hot drinks. Return to Cranbrook late afternoon. A pleasant 1 hour walk in the South Country is to be expected.
Brewery Ridge GBBC Outing (Theckla/Betty)
Friday, February 13, 2026 - 1:30 pm
Join Theckla and Betty on Friday, February 13 at 1:30 p.m. to hopefully view some Golden and Bald Eagles above Brewery Ridge off Wildhorse Creek FSR. Meet at the Osprey Nest pullout at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 13. This pullout is located just off the Fort Steele- Wardner Road across from the Fort Steele RV Park. We will drive a short distance up the Wildhorse FSR to a lookout over the river and hike up towards Brewery Ridge. This is a moderate outing but it is not necessary to hike the whole distance up to the ridge. We will return to our vehicles by 3 p.m. Bring binoculars, grippers and poles as needed. Please RSVP to Betty.
St Mary River Walk at St, Eugene Mission (Marianne)
Friday, February 13, 2026 - 1:40 pm
Kick off The Great Backyard Bird Count with an easy walk along the St. Mary's River at St Eugene Golf Course and then down to Prairie Bridge for this two hour Outing. Dress for the weather and bring your grippers in case of ice. I have not yet checked out the footing conditions. Bring binoculars. To carpool, Cranbrook folks meet at the parking lot between Husky Truck Stop and Boston Pizza at the Tamarack Mall for a 1:40 pm departure. To carpool, Kimberley folks meet at the back of the Marysville Arena for a 1:35 pm departure. I will let you know who the Kimberley folk are. Everyone to meet at the St. Eugene parking area at 2:00 pm, just off Mission Rd in front of the big white event tent next to the avenue of trees that leads to the front entrance of the old school. RSVP to Marianne.
Walk Along Kootenay River (Marianne)
Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 1:00 pm
Enjoy a walk above the Kootenay River on an uneven trail but quite walkable above the riverbank heading south, to the mouth of Wildhorse Creek. We will return to the vehicles along an access road from our starting point at old Ft. Steele below Selkirk Ave. Checking for animal evidence and birdlife along the way will be a focus. The total distance is 2 km and about 2 hours from where we park at Ft. Steele. This is rated as an Easy Outing. Meet at Tamarack Mall between Husky Truck Stop and Boston Pizza to carpool for a 1:00 pm departure. Dress for the weather and warmly as we will not be walking fast. Bring grippers, perhaps a hiking pole and binoculars. Kimberley folk - I can let you know who is attending so you can arrange carpooling.
Annual General Meeting and Bi-Monthly Meeting
Sunday, January 25, 2026 - 11:00 a.m.
Cranbrook Library, Manual Training Center
The AGM will take place at 11:00 a.m., followed by a brief Bi-monthly Meeting.
Following both meetings will be a potluck and social time. Please bring a dish to share along with your own plates, cutlery and a mug. Tea, coffee and napkins will be provided.
New Year's Day Hike 2026 (Daryl/Marianne)
Thursday, January 1, 2026 - 11:00 am
Join Daryl and Marianne on a 4 hour loop hike through Wilks Woods, including a wiener roast at the midpoint. Meet at the North (upper) end of Wilks Road which is a 1 kilometre spur off King Street, Cranbrook. Drive up Wilks Road, keep right at the 'Y', and take the 2nd right to the concrete barricade. We will hike up through open woods on a boot packed route, utilizing game trails and dodging rough, rocky sections. 4 + kms in length with a 200m elevation gain/loss. Expect hills, a variety of ups and downs and 3 viewpoints. Good, solid boots and poles are needed to navigate the shallow snow depth. You may want to bring your grippers. The primitive trail is not icy. Dress in layers. This is rated as a Moderate Plus Outing. At the first viewpoint, almost at the halfway point, we will start a quick fire for lunch. Bring your own wieners/ smokies/ bun or whatever you want for lunch, water, tea, etc. We will supply condiments, sticks, and mulled wine and apple juice. We will be standing around in this area for lunch so bring extra clothes to keep warm and perhaps a sitting pad. After lunch, we'll continue to Whiskey Jack summit, then north over to the 3rd viewpoint overlooking the Trench, then down Sunflower Hill and across to the vehicles. Naturalists will observe various forest types, animal signs and a few birds. We will listen and look for American 3-toed Woodpeckers and Brown Creepers. Consider bringing your binoculars. RSVP.
