Community Events
Wildlife tracks
Whitefish Legacy Partners is hosting “Winter Wildlife Tracks” a free education event on Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to noon. Winter is a great time to observe and learn to identify wildlife tracks in the snow. Join Whitefish Legacy Partners for a free family-friendly guided learning hike on the Whitefish Trail to learn to distinguish between a variety of common tracks. Meet at Lion Mountain Trailhead at 10 a.m. The hike will be 2-3 miles and is suitable for all levels. The Lion Mountain Trails are typically well packed, though traction cleats for ice can be helpful. Dress for the weather. For more information, visit www.whitefishlegacy.org or call 406-862-3880 or email info@whitefishlegacy.org.
Snowshoe event
Whether you’re a cancer patient, survivor, have a loved one who’s been affected, or just want to show your support, join Whitefish Legacy Partners and Cancer Support Community Kalispell for a free community snowshoe outing on Friday, Feb. 16, 1-3 p.m. This easy-moderate 2-hour snowshoe hike will explore the new Whitefish Trail in Haskill Basin while cultivating support and community for those affected by the disease. Bring your own snowshoes, or a limited number will be available for the event courtesy of Sportsman & Ski Haus. This event is free and appropriate for all levels. Dress for the weather, and bring water.
Meet at Big Mountain Trailhead at 1 p.m. From Whitefish, take Wisconsin Avenue out of town and turn right onto Big Mountain Road. At about 3 miles up, in the road bend above Ptarmigan Village and Lookout Ridge, the Big Mountain Trailhead is on the right side of the road. For more information about the photo program or other scheduled outings, visit www.whitefishlegacy.org or call 406-862-3880 or email info@whitefishlegacy.org.
Skating
The Glacier Skate Academy will host “Try Figure Skating For Free” at the Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. for ages 4- 12. Event includes ice time, skate rental, 15-minute group lesson, and hot chocolate. Group lessons will be provided by Glacier Skate Academy at 5:15 p.m., so please arrive at least 15 minutes early to rent skates. Skate rentals donated by Stumptown Ice Den. Information will be available at the rink regarding ongoing Learn to Skate and figure skating programs, or visit www.glacierskateacademy.org.
Trout Unlimited
Join Flathead Valley Trout Unlimited for our Feb. 20 chapter meeting where Jake Chutz, National Sales Manager for Montana Fly Company, will share the latest innovations in flies, material and gear. Chutz has created numerous innovative patterns over the years including Jake’s Hot Cake Salmon Fly and CDC Caddis.
The program begins at 7 p.m. at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office on Meridian Road in Kalispell. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be awarded. Contact Chapter President Larry Timchak at 250-7473 for additional information.
Flathead Basin
Members of the Flathead Basin Commission will hold a meeting on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish.
Gov. Steve Bullock recently appointed four new members to the Commission. The morning portion of the meeting will focus on orienting new Commissioners to the FBC by revisiting the Commission’s enabling legislation, purpose, and status.
In the late-morning and afternoon, the FBC will focus on next steps for the Commission including current and future plans for its aquatic invasive species prevention program, as well as other potential activities related to its mission.
The FBC was established by the Montana Legislature in 1983 to protect the water quality of the Flathead River drainage system. All FBC meetings are open to the public.[1] For more information, contact Stephanie Hester at 406-444-0547.