GVLT’s educational walks, Trails Challenge wrap for season
The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) will present the last of its 2019 Discovery Walks, a trail exploration series, through the end of the month. 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.
Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS) presents an Amphibious Adventures Kids Walk on Monday, June 17th. Did you know that Montana has native tiger salamanders and chorus frogs? Can you guess where they live? Get outside and explore the habitats of our amphibious neighbors. This walk meets at the Sourdough Canyon trailhead at 9:30am.
Roots Family Collaborative’s Fresh Air Mamas host a Toddling Tuesdays Family Walk on June 18th. 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 Grotto Falls trailhead at 9:45am.
GVLT Trails Project Manager Matt Marcinek will guide the How Trails Are Made Walk on Wednesday, June 19th. Have you ever wondered how trails are made? How are they designed? Who decides where they go? And who pays for them? Marcinek will give attendees a behind the scenes look at the process, start to finish. Ask questions of a trails expert! This walk meets at Tuckerman Park off Goldenstein Lane at 6pm.
Walk with an Acupuncturist on Saturday, June 22nd. Walking the path of ancient Chinese medicine, learn about chronic stress, and explore the different types of stress reduction techniques right on the trail! This walk meets at the South Cottonwood trailhead at 9am.
MOSS is back with a Buggin’ Out Kids Walk on Monday, June 24th. Creep and crawl your way around a trail to explore the hiding spots of your favorite insects! How many insects will be found!? This walk meets at the Drinking Horse trailhead at 9:30am.
Walk with a Health Provider on Tuesday, June 25th. 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 5:30pm.
MSU Extension’s Josh Bilbao will guide a Recreation & Agriculture Walk on Wednesday, June 26th. Take in a conversation about the intersection between the two fields. How can we co-exist with cattle grazing and what are the impacts on the landscape? This walk will take place at the Highland Glen Nature Preserve at 5pm.
MSU Extension returns with a Wildflower or Weed Walk on Thursday, June 27th. Join to identify noxious weeds on Peets Hill. Highlighted will be Gallatin County’s newest listed weed, ventenata, a highly invasive annual grass that is threatening agriculture in Montana. This walk meets at the base of Peets Hill at 5:30pm.
MOSS presents a Wonderful Water Kids Walk on Friday, June 28th. Everybody needs water! Discover what a healthy river needs, explore a marsh, and get your feet wet. A great way to cool down and enjoy a hike. This walk meets at Tuckerman Park off Goldenstein Lane at 9:30am.
Wrapping this year’s outings is the Geology Rocks! Walk on Saturday, June 29th. Hike to the M while learning about the geology of the area, looking at rocks, and getting great views. The walk will follow the longer, more gradual incline to the top and back, not the steep route. This walk meets at the M trailhead at 4pm.
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, where you can find meeting locations and complete walk descriptions.
Finally, the Summer Trails Challenge ends June 21st. During the challenge, GVLT receives $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. Hint, hint: Discovery Walks are a great way to rack up the miles and learn about your ecological surroundings in the process! This year’s target goal looks to exceed 60k miles on GVLT-maintained and other regional trails. Be sure to share your progress on social media! All who log miles during the Challenge will be invited to a finale party on June 21st with complimentary BBQ provided by Montana Ale Works. Visit the website for more information and to continue logging! •
