GVLT presents more Discovery Walks, readies Summer Trails Challenge
The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) continues to present its 2019 Discovery Walks, a trail exploration series, throughout May and June. Join GVLT volunteers to walk, talk, and explore on the trails while meeting locals and learning something new along the way. These one-hour, guided, educational walks are totally FREE and open to the public. Volunteers and local experts will be hosting short talks and activities during the walks. Here’s a look at some of the upcoming outings.
Next up, Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS) presents a Hiking Essentials Kids Walk on Friday, May 17th. Become familiar with trail etiquette, hike planning, fun tips and tricks for the trail, and other essentials for getting started as a hiker. This walk meets at the Painted Hills trailhead off of Kagy at 9:30am.
The Full Moon Walk follows on Saturday, May 18th. Enjoy an evening walk under the light while learning about the moon. This walk meets at the base of Peets Hill at 8:30pm.
On Sunday, May 19th, enjoy a Wildflower Walk with ‘Flora of Yellowstone’ author Whitney Tilt. Walk through our community’s most cherished park to seek and identify our region’s unique wildflowers. This walk meet at the base of Peets Hill at 10am.
MOSS returns Monday, May 20th, with a Habitat Hunters Kids Walk. Look high and low for signs of a home. Discover what wild animals love to have in their habitats, and even build one of your own! This Walk meets at the Drinking Horse trailhead off Bridger Drive at 9:30am.
Roots Family Collaborative’s Fresh Air Mamas host a Toddling Tuesdays Family Walk on May 21st. Be a part of a welcoming community of mothers and explore the trails around Bozeman while making connections, feeling the benefits of nature, and becoming empowered together. Bring your toddler and go at your own pace. This walk meets at the base of Peets Hill at 9:45am.
Walk with a Health Provider on Wednesday, May 22nd. Take a walk for your health! Join a provider from Bozeman Health for a conversation about how to lead an outdoor healthy life. This walk meets at the base of Peets Hill at 10am.
And on Thursday, May 23rd, Walk with the GVLT Executive Director. Join Penelope Pierce on Peets Hill, GVLT’s first project in the Main Street to the Mountains vision. See where it all began and hear about upcoming projects and connections. This walk meets at the base of Peets Hill at 5:30pm.
A Railroad History Walk is set for Saturday, May 25th. Did you know that the Gallagator Trail is an old rail line? Rufus Cone will share history on the historic rail line that took passengers from Bozeman to Salesville, now Gallatin Gateway. This walk meets at the base of Peets Hill at 10am.
Tuesday, May 28th sees the Fresh Air Mamas Walk with Roots Family Collaborative. Be a part of a welcoming community of mothers and explore the trails around Bozeman while making connections, feeling the benefits of nature, and becoming empowered together. Bring your kiddos and walk at your own pace. This walk meets at the M trailhead off Bridger Drive at 9:45am.
Check out a Cell Phone Photography Walk on Wednesday, May 29th. A picture is worth a thousand words. Learn how to capture the scenic views you’ll see on trails this summer with just your cell phone. Griffin Lawrence will share tips and tricks to make your phone take pictures like a professional! This walk meet at the M trailhead off Bridger Drive at 6:30pm.
A MOSS-hosted Rock Hounds Kids Walk closes out the month on Friday, May 31st. Explore the geologically-rich Bridger Mountains while learning about different kinds of rocks and fossils! How are they formed and where can you find them? This walk meets at the M trailhead off Bridger Drive at 9:30am.
Opening up the first month of summer is the Nature Journaling Walk on Saturday, June 1st. Stop, look around, and listen. Bring a journal and Toyia Hatten will help you write, draw and reflect on the nature that surrounds you as she introduces participants to the practice of nature journaling. This walk meets at Tuckerman Park off Goldenstein Lane at 10am.
Discovery Walks do not require an RSVP, but please arrive a few minutes early to join the groups. Dogs are not allowed on walks for safety reasons. A full schedule may be found at www.gvlt.org/events/discovery-walks. Meeting locations and complete descriptions are also located on the website.
Then, do you want to get your hands dirty? Grab a shovel and volunteer for National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1st. Every year in the beginning of summer’s first month, hundreds of community members join GVLT for a morning of hard work to maintain or build our community trails. This event is free and open to the public.
This year’s event will focus on improving trails at the Highland Glen Nature Preserve, an extensive single-track trail system available for public community use. Volunteer registration begins at 8:30am at the corner of Ellis and Highland across from the Softball Complex, where plenty of free parking will be available. Work crews will head out around 9am. GVLT will have some tools but additional shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows will be helpful. Please make sure to label any tools you bring from home. Breakfast goodies will be provided, and the group will meet for a free picnic lunch at noon once the work is complete.
Please wear layers, sunscreen, and closed toed shoes. Gloves are recommended. No registration is necessary, so bring your family, friends and coworkers for a morning of volunteer service for our community trails! Open to volunteers of all ages and abilities.
National Trails Day also marks the start of the Summer Trails Challenge, running through June 21st. During the challenge, GVLT will receive $1 from the Community Match Pool, donated by local businesses, for every mile that is biked, hiked, or run on trails and logged online. 1 mile = $1. It’s that simple! Your miles will help GVLT continue to expand and enhance the Main Street to the Mountains trail system. See website for further details and to start logging!
Gallatin Valley Land Trust connects people, communities, and open lands through conservation of working farms and ranches, healthy rivers, and wildlife habitat, as well as the creation of trails in the Montana headwaters of the Missouri and Upper Yellowstone Rivers. For more information about GVLT and these walks, visit the aforementioned website. •
