The Flathead Chapter serves the greater Flathead, Northwest Montana, and Glacier National Park area.
Notice: If you wish to receive periodic emailed newsletters from the Flathead Chapter, please send a request to mnps.flathead@gmail.com and add this address to your address book/safe contacts. Do you have questions about the MNPS or Flathead Chapter? Send them along.
Recorded programs
The Statewide MNPS Presents! offerings have been outstanding. We hope you will take advantage of them. Links to past programs can be found at MNPS Presents!
In case you missed it, for all you Glacier National Park fans, the fascinating program Grasslands in the Crown of the Continent – 20 Years of Change was presented on 3/21/24 and can be found on the MNPS YouTube channel. Thank you Flathead member Andrew Smith, for facilitating this and other MNPS Presents! programs.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for the Forestry Expo, M-F, May 6-10,
on Trumble Canyon Road in Columbia Falls
Help share the joy of plant identification and an appreciation of the outdoors with 5th graders from the Flathead Valley. Volunteers will spend a half-day guiding students in an already prepared, activity-based lesson. You will be partnered with an experienced presenter. For information and to sign up, contact Teresa Wenum with Flathead National Forest at teresa.wenum@usda.gov.
Field trips
Monday, May 20th – West Valley School Garden Tour & Work Session. 3:30-5:00 pm
Linda deKort and Pat Jaquith invite you to visit a modest native plant garden at the West Valley Elementary School. Participants will glean ideas on how to start a native plant garden & learn how this garden survives with only volunteer help! Participants are also encouraged to assist with spring maintenance all while discussing ideas, suggestions & future plans. Meet at West Valley School 2290 Farm to Market Road, Kalispell MT. No sign ups necessary.
Wednesday, May 22nd – Spring Creek Cemetery. 10 a.m.
The land for Spring Creek Cemetery was set aside from the unplowed prairie in 1895 and remains largely unchanged. Plants that no longer exist in the area are still present in this picturesque spot surrounded by canola and wheat fields and encroaching modern developments. Pat Jaquith will welcome visitors to this historic site. Parking is limited, so please contact patjaquith07@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
Friday, May 24th – Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. 9am-1pm
A total of 433 species of plants have been observed on Lost Trail NWR; springtime is a great time to see many of those in bloom in the restored wetlands, rolling hills, and forest. Depending on climate conditions, Dahl Lake and other wetlands may have numerous nesting waterfowl; moose, elk, and other wildlife are frequently sighted from the road through this large biological reserve of Northwest Montana. We will have some copies of the Vascular Plant Checklist compiled by Peter Lesica available for reference. Meet at the Refuge office (well-signed from either entrance) at Insect repellant, rain gear, and sturdy foot gear as well as water and lunch are recommended. Co-hosted with GOB (Great Old Broads). Please contact Rosemary to sign-up: rosemary.mckinnon@gmail.com
Monday, May 27th – North Fork Camassia. 8:00 am-3:00 p.m.
The Camassia quamash (blue camas) fields off the Inside North Fork Road are spectacular in early summer. We’ll also see in abundant Dodecatheon, Castilleja, Cypripedium Montanum and many grasses. The meadows are wet, so waterproof footwear is needed, as is mosquito repellant. The trip size is limited to 12 and registration is required. A Glacier Park pass is needed for each car’s entry, but a daily reservation is not. We will be carpooling as there is limited parking. Contact Lynn Smith: calypsolynn@gmail.com. 406 250 2307 to reserve a spot. Details about the trip and carpooling will be given after your reservation is secured.
Monday, May 27th – Columbia Mountain Wildflowers 6-8:30 p.m.
