Glacier Park news
Park volunteers
The Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates will hold their annual work day and meeting starting at the Community Building at Park Headquarters on Saturday, May 16, at 8:30 a.m. The meeting is open to members and the general public interested in volunteer projects in Glacier Park. Following a continental breakfast, volunteers will work on selected short work projects, including at the native plant nursery, Lower McDonald Creek boat launch and Avalanche Campground buildings. Bring a sack lunch. For more information, contact Nancy Barrus at 406-387-4516 or nbarrus1033@gmail.com.
Wolverine talk
The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center at Glacier National Park will host a brown-bag luncheon presentation by John Waller about wolverines in the Park at the Park’s community building in the Headquarters District on Monday, May 18, from noon to 1 p.m. Waller is the Park’s carnivore ecologist. Wolverines are one of the least studied animals in the United States. Research indicates that Glacier Park has the largest reproducing population in the Lower 48. For more information about the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/ccrlc.htm.
Harlequin ducks
The Glacier Institute will host a course on the harlequin ducks of Glacier National Park on Saturday, May 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Harlequin ducks migrate seasonally to breed in the Park. The course involves 2-3 miles of walking and will be led by instructor John Ashley. He has worked to conserve harlequin ducks in Montana, Alberta and British Columbia for many years. To register, call 406-755-1211 or visit online at www.glacierinstitute.org. Cost is $65 per person.
Park birding trip
Flathead Audubon and the Flathead Chapter of the Montana Native Plant Society will host a birding trip along Coonsa Creek near the Firebrand Pass trailhead in Glacier National Park on Saturday, May 23. Wildlife biologist Steve Gniadek and botanist Betty Kuropat will lead participants through rich riparian habitat and look for wildflowers on the ridge. Meet at the Columbia Heights Park ‘n’ Ride at 7 a.m. to carpool and return about 2 p.m. To sign up and get more information, contact Gniadek at 892-7406 or e-mail grayjaybro@yahoo.com.