Swan Range hiking group changing meeting time

The Swan Rangers Hiking Club are shifting to “summer hours” now through November 1^st. 

 The informal club, which meets year-round, will meet one hour earlier at 7:30am for breakfast every Saturday at Echo Lake Café on the Swan Highway near Bigfork.  The group will depart at 8:30am for a partial day outing in the nearby Swan Range.

If you wish to skip the breakfast you can show up in the Swan River School parking lot, located across the street from the café to carpool for the day’s outing.  People of all skill levels are welcome to join.

The Swan Rangers have been hiking together since 2005 and have completed 335 outings.

You can their website for meeting times, a list of what to bring and photos of past outings.

Montana marathon returns to previous name with fun remaining the same

The Montana Governor’s Cup has returned to its previous name “Montana Marathon” for the upcoming fall event.  Participators can expect the same full marathon as last year, as well as a half marathon, 10K and 10K team run.  Kids can also join in with their own marathon, kids’ run and a Tot Trot, where little ones will take on a football field.  

The annual fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16^th with the main marathon beginning west of Billings, Montana in Molt and finishing at the Daylis stadium with family activities scheduled in Pioneer Park. 

In 2011 the marathon raised over $30,000 for the community, benefiting youth sports for various schools and organizations.

Those wishing to take part in the marathon and other activities can utilize the marathon’s website montanamarathon.org to register and find a description of the course.  For inquiries on sponsorships or to volunteer you may email the race directors at timeoutsports@bresnan.net.

Birding big fun in Missoula this weekend

Spring is just about here and what better time to learn all about native fowl in Montana?  Brian Williams, Assistant Education Director for the Montana Natural History Center, will share bird watching techniques this Sunday, March 11^th at Maclay Flat in Missoula from 9:30 to 11:30am.

The field trip is open to birders of all ages, abilities and skill levels and may give a glimpse of Bald Eagles, raptors and returning migrant songbirds.  It is recommended that you bring binoculars, good shoes that can handle an icy trail or two and warm clothes. 

Directions: from the stoplight on Highway 93 just south of Missoula (by the Peak Health & Wellness Center), head northwest on Blue Mountain Road about two miles to the signed parking area for Maclay Flat.

 If you have any questions about this trip you can visit the Five Valleys Audubon Society’s website http://www.fvamissoula.org.