Christmas Bird Count Dates:
Jaffray Wardner: Sunday, Dec. 14,
Cranbrook: Sunday, December 28 and
Kimberley: Saturday, January 3
Kimberley Christmas Bird Count - Saturday, January 3, 2026
Announcing the Kimberley CBC on January 3rd, with four geographical areas within the count circle – Town Centre, Meadowbrook, Wasa / Ta Ta and Wycliffe. The map is on our website at
rockymountainnaturalists.org under Christmas Bird Counts. It also has lots of good information from
previous CBC counts. Once we have a list of participants, teams will be formed with a team leader for each area. You do not need to be an experienced birder to join the challenge and have fun. Birders are always learning, with teams having a variety of birding levels and expertise. Once teams are formed, their leader will decide when and where to meet. Most of the daylight hours on count day will be needed. Details on record keeping and submission will be provided after Dec. 29th deadline. After, there will be a dinner at 5:00 pm at the Marysville Pub. Please RSVP to Carol for both the count, and the dinner.
Cranbrook Christmas Bird Count - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Announcing the Cranbrook CBC, with four geographical areas within the count circle – South Cranbrook, North Cranbrook, Jimsmith/Green Bay, New Lake/Wycliffe. Once we have a list of participants, teams will be formed with a team leader for each area. The map for the Cranbrook count is on our website at rockymountainnaturalists.org under Christmas Bird Counts. It also has lots of good information from previous CBC counts. You do not need to be an experienced birder to join the challenge and have fun. Birders are always learning, with teams having a variety of birding levels and expertise. Once teams are formed, their leader will decide when and where to meet. Most of the daylight hours on count day will be needed. Each team will submit their data as one ebird Trip Report to Dianne, our count compiler. RSVP to Marianne.
Jaffray Wardner Christmas Bird Count - Sunday, December 14, 2025
Announcing the Jaffray Wardner CBC, with four geographical areas within the count circle – Jaffray, Tie Lake, Bull River and Wardner. Once we have a list of participants, teams will be formed with a team leader for each area. The map for the Jaffray Wardner count is on our website at rockymountainnaturalists.org under Christmas Bird Counts. There is lots of good information from previous CBC counts. You do not need to be an experienced birder to join the challenge and have fun. Birders are always learning, with teams having a variety of birding levels and expertise. Once teams are formed, their leader will decide when and where to meet. Most of the daylight hours on count day will be needed. Each team will submit their data as one ebird Trip Report to Dianne, our count compiler. RSVP to Marianne.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC152
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 7:00 pm
Guest Speaker is Marnie Duthie-Holt - Kootenay Boundary Forest Entomologist with the BC Ministry of Forests. Marnie will talk about the health of our local coniferous forests and the factors involving their health.
A business meeting will follow the guest speaker. There will be a toonie raffle of a few items and a silent auction for a beautiful turned plate with inlaid wood features (great Christmas gift). All proceeds to the Scholarship fund.
Devil's Hole Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, November 2, 2025 - 1:00 pm
Usher in November and the time change with a hike near Fort Steele at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Meet at the Tamarack Mall parking lot between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop ready to depart at 1:00 pm. Kimberley members - I will contact you as to who is coming from there so you can carpool. The drive is mostly on paved roads with 4 kms on flat, bumpy gravel just off Holmes Rd. The entire trip from town and back will be about four + hours.
A one-hour moderate hike on a rocky, uneven quad track with some steepness for a distance of 2.5 km will bring us to the bluff overlooking the Devil’s Hole tarn. This is rated as a Moderate hike. On the drive out we could stop at Lakit Lake for a walkabout. Dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy footwear. Bring water, a snack, binoculars and phone.
This trip will be limited to 10 or 11 people.
Duck Box Outings (Katrin/Greg)
The Rocky Mountain Naturalists “Cavity Nesting Group” will be conducting 5 duck box cleanup dates through the month of October. We would like to welcome up to 2 interested Rocky Mountain Naturalists to each session, as an educational opportunity. We find an interesting array of nest box usages and it’s quite fun to decipher what species has used the box. The first 2 people that RSVP for each outing will be given preference. If there are openings available, then you can come to more than one outing. Once you are signed up, we will let you know the meeting spot. We hope to see some interest as this is a really fun opportunity!
Wednesday Oct 1 @ 11am - McGinty Lake (2 boxes)
Likely 2-3 hours with some birding and picnic lunch, minimum walking is approx 1km easy. Around the lake would be approx 3km.
