As winter descends the rugged Scotchman Peaks, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW) are planning the 2020 Winter Tracks season. Winter Tracks is a fun and free outdoor education program for local schools. Teachers, students and volunteers enjoy a winter day teaching and learning. Subjects include orienteering, avalanche safety, tracking, mammals and birds and tree identification.

Each Winter Tracks features four modules that students cycle through for a variety of learning experiences. Students love the chance to spend a day outside and FSPW volunteers enjoy sharing their knowledge with the kids.

Retired foresters Jeff Pennick and Ed Robinson team up to teach about trees. “One of my favorite things to do is to teach the kids to be curious and go out and explore,” Pennick said. “If that’s all we get across to them, it’s a wonderful thing.

Teachers appreciate Winter Tracks. Clark Fork High teacher Becky Haag said, “We had a great time. We are so lucky to allow our students such rigorous hands on learning in the field with such a well assembled team of experts to share their knowledge and experience.”

It’s a pleasure to see kids light up at nature’s wonders. A student who acted bored until shown wing marks in the snow made by a hawk in pursuit of a squirrel exclaimed, “That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!” He was excited for the rest of the day.

Winter Tracks sessions are generally on Fridays, but FSPW is open to suggestions. The 2020 season is filling up fast, but there are still dates available. Friday, December 13 is the last day to make a reservation.

For more information, contact sandy@scotchmanpeaks.org or call 208-290-1281.