GREAT FALLS – Outdoor enthusiasts will find a variety of family-friendly events available for them at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park throughout the day on Saturday, May 30.
Trail Stewardship Opportunity
From 9 a.m. to noon, anyone wishing to volunteer can join the "Stew Crew" for a park improvement project installing tread-work on the north side trails. Gloves and water will be provided if needed, and volunteers should wear long sleeved pants and shirts, along with close-toed boots. Call 406-866-2217 or email cecilia.gomez@mt.gov to register.
All About Snakes
At 1 p.m., Dan "The Snake Man" Waitt and will teach visitors about the behavior and ecology of Montana snakes and how to safely navigate the trails in the park during the summer snake season. He will also dispel some of the common myths and calm fears for those uncomfortable around snakes, while allowing visitors to interact with some of Montana's slithering reptiles.
This informative free program will take place exclusively inside the First Peoples Buffalo Jump classroom and does not include an outdoor hike. Seating capacity in the park's classroom is suitable for 50 people, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Weekly Jump Talk
Also beginning at 1 p.m., park staff will host their weekly Jump Talk at the Upper Visitor Area. The free talk lasts about 30 minutes and will help visitors learn how the First Peoples drove bison over the jump along with the historical significance of this scenic and sacred site.
Blue Moon & Sunset Hike
Finally, visitors can end their day and enjoy both the sunset and full "Blue Moon" on May 30 while learning about the history of the park with a guided 3-mile trail hike from 8 – 10 p.m. The park museum and visitor center will be closed during the event, but the gates will be open from 7 – 10 p.m.
Advance registration is required, and there is a 4-dollar per person fee to join the hike, which is limited to 25 participants. For more information or to register, call 406-866-2217, or email firstpeoplesbuffalojump@mt.gov.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is located 3.5 miles north of Ulm. For directions or more information about the park visit stateparks.mt.gov/first-peoples-buffalo-jump or follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MontanaFWP.R4