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Nature Center Events, Summer 2016

Week of July 11 - July 17

MONDAY, JULY 11
Hike: Coal Creek/Phillips Pass
Time: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 6:30 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 10.9 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 4,300' Maximum Elevation: 11,239’
Although strenuous, this is one the best designed
hiking trails I have been on and travels through beautiful open meadows, stands of timber, and offers the most spectacular 360 degree views of this remarkable region. This is guaranteed to be a memorable hike for all. We start this hike after an easy drive to the east side of the National Elk Refuge. I estimate 3-4 hours to get to the top, 6-6.5 hours round trip. We will keep a leisurely pace all day.
Bring: daypack, water bottle, lunch/snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, hiking poles if you have them.
Notes: Please note the early meeting time of 6:30 AM from the Nature Center. Hiking to the summit will be weather dependent. Bring a minimum of two water bottles, or a CamelBack water bag. This is a non-technical hike and we will travel on a well maintained hiking trail the entire day.

TUESDAY, JULY 12
Hike: Cache Creek to Game Creek
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:00 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 9.7 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 1,435' Maximum Elevation: 7,410’
This is a popular hiking and mountain destination trail along a well-maintained trail. We begin this hike at the Cache Creek trailhead, maintaining a very easy and gradual uphill gain of only 700 feet in the first 3.7 miles. We then cross over Cache Creek, and find the only short but steeper section of hike, gaining just 250 feet to the pass between Cache and Game Creek. From the pass, we gradually descend 1,290 feet over the next 5.5 miles through gorgeous vistas of open meadows, timbered stands of spruce and fir, and abundant wildflowers.
Bring: daypack, snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes
Notes: Dogs are welcome.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
Road Cycling: Cedron Road Loop - Victor, Idaho
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:30 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 14
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, located 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 nets. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in an ‘up-close’ experience with birds and the world of birding. Please RSVP if you plan on attending.
Bring: warm layer, snack, water, hat, sunscreen

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.

FRIDAY, JULY 15
Day Hike: Bradley-Taggart Loop Hike
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:00 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 5.4miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 770' Maximum Elevation: 7,147'
Taggart and Bradley lakes lie at the base of the Tetons just 3 miles north of the Moose entrance station. The trail around these pristine glacial lakes begins at the Taggart Lake Trail parking area, and offers spectacular views of the Tetons and an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the dynamics of fire ecology as we walk through the remains of the 1985 fire. We hike about 450’ up in the first one and a half
miles, and reach the highest point of the hike once on top of the lateral moraine that separate these two lakes. Once we climb back out of Bradley Lake, we hike the final two miles downhill to the vehicle.
Bring: daypack, water, lunch, bear spray

SUNDAY, JULY 17
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.