View Article

Nature Center Events, Summer 2016

Week of July 5 - July 10

TUESDAY, JULY 5
Hike: Coal Creek/Phillips Pass
Time: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 7:30 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 8.8 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 2,400' Maximum Elevation: 9,233’
For those of you who are looking for a longer day in the mountains, this hike is for you. Our hike follows a well maintained trail with spectacular vistas of the Tetons and Taylor Mountain, as well as abundant wildflowers. We will begin this hike at the Coal Creek trailhead on the west side of Teton Pass, and end our hike at the Ski Lake trailhead on the east side of the Pass. We will drop a vehicle at the Ski Lake
Trailhead on our way over the Pass to complete our shuttle.
Bring: daypack, extra warm layer, rain shell, lunch, water bottle
Notes: Anticipate roughly 5 hours on the trail.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
Road Cycling: Cedron Road Loop - Victor, Idaho
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Meet at Nature Center at 8:00 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 26.5 MPH
Elevation Gain: 460’ Maximum Elevation: 6,193’
This is a very enjoyable ride along the rural back roads of the west side of Victor, Idaho along the base of the Big Hole Mountains. Starting and finishing at Fitzgerald’s Bike Shop, we will ride relatively flat terrain with small dips and rises on a quiet road that offers continuous views of Teton Valley and the west side of the Tetons. The northern end of our route takes us through Driggs, Idaho, where we return to
Victor along the bike path. Great coffee and treats at Fitzgerald’s Bike Shop awaits us at the finish.
Bring: bike, helmet, water bottles, warm layer, sunscreen
Notes: Expect minimal traffic on the Cedron Road. Please stop by or give me a call if you need help preparing your bike or other cycling needs.

Office Hours
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Nature Center
Notes: Stop by the Nature Center for a casual visit to say hello, request some help planning your next outdoor adventure, or bring your guests for a tour of the Center.

THURSDAY, JULY 7
Nature: Song Bird Banding
Time: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 7:30 AM
Description: Easy
Join me for a unique experience capturing and banding songbirds at the Boyle’s Hill research site, locates just minutes away from the Nature Center. This annual program is part of a global effort by avian biologists to monitor longterm population trends of migratory songbirds. Birds are captured in fine mesh nets, measurements are recorded, a band with a unique number is placed on the bird’s leg and
the bird is released back to the wild. 10 nets are placed a few hundred meters apart from one another, all on flat terrain, so we have the opportunity to listen and learn about the birds while walking to check the nests. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in an ‘up-close’ experience with birds and the world of birding.
Bring: warm layer, snack, water, hat, sunscreen

FRIDAY, JULY 8
Day Hike: Fall Creek Ridge Loop Hike
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 7:00 AM
Description: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 650' Maximum Elevation: 7,090'
This hike is noted for easy ascents and descents through varied habitats with stands of aspen and magnificent vistas of the Tetons, Snake River and Munger Mountain. We will drive from the Nature Center, following Fall Creek Road south of Wilson to Red Top Meadows. We will hike the “Poison Creek and Wally’s World” loop.
Bring: daypack, water bottle, snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes

SUNDAY, JULY 10
Office Hours
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Nature Center
Notes: Stop by the Nature Center for a casual visit to say hello, request some help planning your next outdoor adventure, or bring your guests for a tour of the Center.

Roger Smith
Resident Naturalist
3 Creek Ranch Nature Center

3 Creek Ranch Outings are reserved for club members and homeowners.