Flathead Valley state parks hosting educational programs in October

KALISPELL - Lone Pine and Flathead Lake state parks are hosting educational events and programs in October.

Flathead Lake State Park - Wayfarers Unit in Bigfork is holding its annual Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event celebrates the arrival of fall with all the changes it brings to the park. The event will include food, warm beverages, games, crafts, prizes, and fun for the whole family. There is no cost to attend the event and no reservations required.

For more information, contact the ranger station at 406-837-3041, ext. 0. Learn more about Flathead Lake State Park at https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/flathead-lake.

Here is a list of other upcoming educational events and programs at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell:

Snake Saturdays

Saturdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2-2:30 p.m.

Meeting Place: Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center, 300 Lone Pine Road

Camo, the bull snake that lives at Lone Pine State Park's Visitor Center, is famed across the valley for his skills as a wildlife ambassador. Visit Camo and learn more about this often-misunderstood species, and watch Camo eat his weekly meal. Registration is not required for this informal program. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles).

Fall Nature Walk

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 3-4 p.m.

Meeting Place: Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center

Come enjoy a pleasant, non-strenuous walk around Lone Pine State Park. This program is meant to offer a chance to enjoy the fall foliage in the park with guided information about local flora and fauna. Whether you are new to the area or have lived here your whole life, come learn about the local ecosystem of the Flathead Valley. Please call 406-755-2706, ext. 0, to register, as space is limited. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles).

Creeptober - Educational Presentations

Saturday, Oct. 21, and Oct. 28, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Meeting Place: Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center

Disgusting Decomposers

Without decomposers like carrion birds, insects, and fungi, the world as we know it would look very different. There’s a lot to discover about these organisms that help us out, often without us even knowing it. Learn more about how decomposers do their jobs at this ranger talk.

Bataptations

With over 1,400 species of bats in the world, these critters have come up with some creative ways to thrive. Find out more about the one true flying mammal in this ranger talk. Please call 406-755-2706 ext. 0 to register, as space is limited. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles).

Adventure Backpack Loan Program

All month, Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Sunday, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Where: Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center

Kids and adults alike can enjoy learning more about Lone Pine by hiking with an adventure backpack. Borrow this backpack from the visitor center and take it out on the trail. The backpack is stuffed with field guides, binoculars, hand lenses, and information to take you on a self-guided nature hike. Adventure backpacks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles).

 

Lone Pine State Park is located 5 miles southwest of Kalispell and offers views of the valley, 7.5 miles of trails, and a beautiful interpretive center that provides information on living in a wildlife urban interface. Additional amenities include a picnic shelter and a community room, which are both available to rent, as well as an archery range. 

Learn more at https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lone-pine.