Sunday Oct 5th @ 11am - Elizabeth Lake East Side Forest Trail (8 boxes)
Likely 4-5 hours with picnic lunch and some birding at Brown blind after the first 2 boxes. Approx 3km walking required on flat ground.
Wednesday Oct 15th @ 1pm - Westport (aka Ft Steele) (3 boxes) and Community Forest (1 box)
Likely 2-3 hours. Approx 1km walking required.
Sunday October 19th @ 3pm Elizabeth Lake West Side (near Info Centre) (4 boxes)
Likely 2 hours. Approx 1km walking required.
Thursday Oct 23 @ 1pm Irrigation Fields/ Rampart (5 boxes)
Likely 3 hours.
BC Rivers Day Paddle Monroe Lake (Marianne/Daryl)
Sunday, September 28, 2025 - 10:00 am
In celebration of the 45th BC Rivers Day, please join us for a 7 km Monroe Lake paddle on Sunday, September 28. https://www.orcbc.ca/bc-rivers-day
Meet at Monroe Lake Recreation Site public access for a 10:00 am launch. It takes time to unload boats and park along the road so arrive with time to get ready. We will be picking up bits of litter from the shoreline so bring a small plastic bag. After paddling the perimeter of the lake and doing a quick litter pick up around the put-in area (gloves would be helpful) you are welcome to join us for a wiener roast lunch. Bring your own food. We will bring condiments. Firewood provided. Bring - kayak or canoe, paddles, lifejackets, bailer, a tow rope. Lunch if staying. Monroe Lake is accessed off the Highway 3 turn-off to Moyie Lake Provincial Park. Monroe Lake Rd is the only road to the right before the Moyie Park entrance. Keep right. RSVP by Friday, September 26 with your emergency contact information.
Bi-Monthly Meeting for September 17, 2025
Since so many members are away this month enjoying the lovely early autumn weather, it has been decided to take a break from our regular September bi-monthly meeting. We did have a presentation on grasslands planned, and this will now take place in May next year. Our next bi-monthly meeting will be in November.
Ram Creek Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, August 24, 2025 - 7:30 am
The Rocky Mountain Naturalists Club are going to visit Ram Creek Warm Springs Ecological Reserve on Sunday, August 24. The Rocky Mountain Naturalists Club are wardens for this Ecological Reserve. https://bcparks.ca/conservation/ecological-reserves/
We will carpool, leaving Cranbrook at 7:30 am from the Tamarack Mall parking area between Husky Truck Stop and Boston Pizza. Kimberley folk will leave Kimberley at 7:30 am, from behind the Catholic Church. Both groups will meet at the Wasa Rest Area at 8:00 am. From there it is a 30 minute drive on pavement and then 30 minutes (9 km) on a rough Forest Service Rd. A high clearance 2 or all wheel drive vehicle will be fine. After parking, it is less than a 2 km hike to the springs and then 0.7 km to check on the east entrance before returning to the parking lot. We should be back on the pavement by mid-afternoon. This is rated as a moderate outing on an established trail with limited elevation gain.
We will be pulling some invasive plants such as knapweed and thistles, collecting litter, identifying plants and birds, and looking for the Blue Darner dragonfly. Bring gloves for pulling weeds.
Dress for the weather. Wear sturdy footwear, bring lunch, water, bear spray, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, gloves.
RMNats Summer Social
Sunday, August 17, 2025 - 3:45 pm
Our Summer Social is on Sunday, August 17th at Elizabeth Lake Lodge Mini Golf. All members and partners are welcome.
Mini Golf 3:45 - 5:00 pm. $5.00 per person. Please arrive by 3:45 so that teams can be made by pulling names from a hat. A round takes about an hour. For those not golfing, please take a walk around Elizabeth Lake or just arrive around 5:00 to visit before dinner.
Potluck dinner at 5:30 pm. Please bring a dish of your choice, your own beverage, dishes and cutlery.
Everyone, please park in the Confederation Park parking lot just off Wattsville Road behind the EL Lodge. Please RSVP by Friday, August 15th so we have an idea of numbers for golf, tables and chairs.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information Centre
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 7:00 pm
Please note: The business meeting will be brief. Bring a lawn chair or seating pad. Our guest presenter Brittany Eliadis - Education + Outreach Manager for East Kootenay Invasive Species Council - will lead us all on a "Weedy Walk".
