Nature Park Events and Activities

 

See our 2008 schedule of events below.

The Kimberley Nature Park Society organizes and leads a number of special events and activities in the Park throughout the year. This page contains a brief overview of the kinds of events we sponsor and a calendar of the coming year's activities. In addition, the Freewheelers Bike Club and the Kimberley Volksmarch Club schedule events in the Park.

 

          

From early spring to late fall we lead monthly guided walks into
the Park. Some are focused on learning about the natural history
of the Park and others are mainly for recreation and relaxation.

Several times a year our trails committee organizes volunteer work parties to maintain
 and improve the trail network. Fresh air, invigorating exercise and great company
 make these sessions a lot of fun.

In the second full week of June the KNPS sponsors 7 days
 of hikes, interpretive events, bike tours, kids programs and
 other interesting activities. Kimberley Nature Park Week
 is a great time to visit and learn about the Park.

2008 Guided Events Membership Survey now available in Word format here.

 

KIMBERLEY NATURE PARK 2008 GUIDED EVENTS

 

Whether you’re an old timer who knows the park like the back of your hand and just appreciates social occasions in the park or someone new to Kimberley looking for a guided tour, the Nature Park Society has many events for you to enjoy.   Meet others, see new features or get some exercise!

The Society Events committee has spruced things up this year with a theme-based set of events:

Guided events in the Kimberley Nature Park are all about –

                                                                                                                                                

EXPLORING the Park’s many and varied trails, including the secret ones.

 

 

 

 DISCOVERING the Park’s natural history and exceptional biodiversity.

 

SWEATING while getting fit in the Park.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________

 

TUESDAY, MAY 20 – SUNDAY, MAY 25

2nd Annual Calypso Orchid Count  1 pm daily

Pam is continuing her 2007 initiative with another round of daily walks, each in a different area of the Park, to inventory calypso orchids in bloom in the Park. Meet at the Higgins St entrance. 2-4 hrs, depending on the day’s route.

 

EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING May-Oct

Ride with the Freewheelers   6:30 pm

Visitors are welcome to join local mountain bikers for their weekly ride through the Nature Park . These outings are for fit riders. Routes may include technical sections. After the ride, get together at The Sully pub for beer and chow. Meet at the Overwaitea parking lot, Warren Ave. 1.5-2 hrs.

  

SATURDAY, MAY 31          Explore the Trans Canada Trail   9 am

Join Hilde for a day-long outing to walk the length of the Trans Canada Trail’s route through the heart of the Park. Pack a hearty lunch and plenty of water. Phone Hilde at 427-7379 to arrange carpooling for the return trip. Meet at the Riverside Campground parking lot. 5 hrs. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 3      The Trans Canada Trail  in the Kootenays  7-9 pm

A slide show presentation by Al Skucas, local expert on the Trans Canada Trail (TCT). Follow the TCT on its route from Kootenay Lake through Kimberley and Cranbrook . This is our only event to be held outside the Nature Park . Venue for this free presentation is Selkirk High School , Kimberley .

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 5           “Early Bird” Survey #1  6 am

Join birder Ruth for this walk-with-a-purpose from Eimer’s Lake to Duck Pond. Participants will move quietly through the woods, stopping at designated points to listen, look and record birds for three minutes. Bring binoculars & refreshments. Meet at the Higgins St entrance. 3 hrs.

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 6      “Early Bird” Survey #2  6 am

The second day of early morning bird surveying with Ruth, this time taking in Myrtle Mountain and Sunflower Hill. Participants will again be moving quietly through the woods, stopping at designated points to listen, look and record birds for three minutes. Bring binoculars & refreshments. Meet at the Riverside Campground parking lot. 3 hrs.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 14         Introduction to Orienteering  10 am

Enhance your map and compass skills while learning more about the sport of orienteering with local expert Jim Webster. Learn the basics and practice your skills on an actual course. Our best-attended event last year. Meet at the Swan Ave entrance. 3 hrs.

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2  Ecosystem Restoration in the Nature Park   7 pm

Join Kent for a walk and talk on how logging and prescribed burning on Sunflower Hill will benefit the plants and animals in this sunny south end of the Park. Meet at the Jimmy Russell Rd entrance. 2 hrs.