Join botanist and field instructor, Ellen Horowitz, for a glorious evening wildflower walk on Columbia Mtn. Plan on traveling through many habitat types – from moist forests to dry open slopes. Expect an easy pace with lots of stops to view big, bold blossoms like those of balsamroot, and less conspicuous beauties that include orchids and mitreworts. The hike will be moderately difficult (about two miles and 500 feet elevation gain). This walk will be limited to 12 participants. Please send questions or to register please contact Ellen at: horowitz@centurytel.net
Tuesday, June 4th – Cedar Flats. 5:30 pm
We’ll look for forest wildflowers and explore the Cedar Flats Trails north of Columbia Falls. The terrain is gentle, and we’ll walk less than 2 miles. Contact Rachel at jrepotter@centurytel.net to sign up, where to meet, and for last-minute changes.
Wednesday, June 5th – Columbia Mountain Garden Tour. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Join Forestoration, Inc. on the 2nd tour of a private residence that has been transformed into a beautiful and diverse landscape with hundreds of species and thousands of plants. Participants will learn all about the process from soil health, landscape design principles, plant selection, irrigation, and maintenance. Come see both native and non-native early season blooms and experience why this garden is truly a one of a kind in the Flathead Valley! This tour will be limited to 25 people and participants are asked to sign up by email shiva@forestoration.com Meeting location will be disclosed after required registration is complete.
Saturday June 8th – Hidden Lake Botanical Area (Trego) 9 a.m.
Expect 2-3 miles of moderate to strenuous off trail botanizing. This area contains low-elevation forest, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. We will be looking for sensitive species such as small yellow lady’s slipper, sparrow’s egg lady’s slipper, and round leafed orchids.
The trip is limited to 10 people. Sign up with Joe Rizzi at 406 334-9583 or email: joefloriz@gmail.com
Sunday, June 9th – Johnson Terraces 10:00 a.m.
Join this excursion to Johnson Terraces, led by FNF Botanist, Ryan Quire, and member Leslie Kermath. This gentle hike will take us to a species-rich bedrock meadows NW of Whitefish, and we might even find the tiny, rare native Idahoa scapigera (Scalepod). Bring lunch, water, a wildflower guide and a hand lens if you have one. Meet at Grouse Mountain Lodge tennis court rest area parking in Whitefish @ 10 am. This outing includes a two-mile round-trip walk and a one-hour drive each way. For more information or to sign-up contact Leslie at: lk_wf@yahoo.com
Sunday June 9th – Firebrand Pass 7:30 AM—12:30 p.m.
Join in the appreciation of our returning migratory birds shared by Steve Gniadek of the Flathead Audubon Society, and Kathy Ross from MNPS. We will explore the wetlands, mixed forests, and grassland habitats near the trailhead for waterfowl and many species of neotropical migrant birds. We’ll also enjoy the native wildflowers that color the contrasting wetland/rocky and windswept habitat. Contact Kathy at: mtkat67@gmail.com to sign up and for meeting place and carpooling details. The trip is limited to 12 participants. Dress appropriately for possible windy, chilly spring weather and bring snacks and water. Easy to moderate trail walking 3-4 miles round trip.
Friday, June 14th – Bluebird Lake Wildflower Hike – Eureka
Known for its tranquil beauty in the wonderful Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area, Bluebird Lake sits in a glacial cirque, surrounded by wildflower fields, native shrubs, and evergreens. We’ll find early-season wildflowers along the trail, explore the flowers’ features, and share your discoveries with the crew while enjoying a picnic by the lake. From novice wildflower seekers to botanists, join this fun outing co-hosted by the Montana Native Plant Society. Pre-registration required. Signups begin one month before the outing at wildmontana.org/walks
Friday, June 21st – Weed Rodeo on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River
Help keep noxious weeds from taking over our precious Flathead River! This is the 21st year of volunteers and West Glacier companies showing they care all while having fun! Raft companies will take volunteers on the upper portions and private boaters will cover the West Glacier to Blankenship areas. An expert will assist each group with weed identification. All participants will gather in the afternoon at Wild River for a barbeque and prizes. For questions or to register email: riverweedrodeo@gmail.com
Friday, June 21st – Montana’s First Bumble Bee Atlas
Montana’s first bumblebee atlas is beginning the Summer of 2024! If you are interested in a field day to reinforce training and learn about the program, please join us. We will choose the location based on the Xerces’ grid, somewhere in Flathead County. Bee sampling requires good weather, so be prepared for schedule amendments. Please sign up with Tabitha Graves at: tabgra@yahoo.com or call : 406-897-4466
Saturday June 22nd – Edna Mountain Fen (Fortine) 9 a.m.
