Submitted by Annie Gassman
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness hosted four Winter Tracks Outdoor Field Days in two separate locations, reaching over 140 students in Lincoln County. Winter Tracks is a day-long field trip experience for students in the counties surrounding the Scotchman Peaks, Sanders and Lincoln in Montana and Bonner in Idaho, with some Washington schools participating as well. Students rotated through four learning stations including Animal Tracking, Leave No Trace, Avalanche Awareness, and Mammals & Birds. Teachers, students, and volunteers dressed warmly to enjoy an outdoor day in Montana’s changing weather. “Providing students an outdoor learning environment encourages hands-on interactions and new opportunities that many kids have not experienced,” said FSPW Lincoln County Coordinator Annie Gassmann.
With the participation of four schools, 10 teachers, 19 parent helpers, 11 FSPW volunteers, and many local businesses, organizations, and agencies; this Winter Tracks season was a success in Lincoln County. FSPW thanks the communities of Libby and Troy for their commitment to reaching young minds and engagement in our children’s future, sharing the outdoor opportunities available to us all. To learn more about Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and their community activities, visit www.scotchmanpeaks.org