Nature lovers, mark your calendars, the Friends of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is hosting bird walks at the refuge from 9-11 a.m on Saturday, June 15. 

The walks are a perfect opportunity for those who have been wanting to get into bird watching or are experienced bird watchers who would like to meet others with the same interest. The event is a good experience for those who might just want to get outside and do something for a little while. 

The 2,774-acre refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife including moose, elk, deer, bear, otter, bald eagles, and migratory waterfowl such as mallards, northern pintail, and teal.

Organizers are asking for participants to dress for any weather, but to wear warm clothing. They also should bring water, binoculars, a scope and a bird identification book. 

An all-volunteer nonprofit organization, the Friends of the Kootenai National Wildlife works to protect, manage and conserve wildlife through education and conservation.

In addition to the bird walks, the Friends of KNWR host other programs at the refuge which typically focus on topics of interest to members. In the past, the topics ranged from bats to geology to birds of prey. 

The group will meet outside the KNWR headquarters office, 287 Westside Road, Bonners Ferry. 

Information: Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, phone, 208-267-3888; Facebook, FriendsofKNWR; or online at fws.gov/refuge/kootenai