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Birds of the Rockies and Prairies '08
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 Meadowlark © Jim Steinberg |
Date:
May 24 - May 30, 2008
Time:
Full day activities
Overview:
This workshop is designed for anyone who is interested in wild birds. Scheduled to coincide with the annual peak of bird diversity in Montana, this week will feature a stimulating blend of birds dressed in splendid spring plumage along with magnificent landscapes. During this time of year, the land is alive with the spell of spring along Montana's Rocky Mountain Front. The foothills and prairies are lush green with an astounding assortment of wildflowers, while the high country above still gleams with snow.
Birds of the Rockies and Prairies will focus on birding a diversity of habitat types, including native short grass prairie, mountain foothills, a large fen wetland, riparian corridors, and vast boreal forests of the Montana Rockies. We will hike through The Nature Conservancy's sprawling Pine Butte Preserve, into the wild foothills and mountains of the Rocky Mountain Front, and along the Teton River. We will also visit Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area, 12,000 acres of prairie wetland habitat, which has often been touted as among the state's best birding areas.
Field trips for this workshop will entail van travel along with daily walking and hiking over varying terrain. Our hikes are conducted at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops for natural history observation and discussion. The length of these hikes will vary from 2–5 miles round-trip, at elevations ranging from 3,500–6,500 feet. Led by one of the region's best birders, and accompanied by our resident naturalists, these field trips promise a wealth of learning, discovery, and enjoyment. In the evenings, audio-visual presentations and brief lectures will add to the fulfillment of a memorable week.
The Instructor:
To be announced.
Assisting with this workshop will be Eric Bergman, Pine Butte’s resident naturalist. He brings broad understanding and experiences in botany, ecology, and environmental education, in addition to an intimacy with this landscape. Through The Nature Conservancy programs, Eric has been teaching about the ecology of the Rocky Mountain Front for 5 years, and has been exploring Montana’s wild places his entire life.
Cost:
Cost for this workshop is $1700 per person, which includes airport shuttle service to/from Great Falls, food, and lodging at Pine Butte Guest Ranch. We require a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person in order to hold your reservation(s). A portion of your fee ($400) is considered tax-deductible.
Enrollment is limited to 16 participants.
Accommodations:
You’ll stay at the historic Pine Butte Guest Ranch, set in a spectacular mountain valley surrounded by thousands of acres of wilderness. It’s the perfect place to "get away from it all" and enjoy outstanding food and cozy lodging.
Learn more:
• Travel to the ranch
• Reservation form
• What to bring
We look forward to hosting you at Pine Butte Guest Ranch!