Bat Monitoring Outing (Scott)
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - 10:00 am
Join Scott Bodaly to learn about bat monitoring and guano collection at the Wycliffe site. Scott will lead a walk to view the modified trees for bats at Wycliffe overlooking the "crack" above the St. Mary's River. This is an easy to moderate walk approximately 4 km. and 2 hours return. The parking lot is 1 km. south of Porteous Road, beside the Rails to Trails by the highway. Carpooling is encouraged since parking there is limited. Cranbrook folks meet at 9:40 am at Tamarack Mall between the Husky Stn. and Boston Pizza. Kimberley folks meet behind the Marysville arena at 9:45 am.
Cactus Mountain Hike and EMB (Gretchen)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 7:55 am
Meet Wednesday June 11th at the Tamarack Mall area close to the Husky, ready to leave at 7:55 AM or at the Osprey Nest pullout at Fort Steele at 8:15 AM. Some hikers or birders may want to bring lunch and stay longer at the Fish Hatchery. Others will be back to Cranbrook by 1 PM.
The Prickly Pear Cactus should be in flower soon, so we plan to hike to Cactus Mountain on Wednesday morning, June 11. This is generally a time slot reserved for Early Morning Birding, so we will be birding along the way. Birders not hiking can see the quarry or go to the Fish Hatchery then make their way along Picture Valley Road. Please choose one of the options below.
Hike to Cactus Mountain. This route has to be rated as hard because half the route is not on a trail and involves slopes and side hills. You must be a confident, surefooted hiker to safely negotiate the hills. The loop is 4 or 5 kilometers around and will go up (and down) about 150 meters (500 feet) - mostly not on a trail. You will want a hiking pole, sturdy shoes, drink, snack and binoculars if you hope to see birds. Time 2-3 hours. You'll be accompanied by Gretchen and Lyle.
Cactus Quarry walk then Birding at Hatchery. Walkers interested in seeing the rock walls of the quarry below the cactus slopes will start with the hikers but only go to the quarry, then return the same way. The route is on a gentle slope and gravel road. Vehicles will be parked at Fenwick siding. After this you can return to the Fish Hatchery or continue birding along Picture Valley and Fenwick roads back towards Fort Steele. You'll be accompanied by Gretchen to the Quarry, but retrace your steps on your own.
Birding only. Stop at Garbutts Lake, then the Fish Hatchery. Drive back towards Fort Steele via Picture Valley and Fenwick roads or head towards Wardner and return on the highway. You can do this option on your own time.
Annual RMNats Club Camp
Sunday to Wednesday, June 1 to 4, 2025
This year the annual Club Camp will be held in Creston. We have reserved the Canyon Community Park for the campers. A variety of motels/hotels are available in Creston for those who do not have a camper or do not wish to camp. Hiking, birding, biking, paddling and a guest speaker are all on the list.
Little Big Day (Greg)
Saturday, May 24, 2025 - 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Participants and their spouse or guest will meet at the Marysville Pub in Marysville (6:15 PM cocktails, start at 6:30pm) to submit their checklists and share their day. Dinner is not provided with the registration fee
Each team will consist of 3 to 5 participants travelling in one vehicle or on the ground. Each team will select its own name which will be submitted at the supper final. The registration fee will be $5.00 per person. All registration fee money will be donated to a conservation effort in the East Kootenay. The conservation donation will be discussed at the count-up dinner. The objective of the LBD competition is to identify as many bird species as possible between 6am and 6pm on May 24th. At least two members of each team must correctly identify the species either by sight or vocalizations. Each species will be checked off on the East Kootenay Bird Checklist that will be provided to each team. No tape recorders or other electronic devices can be used to attract birds.
Brewery Ridge Hike (Marianne)
Sunday, May 25, 2025 - 1:00 pm
Brewery Ridge Butte Hike to observe flowers, birds, views and learn a little of our local history. This is rated as a Difficult outing as per the RMNats rating system. We will not be going fast. It is a moderate climb on a trail to the viewpoint then downhill on a wider trail through the forest to Wildhorse FSR where we will walk back to the vehicles. A total of about 4 km. We should be back in town by 4:30 pm. Dress for the weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear, bring water, a snack, and binoculars. We will carpool as there is very limited parking at the trailhead. Cranbrook members meet at the Tamarack Mall between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for a 1:00 pm departure. Kimberley members meet behind the Marysville Arena for a 12:45 pm departure. Both groups will meet at the Osprey nest on the Wardner Ft. Steele Rd across from the Ft. Steele Resort and RV Park. This Outing will be limited to 10 participants.
