Sprunger-Whitney Nature Trail cleared of downed trees
Bigfork Eagle | UPDATED 4 days, 1 hour AGO
The Sprunger-Whitney Nature Trail south of Swan Lake has been cleared of blowdown and is open for hiking. A six person Montana Conservation Corps crew spent two days clearing the trail so it is available for the public.
The trail, now in its 31st year, is an interpretive, non-motorized hiking trail built by Friends of the Wild Swan on Montana state school trust lands. The group has a land use license with the Dept of Natural Resources and Conservation which provides revenue to the school trust. The Conservation Corps helped build and keep the trail maintained over all these years.
"It's been a great and enduring partnership with MCC," said Arlene Montgomery, Program Director for Friends of the Wild Swan. "We appreciate their hard work and enthusiasm for this special place."
"We are always grateful for the opportunity to support our local community groups and contribute to another year of public access to the Sprunger-Whitney trail," noted Gavin Wisdom, MCC's Northern Rockies Regional Director.
The loop trail is approximately 2.1 miles. Interpretive signs identify plants and special features of this old-growth, riparian forest. Over 50 birds have been identified in the trail area. It also provides habitat that is vital for moose, elk, bears and many other animals. The trail area is rich in biological diversity with over 65 plant and tree species.
The trail is named after Elmer Sprunger and Jack Whitney, two long-time residents and conservationists in Bigfork and the Swan Valley. The land use license and other trail expenses are funded with contributions.
Friends of the Wild Swan will be leading a guided naturalist hike on the trail on July 29th at 10am. Naturalist and botanist Anne Morley will be the guide. She is well versed in the ecology of the Swan Valley and will identify plants, birds, trees, and wildlife habitat along the trail. She also presents interesting Native American historical perspectives. Please contact Anne Morley at 406-886-2242 to let her know you are coming.
Directions: Take Hwy 83 approximately 7 miles south of Swan Lake. Turn right 1/2 mile south of mile marker 64 and follow the sign to the trailhead.