 

JULYFEST SATURDAY, JULY 19 A Race in the Woods 8 am

Second annual Nature Park / Julyfest races will start and finish at the Swan St. entrance to the park.  Course details are not finalized, but two races will be offered with distances of approx. 5-7 kms and 10-15 kms.  Check the website for updates or phone race organizers Chris and Laurel at 427-5054.  Register for the race with the Chamber of Commerce: 427-3666.  Entry fee:$10.00  Some small prizes will be handed out after the race.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 27          Flowers of the Three Peaks !  8 am

A strenuous all-day hike with Ruth to the Park’s three peaks. Along the way, we’ll be noting the wildflowers in bloom to update the Nature Park ’s checklist. The route will take in Myrtle Mountain via Mountain Mine Trail, Bear Mountain , Bump Mountain , Creek Trail and Romantic Ridge. Bring lots of food and water! Meet at the Higgins St entrance. Approx 7 hrs.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1            Horse Barn Valley Hike 9 am

Join Anita & Val for a vigorous hike through the Nordic Trails to Horse Barn Valley and back, including the Mountain Trail-Summer Trail loop. Pack a lunch and lots of water. Meet at the Nordic Trails entrance. 5 hrs.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24.        The Road Less Traveled  10 am

Pam & John know the Park like no others. Join them to explore one of their favorite “secret” routes. Pack a lunch and water and wear sturdy footwear for this special outing. Meet at the Riverside Campground parking lot. 4-5 hrs. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14   Members’ Annual Hike & Picnic

We did this last year as a KNPS 20th Anniversary event and it was so popular, we’re doing it again. Three different hikes – easy, moderate and strenuous – all starting from the Riverside Campground entrance and finishing in time for a hot dog and hamburger BBQ at the campground picnic site along the St. Mary River .

10 am – 1 pm : strenuous hike.

11 am – 1 pm : moderate hike.

12 noon – 1 pm: easy hike.

1 pm : Picnic. $5 per person. Bring your own plate, cutlery and drinking glass and lawn chair. We’ll supply the rest! Please pre-register at sven10@telus.net or call Jim at 427-0585.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11            Golden Larch Hike

9 am Nordic Trails or 9:30 am junction of Matthew Creek & St. Mary Lake Rds.

This popular Thanksgiving weekend hike takes in magnificent western larch trees and their golden fall hues. Choose one of two routes to Dipper Lake in Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest , adjacent to the Park’s western boundary. The start from the Nordic Trails entrance is a mainly flat 4km hike in. The approach from Matthew Creek involves a 4.5 km car pool along a logging road, and then a moderate 2km hike in. The two parties will meet at Dipper Lake . You have the option of arranging a car exchange and returning by the other route. Meet at 9 am at the Nordic Trails entrance or at 9:30 am at km 7 on the St. Mary Lake Rd. Approximately 4-5 hrs.

THE SMALL PRINT

Kimberley Nature Park events are guided by knowledgeable volunteers. Events are free (except for the Julyfest Race) and open to all. Participants (or parent/guardian when participants are under 19 years) are asked to sign a waiver of liability. To make the most of your experience, please take note of the following:

  • Weather can be variable. Be prepared.
  • Few trails are flat. Expect every route to have some up and down sections.
  • Pack food and water and any other useful items, such as field guides, binoculars, bear spray, notebook and pencil.
  • Carry a Nature Park Trail Guide (available at many Kimberley retail outlets, the Tourist Info Centre in the Platzl parking lot, and Riverside Campground on St. Mary Lake Rd ).
  • Sturdy footwear is recommended.
  • Well-socialized dogs that don’t chase wildlife or interfere with others’ enjoyment are welcome. Please leash your dog in residential areas and pick up your dog’s poop.
  • When using the Higgins St entrance, please park a block or two away to avoid inconveniencing residents who live near the entrance.
  • The duration of each event is our best estimate.
  • More info? www.rockies.net/kimberley/nature park/     or phone 427-5404

 


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