Snowshoe outing and Potluck dinner

Monday, January 17th.

Join the Sunflowers for an afternoon of snowshoeing on Mt Spokane. The day will be filled with fun. We will meet in the snowmobile parking lot on Mt Spokane, this is the parking area that you drive through to get to the nordic area. We will then hike into the Spokane Mountaineers Chalet to drop of items for the potluck that will follow. The Chalet is a great place to meet, get warm, socialize and a wonderful place for the kids to have time for free play in the snow. There is a great hill for sledding and lots and lots of snow for snowmen and snow-women.

Please reply to chrisbachman@comcast.net if you are interested in joining us.

Spokane REI — Cross-Country Skiing Basics

Adventure, Family, Winter

• Date: 1/20/2011
• Event Location: Spokane REI
• Event Fee: Free
• Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (PST)
• Leader: REI Specialist
• Group Size: 60

Description: Free your heels and your mind will follow!

Join REI for tips and information about getting into

cross-country skiing. We will discuss the fundamental

differences between backcountry, telemarking and

touring ski styles. In addition, we will cover proper

clothing and information on where and how to get

started in this fun winter activity. No experience

necessary!

This is a great opportunity for folks interested in

joining the Sunflowers for a day of xc skiing on

Mt Spokane, Monday February 21st. Check the

blog for details.

SNOWSHOE CLASS!

Are you new to the sport and interested in snowshoeing?

Spokane REI — Snowshoeing Basic

Adventure, Family, Kids, Winter

• Date: 1/13/2011
• Event Location: Spokane REI
• Event Fee: Free

• Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (PST)
• Leader: REI Specialist
• Group Size: 60

Description: Are you looking for a fun winter sport?

Join REI staff for a class on the basics of snowshoeing.

We will focus on selecting appropriate gear and

finding out where

to go snowshoeing

in your area.

If you've ever thought about getting into snowshoeing,

this is a great introduction to the sport!

This is a great intro for folks

interested in snowshoeing and

great preparation for the

the Sunflower's snowshoe

outing on Monday,

January 17th at Mt Spokane!

Looking for Outdoor Service Project Ideas

I was recently contacted about the possibility of hosting an outdoor service project next Spring for the Sunflower Society. We are looking at the month of April to be exact. I would like to elicit some feedback about what would make a great kid friendly service project. April is a great time to plant trees and other shrubs in the ground. Spring might offer a host of other service project opportunities that would be just right for children and their parents. Please post your ideas in the comments section below.

Dishman Hills Hike 11/28 @ 10:00 AM- Meet at Camp Caro

Rain or Shine we'll be hiking through Dishman Hills Natural Area Sunday November 28th. There might be some snow on the ground so we will pick a trail that doesn't have too many slippery sections. Most children find the "enchanted ravine" to be interesting so we will head there first. The parking is limited outside the gate, so please park on the western side of the road (right hand side-as you drive in) and comply with the local residents wishes. The park looks closed because the chain link gates are closed keeping cars out of the parking lot, but don't worry we can still go hiking.

It can be a lot of fun to return to the same area with children during all four seasons. Dishman Hills is a natural preserve that abuts the City of Spokane Valley. More can be read about this area by vising the Natural Area Association's website. This natural area is one of the many great assets Spokane has to offer. Not every city has a play-space this close. A map of the area can be found here.

Wolverines: Chasing the Phantom

Sunday 7pm KSPS

Wolverine: Chasing the Phantom: The wolverine, the largest member of the weasel family, is spotlighted. The solitary creature, which is native to the upper reaches of the northern hemisphere, is a fearsome predator capable of taking down prey as large as a moose.

Wolverines!

There will be a presentation at Auntie's Bookstore on Friday, November 12th at 7pm by wildlife biologist Douglas Chadwick. Doug will be discussing the ecology and behavior of the rare and endangered wolverine. As you may or may not know, wolverines now number fewer than 500, and possibly fewer than 300, south of Canada. New research has shown them to be closely associated with habitats with a deep, lingering snowpack and year-round cool temperatures. In fact, they are so closely tied to these factors that they are practically a land-based version of the better-known polar bear when it comes to the potential impacts of climate change. Wolverines' territories turn out to be so enormous that they stand as perhaps the lowest-density carnivore on the continent. This makes the scattered enclaves of these animals a prime example of the need for wildland connectivity -- for corridors, for conservation strategies that ensure their freedom to roam.

Doug has authored several books on wildlife and is a frequent contributor to National Geographic magazine.

Please come out and show your support for local conservation.

Thanks, Chris