2011 Annual Meeting Field Trip Sign-up
2011 CGBD Annual Meeting Field Trips
1) The Natural History of Whitefish Lake
Join the staff of the Whitefish Lake Institute (WLI) for an outing on beautiful Whitefish Lake aboard either the classic wooden "Lady of the Lake" touring boat or the WLI research vessel. Learn more about WLI, how they collect lake data, along with a natural history discussion of the watershed.
If time permits, the group will dock back at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, cross the road and visit the 30 acre wetland owned and managed by WLI. Included, will be the story of how and why the 30 acres was gifted to WLI, and why it has become a regional example of brokering a solution to meet the needs of diverse parties. The rainy weather option will be the same discussion, only inside at The Lodge rather than out in the elements. [Limited to 18 people]
2) The Whitefish Trail
Come learn about the work of the Whitefish Legacy Partners (WLP) [http://whitefishtrail.net/] and hike a beautiful stretch of the Whitefish Trail. The WLP focuses on conservation, stewardship and recreation in the north Flathead Valley, around the town of Whitefish.
The trail is the anchor for building public support for conservation of state and private forestlands around Whitefish Lake that were in the crosshairs of developers. The Whitefish Trail is what Whitefish Legacy Partners and the City of Whitefish, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the United States Forest Service (USFS), Whitefish Mountain Resort (WMR), and private landowners, have set out to accomplish with the support and guidance of the community.
The Whitefish Trail has 12 miles currently open with trails from the Lion Mountain trailhead to Beaver Lake and the Lupfer Loops area. After a very short drive from the Lodge, we’ll hit the trail for a 4-mile hike from the Lion Mountain Trailhead to the Skles Connector. http://whitefishtrail.net/2011WT_TrailMap.pdf
3) Hiking or Biking in Glacier National Park
Spend the afternoon in one of the great national parks, a true jewel in the crown of the continent [http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm]. After the hour -long drive (boxed lunch included) to the Avalanche region of the park (don’t worry, no avalanches on your trip!), you’ll walk, hike or cycle to some of the most beautiful country you’ll ever see! (Note: Going-to-the-Sun road will be closed to cars at this time.)
The Walkers. Walk a few miles along the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun road with local naturalist. [Limited to 13 people]
Sorry, the Glacier Park Hike option is full. The Hikers. Hike along foot trails in the Old Growth Cedar Hemlock Forest (Trail of the Great Cedars, Trail to Avalanche Lake/St. John’s Lake Trail) with local botanist. [Limited to 13 people]
The Cyclists. Bike along the Going to the Sun road with retired Park biologist. This group will probably travel 5-7 miles in each direction, potentially up towards The Loop. [Limited to 13 people]
Guides on all three excursions will offer their deep local knowledge and strong passion for this Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. While moving through the forest and taking advantage of mini-teaching moments (i.e.: flora and fauna), each instructor will also gather us to share a much broader focus and awareness of Glacier National Park’s incredible biodiversity, and will be able to speak to why this is so!
