Montana Master Naturalist | 5-Day Educational Program

Montana Master Naturalist | 5-Day Educational Program

Hike Overview Continued

July 13 at 7 a.m. – July 17 at 4 p.m.

Instructors: GI Staff

The core focus of this week-long course will be developing skills to read the landscape.  We will use big themes of biogeography, forest succession, and habitat to frame our knowledge. Through this five-day intensive course, participants will cultivate an ability to  accurately interpret and understand the plants and animals whose presence tells the story of our landscape.  

Meeting Place: Glacier Institute Field Camp.  

Itinerary: (subject to change based on road/trail closures, blooming cycles, and bird activity)  

Day 1: Glacier National Park Habitats and Conifer Identification 

We will meet at Field Camp at 7 a.m. for coffee, introductions and a course overview. We will discuss the Glacier National Park geography and its habitat diversity. Then, we will depart for John’s Lake trail, traveling in Glacier Institute vehicles. Here, we will begin our lesson on conifers, exploring their habitat connections, and identification techniques. We will proceed down the trail to the McDonald creek rainforest to further our conifer understanding. We will have lunch in the field before returning to Field Camp for the afternoon. Dinner will be at 6 p.m., followed by an evening lesson covering the parts of a flower and plant identification techniques.  

Day 2: Firebrand Pass Flower Excursion 

Breakfast will be at 6 a.m. Next, we will depart for Firebrand Pass, where we will discuss the wildflowers of Glacier’s eastern prairies. The group will hone in on our flower identification skills and understanding. We will have lunch in the field and continue our flower exploration throughout the afternoon. We will return to Field Camp for dinner at 6 p.m. After dinner, there will be an evening lecture covering an introduction to birding in Glacier National Park.

Day 3: Geology

Breakfast will be at 6 a.m. The morning will begin at 7 a.m. covering the basic geology of Glacier National Park. The group will then depart for Siyeh Bend. Along the way, our educator will stop at various spots along Going to the Sun Road to talk about the special geologic features. Upon getting to the trailhead, we will continue to explore the beautiful glaciated landscape. We will return to Field Camp in the afternoon and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. After dinner, there will be a lecture on crepuscular animals before retiring for the evening.  

Day 4: North Fork Road Mammal Exploration and Final Exam 

Breakfast will be at 6 a.m. The morning will begin at 7 a.m. with a lecture on mammals found in Glacier. The group will then depart for Covey Meadow. Along the trail, we will have a mammal exploration learning about habitat and identification techniques. We will discuss a variety of mammals found in the North Fork Valley (and Glacier National Park), focusing on their habitats, diet, and field identification techniques. We will have lunch on the trail, before continuing onward to Christenson Meadow. Here, the group will continue their mammal search. We will have lunch in the field before returning to Field Camp for the final review, followed by the final exam. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. followed by a celebratory campfire.  

Day 5: Course wrap-up 

Breakfast will be served at 6 a.m. followed by a discussion on Citizen Science opportunities. We will have lunch at Field Camp and then take an afternoon stroll around camp and Lake McDonald. We will discuss the “Big Picture” ideas, as well as the incorporation of Master Naturalist techniques beyond the classroom. The group will go over the highlights of the week and conclude the course by 4 p.m.  

Food: The following meals are provided: Monday dinner through Friday lunch.  

Accommodations: Four nights of lodging are included with the course fee. Our student  cabins are basic, hostel-style cabins with 5 single beds, bedside lights, and electrical  outlets. Students should be prepared to share a cabin with up to 4 other people, cabins  are separated by gender. Couples may be paired up in the event there is ample space. We  provide a bottom sheet for your bed as well as a pillow and pillow case, but please bring  a warm sleeping bag. Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp for night trips to the  bathroom. 

Equipment: You will receive a Field Camp gear list once you register. Most importantly are comfortable hiking shoes, at least 1-2 liter water bottle, backpack, rain gear, hat, and  sunscreen. Weather can be varied so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, and  warm layers. Bring a magnifying glass or small field lens. Binoculars are recommended for spotting wildlife, as well as wildflower field guides, plant keys, and birding guides. A field notebook will be required for taking notes in the field.  

Physical Requirements: Easy-Moderate. Hiking distance covers less than five miles per day, with less than 500 feet of elevation change.  

 

Recommended Reading:  

• Glacier: A Natural History, by David Rockwell. 
• Manual of Montana Vascular Plants, by Peter Lessica.
• The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western America, by David Sibley.