Outdoor news
Trail donation
The Plum Creek Foundation recently contributed $5,000 to the Gateway to Glacier Trail organization for construction of an 8-mile long paved walking and biking path connecting Coram to West Glacier. The nonprofit organization has committed to raising $104,000, or 13 percent of the total $800,000 construction cost. The trail ultimately will link Glaicier National Park, West Glacier, Coram, Hungry Horse and Martin City to other trails in Flathead Valley. For more information about the trail project, please visit www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com.
Fish hatchery
The Creston National Fish Hatchery, 780 Creston Hatchery Road, will hold an open house celebration on Friday, Aug. 3, from 1-3 p.m. in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. Visitors can walk through the facility’s nature explore area and outdoor classroom. For more information, contact Evie Bradley at 758-6869 or evie_bradley@fws.gov or Denise Wagner at 635-4784 or denise_wagner@fws.gov.
Outdoor classes
The Glacier Institute will offer the following adult courses this month: Aug. 9, Flathead Lake Ecology and Natural History by Boat; Aug. 10, Youth Adventure Series: Fire in the Forest, and Geology Along the Highline; Aug. 25-26, Edible Plants and Useful Plants. The Glacier Institute serves adults and children as an educational leader in the Crown of the Continent ecosystem with Glacier National Park at its center. To register or for more information, call 755-1211 or visit online at www.glacierinstitute.org.
RAC projects
The Flathead National Forest-Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is currently requesting project proposals from the public. About $284,000 will be available for projects that could include forest thinning, tree planting and forest health activities; road improvements and dust abatement; noxious weed control activities; trail improvements; recreation and maintenance projects; and enhancement of wildlife and fish habitat. About half of the funding will be granted to road, trail and watershed projects. For forms and more information, call Craig Kendall at 758-6485 or Louise Larimore at 758-5251, e-mail llarimore@fs.fed.us or visit online at https://fsplaces.fs.fed.us/fsfiles/unit/wo/secure_rural_schools.nsf/RAC/Flathead+County. Deadline is Aug. 27.
Paddle race
The “Epic Shore to Shore Race” on Flathead Lake, a non-motorized boating event to benefit First Descents, will take place Saturday, Aug. 4, with 24-mile, 9.5-mile and 4.5-mile races for teams or solo paddlers. Beginning on the south end of Flathead Lake, the racers will crisscross bays and inlets along the west shore of the lake. First Descents is a non-profit organization offering young adults with cancer a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same. To register for the race, visit online at www.epicshoretoshore.com. For more information on First Descents, visit online at http://firstdescents.org.