1-2 miles of moderate off trail botanizing. Wander through a mature spruce stand and visit a calcareous Fen that is known to have populations of Round-leaved Orchis and other sensitive plants. Limit 10 people. Sign up with Joe Rizzi at 406-334-9583 or joefloriz@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 26th – MT Woodland Garden Tour. 7 p.m.
Participants are invited to tour approximately 2 fenced acres of a private woodland garden in Whitefish Hills. We’ll tour the extensive plantings of over 200 different species, many of which are native to Montana, as well as view the raised bed vegetable garden, a 16×16 water feature and an 8×12 greenhouse. Spots are limited! To signup contact: mmoffitt406@gmail.com. Participants will receive location details & directions after registering.
Saturday, June 29th – North Fork Forests & Fire. 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Join Steve Wirt, retired USFS forester and fire manager, where he will discuss fire history over the past 30 years. Emphasis on plant response, identification, and forest succession before and after fires. There may be an opportunity to view the Hay Creek fire of 2021. Hiking the Hornet Lookout trail will be the highlight of the day. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a sack lunch and plenty of water. Meet at Super One parking lot in Columbia Falls at 9 a.m., to carpool up the Northfork of the Flathead River. The trip is limited to 15 people. To sign up contact Steve at 406-261-2542.
Saturday, July 6th – Hall Creek Wildflower Walk
Join naturalist Lou Bruno for a wildflower-focused walk in the Badger-Two Medicine Area. We’ll meander through the Hall Creek drainage, passing through a delightful variety of plant communities from aspen parks to meadows to conifer forests. We’ll make a point to search for bitterroots and take in views of Glacier National Park. This outing is hosted in partnership with Glacier-Two Medicine Alliance. Pre-registration required. Signups begin one month before the outing at wildmontana.org/walks
Sunday, July 21st – Ten Lakes Sampler Hike
The hike from Little Therriault Lake through Bluebird and Poorman Basins is one of the more beautiful routes in the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area. We will stride alongside several beautiful lakes, meander through meadows filled with wildflowers, and take a side trip to the summit of Poorman Peak for sweeping vistas. When we circle Wolverine Lakes, we will have a chance for a dip and enjoy seeing the Historic Wolverine Cabin. Pre-registration required. Signups begin one month before the outing at wildmontana.org/walks
Thursday, July 25th – Glacier National Park Weed Blitz
Join fellow citizens in removing invasive plants from priority sites in GNP. Park biologist, Dawn LaFleur, will train participants on identification and effective hand-pulling techniques for targeted weed species. The morning will focus on learning about invasive plant ecology, issues, and identification. We will head into the field during the afternoon. Bring some muscles, water, and gloves. Lunch will be provided by the Glacier National Park Conservancy. RSVP by July 11th by emailing glac_citizen_science@nps.gov or calling 406.888.7986.
Saturday, July 27th – Badger Two-Medicine Community Weed Pull. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Join the Glacier Two-Med Alliance and help fight weeds in East Glacier. Learn about the impacts of weeds from local experts and cultural leaders all while preserving this beautiful place. Lunch will be provided & fabulous door prizes for participants. All ages welcome. Registration required: https://www.glaciertwomedicine.org/events/community-weed-pull/
Contact us at mnps.flathead@gmail.com if you have questions, suggestions and to be put on our mailing list. Please note varying program days and locations!
Presentations/meetings
Our series of presentations are announced over email.
Misc.
Interested in native plant landscaping in our area? Click here. Be sure to also look over the state landscaping page.
When do our northwest wildflowers bloom? Here’s a handy list.
Last Updated: March 2024