Outdoor education events, programs scheduled at Flathead Valley state parks

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting several outdoor education events and programs at Lone Pine and Flathead Lake state parks in the Flathead Valley this fall.

The events include the annual Fall Fest at Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork on Oct. 12. More information about these events is listed below.

Lone Pine State Park is 5 miles southwest of Kalispell. Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park is located near Bigfork on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. 

 

September Speaker Series at Lone Pine State Park

Lone Pine State Park is excited to present the September Speaker Series, featuring a trio of engaging talks on Thursdays in the Visitor Center Conference Room from 7-7:45 p.m. Join us as experts share their knowledge on Montana’s wildlife, water quality, and strategies to support local pollinators. These events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so please register in advance by calling the Visitor Center at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

Sept. 12: Understanding Montana's Grizzly Bears across a Large Landscape 

Explore two decades of research into the ecology and behavior of Montana's grizzly bears. Lori Roberts, grizzly bear research assistant with FWP, will discuss the world of this apex carnivore, discussing their expanding range and how we can safely coexist with them on our shared landscapes.

Sept. 19: Water Quality in the Flathead Watershed

Dive into the critical topic of water quality with an expert from the Flathead Lake Biological Station. Discover the current state of the Flathead Watershed and the ongoing efforts to preserve its pristine waters. This talk will shed light on the importance of maintaining water quality for the health of our ecosystems and communities.

Sept. 26: Fall Tips to Help Your Native Pollinators and Birds 

Join us for an engaging session on how doing less in your garden can actually benefit native pollinators and birds. Learn about the Flathead Pollinator Initiative, get tips on fall seeding, and hear from local participants about what’s working well in their pollinator gardens. After the talk, celebrate the success of local pollinator gardens with a pollinator party—refreshments will be served!

 

Dawn Chorus Hike

Thursday, Sept. 12, 7-8:30 a.m.

Meet at the Picnic Shelter for a relaxed morning hike with fellow bird enthusiasts. This casual outing is ideal for those eager to learn about local bird species with others, immerse themselves in nature, and share their passion for birdwatching. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity, binoculars, favorite field guide and love for birds as we explore and listen to the early morning symphony of the avian world.

 

Flyover Raptor ID

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6–8 p.m.

Join Flathead Audubon Conservation Educator Denny Olson at the Picnic Shelter for Flyover Raptor ID, an engaging workshop on identifying raptors both perched and in flight. Gain essential tips and techniques for spotting and distinguishing raptors from the ground, enhancing your birdwatching skills and deepening your appreciation for these impressive aerial hunters. Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance by calling 406.755.2706, ext 0.

 

Connecting to Nature from the Back Porch

Thursday, Sept. 19, 10–11:30 a.m.

Experience the health benefits of nature without venturing far from home in this 90-minute workshop led by Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Ellen Horowitz. Learn simple techniques to incorporate nature into your daily routine to reduce stress. The workshop takes place on the wheelchair-accessible porches of the Lone Pine Visitor Center. Space is limited to 10 participants, so secure your spot by registering in advance at 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

 

September Stumpers at Lone Pine

Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-Noon

Stop by our table set up near the Picnic Shelter for a fun and educational drop-in program where you can uncover fascinating facts about Lone Pine State Park and test your knowledge for a chance to win sticker prizes. This relaxed, come-and-go event is ideal for all ages, providing a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the park while enjoying the outdoors. No registration is needed—just drop in and join the fun.

 

Tune Up our Trails on National Public Lands Day

Saturday, Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Join us for National Public Lands Day and make a difference in our local trails! We’ll start at 8:30 AM at North Foy's Lake Access, then divide into teams to tackle trail maintenance at Lone Pine State Park and Foys to Blacktail Trails. Enjoy a rewarding day of teamwork and outdoor service, with lunch provided at noon by the Kalispell Daybreak Rotary Club. Please register in advance so we can plan work teams and for lunch by calling 406-755-2706, ext. 0.

 

Fall Fest at Flathead Lake State Park

Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Flathead Lake State Park is holding its annual Fall Fest to celebrate the coming of fall with all the changes it brings to the park with S’mores and Stories. Bring a chair and come sit around the fire to roast hot dogs and s’mores and listen to our Wonders of Fall 30-minute program at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. The event will include food, warm beverages, games like Pop the Prey and Guess How Many, crafts such as mask designing and face painting, prizes, wagon rides and fun for the whole family. We invite all visitors to wear their favorite fall flannels for some fun family photos. There is no cost to attend the event, and no reservations required. Call the ranger station for more information at 406-837-3041 ext. 0.

Learn more about Montana's state parks at https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks.