A host of Montana Native Plant field trips coming up soon

The Montana Native Plant Society Flathead Chapter is pleased to offer the following field trips and events in the Columbia Falls area that are free and open to the public.

They are suitable for all sorts of participants, from just plain wildflower lovers to proper botanists.   Contact the leader to sign up, and for last-minute changes. If you register and cannot attend, please contact your leader ASAP as individuals on the waitlist are eager to sign up.

 Bring food, water, extra clothes, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other personal gear you might need. Field guides, a map, binoculars, camera, hand lens, or field journal should enhance your experience. Please leave pets at home. For upcoming events across Montana, visit www.MTNativePlants.org , and follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/www.MTNativePlantSociety.  Write to [email protected] if you would like to receive occasional notices about local events and field trips. 

All Season Long - Glacier National Park Huckleberry Phenology Citizen Science. (Glacier National Park).

Taking a hike in or near Glacier National Park? You can help scientists understand huckleberry phenology in this region. Huckleberries are an important food source for wildlife, including grizzly bears. The park is collecting data to understand how weather and other factors influence the phenology, or timing, of berry ripeness. Contact Glacier National Park’s citizen science program for a link to a DIY training that provides all the tools you will need to record data while you enjoy your day, at [email protected] or call 406.888.7986.

 Thursday, May 7 - Columbia Mountain Trail (Columbia Falls). 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join Tara Carolin for an early season walk through diverse habitats to see species that occur in inland rainforest as well as on dry rocky slopes. We hope to find early season blooms including shooting stars, glacier lilies, serviceberry, and more beauties to be discovered. See May 25 event for additional details. Limit of 12. To register, contact Tara at [email protected]. See also May 25 trip.

 Thursday, May 14 - Columbia Mountain Garden Tour (Columbia Falls). 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join Forestoration, Inc. on the third tour of a private residence that has been transformed into a beautiful and diverse landscape with hundreds of species and thousands of plants. Participants will learn all about the process from soil health, landscape design principles, plant selection, irrigation, and maintenance. See both native and non-native early season blooms and experience why this garden is truly a one of a kind in the Flathead Valley! This tour will be limited to 25 people and is co-hosted with Center for Native Plants and Forestoration.  Sign up by emailing Shiva at [email protected].

Tuesday, May 19 - Cedar Flats Trails (Columbia Falls). 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Learn about forest plants and hunt for wildflowers on the Cedar Flats Trails in our backyard north of Columbia Falls. The terrain is gentle, and our journey will be less than two miles. Limit 12 people. Contact Rachel Potter at [email protected] to reserve a spot, find out where to meet, and for last-minute changes.

 Monday, May 25 - Columbia Mountain Trail (Columbia Falls). 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Join Ellen Horowitz for a 2.5-hour evening wildflower walk. We will travel through a variety of habitat types – from moist forests to dry open slopes. Expect an easy pace with lots of stops to view big, bold blossoms like those of balsamroot, and less conspicuous beauties that include orchids and mitreworts. The trail is moderately difficulty (about one mile round-trip and 300 feet elevation gain). Walking sticks are recommended. This walk is limited to 12 participants. Registration required. Please contact Ellen by Email: [email protected] to register. Be sure to include your phone number when registering. Also see May 7 trip.

Sunday, May 31- Bumble Bee Atlas (Columbia Falls). 9 a.m. to Noon.

The Bumble Bee Atlas field season starts June 1. To kick off the season, join Michelle Toshack (Montana Bumble Bee Atlas) and Tabitha Graves (USGS) us for the Columbia Falls field day 10 minutes outside of town.  We will practice catching, photographing, and releasing bumble bees. This is a wonderful way to practice protocol if you are a new volunteer or want a refresher. Participating in the atlas program is fun and a terrific way to learn more about interactions between native plants and these incredible animals. You will also be gathering vital information about these important pollinators. Register for the event here: https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/pages/events. Contact Tabitha Graves, at [email protected] with questions.

Thursday, June 18 - Lubec Hills Trail Wildflowers. (Carpool from Columbia Falls) 9- a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy the magnificent views and prolific wildflower displays of the Lubec Lake Trail system east of Glacier. Meet at Columbia Heights and Route 206 Park and Ride area at 9 a.m. Be prepared for the weather and hiking 3-4 miles with considerable elevation gain. Bring lunch and hiking poles. This trip is limited to 12 participants. For more information or to sign up contact Pat at: [email protected].

Thursday, July 9 - Glacier National Park Weed Blitz (West Glacier). 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join fellow citizens in removing invasive plants from priority sites in GNP. Park biologist, Dawn LaFleur, will train participants on identification and effective hand-pulling techniques for targeted weed species. The morning will focus on learning about invasive plant ecology, issues, and identification. We will head into the field during the afternoon. Bring muscles, water, and gloves. The Glacier National Park Conservancy will provide lunch. Participants must RSVP before July 7 by emailing [email protected] or calling 406.888.7986.

Saturday, July 11 - North Fork Forests & Fire (Columbia Falls). 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Join Steve Wirt, retired USFS forester and fire manager, where he will discuss fire history in this area for the fourth consecutive trip. Emphasis on plant response, identification, and forest succession before and after fires. There may be an opportunity to view the Hay Creek fire of 2021. Hiking the Hornet Lookout trail will be the highlight of the day. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a sack lunch and plenty of water. Meet in Columbia Falls to carpool up the North Fork of the Flathead River. The trip is limited to 15 people. To sign up contact Steve at [email protected].