Programs
The friends board has been busy so far this season with a number of things going on both visibly and behind the scenes. With the end of June quickly approaching, it seems like now would be a great time to share some of the things we have been doing, a few things in progress, and a few of the things that are coming up later this summer.
We love to see park visitors get excited about nature. One of the easiest ways to see this excitement is through special programs and presentations. Hopefully you were around for the Free Fun Weekend in early June. During this weekend, we had two special programs, one sharing a special story about family through a pair of Sandhill Cranes that raised a Canada Goose. The other, was a hand on experience where the audience had the opportunity to learn about insects and other invertebrates while interacting with living individuals!
Behind the Scenes
Everything the friends have been doing are not immeadiately seen. We were fortunate to receive several grants from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. These grants have been used to create a new accessible trail at the site of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Camp located near the riverbottoms at Interstate Park. In addition to the loop trail, five signs have been installed (with 5 more coming later this summer) that share the story of the CCC and the work they did to make Interstate accessible to the public. We were also awarded grants to enhance nature journaling, provide information about our in-progress pocket pollinator gardens and 20 new fire rings for the campgrounds. (Potentially volunteer help may be utilized to help complete these projects.)
Be sure to stop in and check out Glacier’s Gifts. Perhaps you can find that nature-themed gift for family and friends. Redesign of the gift shop is currently being planned. We have also just expanded our options to include more beverages and a few snacks!
More to Come!!
The summer season is really just getting started. We hope that you can make it out to one of the many upcoming events or naturalist programs being offered this summer. In July, we have the special Celebration of the completion of the Horizon Rock Shelter and the 6th Annual Ice to Water Race.
We invite you to come out enjoy a trail, a picnic, a paddle or swim!