Skookumchuck Prairie Key Biodiversity Area Bird Count (Wasa, BC) - Birds Canada and Rocky Mountain Naturalists
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - All Day, 6:00 am start time
Join the Birds Canada team for this volunteer-based count, and survey birds in this new Key Biodiversity Area along the Kootenay River between Wasa and Skookumchuck. Amazing grassland bird sightings await you! Intermediate-good bird ID skills preferred. Register at [email protected].
Elizabeth Lake Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Please join us at Elizabeth Lake to learn about Cavity Nesting Ducks, Long-billed Curlews, Bluebirds and the Bluebird Box Monitoring Program, area Bats and new monitoring program taking place at Wycliffe Flats. Also available will be two bird-watching walks - one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and take in the waterfowl on the lake at the new viewing platform through supplied scopes. For those that do not have binoculars, there are Birding Backpacks available for checkout at the Cranbrook, Kimberley, Creston, Fernie and Invermere Public Libraries (1 backpack per library).
Birding 101 (Theckla)
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Meet at the Calgary Public Library. This is aimed for anyone beginning/new to birding, but anyone interested in birding is welcome to come join.
Birding 101 - McGinty Lake Outing (Theckla)
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet at the parking lot to McGinty Lake Recreation Area. This walk is aimed for anyone beginning/new to birding, but anyone interested in birding at McGinty Lake is welcome to come join. We will walk into the main picnic area of the lake to take in the waterfowl on the north end. From there, we will do the walk around the south end of the lake to the east side picnic area. Following more waterfowl spotting, we will take in the east side trail along the lake, then on to Mini-Ginty. The whole walk will be approx 5km, easy terrain. Hiking boots/shoes and binoculars are required. Prize for the first person to check out the birding backpack from the Kimberley Public Library.
Elizabeth Lake Work Bee
Saturday, April 26, 2025 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
We need to finish pulling back the dead grass and weeds from the planted shrubs in the plots that are located from the Broadstreet swale to the cedar rail. The first work party two weeks ago did a great job from the weir to the swale. Bring leather work gloves, (there are some thistles), short handled clippers and if you have one, a small rake to help pull back grass from the fence edges. Dress for the weather. Meet Stewart at the parking area at the corner of 11th St. S and Innes Ave. for a 9:00 am start.
Elizabeth Lake Turtle Day
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
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 to 2:00 pm. The Public Event is from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, taking place in the same area with the same events. 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.
Elizabeth Lake Work Bee
Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Things that need attention: litter pick up; clipping dead weed stalks and bagging, inside the fenced plots; checking fenced plots and pounding down any fence posts that are leaning.
Bring work gloves, short handled clippers and dress for the weather. Please indicate if you will meet a leader at the parking area at the corner of 11th St. S and Innes or at the parking area off Wattsville behind the Elizabeth Lake Lodge. That way we can have two groups in two different areas.
Potato Butte Outing (Marianne)
Sunday, April 6, 2025 - 9:00 am
Cranbrook members meet for a 9:00 am departure at the Tamarack Mall parking lot between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop to carpool.
Kimberley members meet behind the Marysville Arena for a 9:10 am departure to meet at Stirton parking area at 9:15 am.
Join Marianne for a walk from Stirton Rd to the top of Potato Butte and return via the east fenceline. We will be looking for the earliest spring flowers - Sagebrush Buttercups, Spring Beauty, and Mertensia and identifying rosettes of later blooming ones. Our eyes and ears will also be tuned up for any nearby birds.
This walk is rated as Moderate with a couple steeper sections, especially at the beginning. You may want to bring a walking pole. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, bring water, a snack and binoculars. We will be back at the parking area just before noon. This Outing will be limited to 10 participants so that discussions and observations can be discussed and we are able to stay on the trail. If there are more than 10, I will do the same walk the following weekend.Kick off The Great Backyard Bird Count with an easy walk along the St. Mary's River at St Eugene Golf Course and then down to Prairie Bridge for this two hour Outing. Dress for the weather and bring your grippers in case of ice. I have not yet checked out the footing conditions. Bring binoculars.
To carpool, Cranbrook folks meet at the parking lot between Husky Truck Stop and Boston Pizza at the Tamarack Mall for a 1:40 pm departure.
To carpool, Kimberley folks meet at the back of the Marysville Arena for a 1:35 pm departure. I will let you know who the Kimberley folk are.
Everyone to meet at the St. Eugene parking area at 2:00 pm, just off Mission Rd in front of the big white event tent next to the avenue of trees that leads to the front entrance of the old school.
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
