Family Nature Connection Programs
with Naturalists Julie Plachta and Tom Tonkin
Naturalist Skills
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- Date: 4/13/2024
- Time: 9 am- 1 pm
- Location: Bev’s Bunkhouse, The Nature Conservancy, Whitney Preserve south of Hot Springs, SD
- Cost: Family Rate (2 adults, 1-3 children under 18)- $45, Individual- $20, Children Under 12- $10
In this course, participants will learn how to develop a naturalist mindset. We will practice our observation skills and curiosity to learn more about the world around us! Using our senses we will learn how to navigate using cues from nature, and we will study tracks and signs animals leave behind to learn how to answer these questions:
What animal has left this track?
Why was this animal here: was it hunting, frightened, or at ease?
For many local animals, how to tell if it was a male or female?
Is it pregnant, or injured?
Does it have a large set of antlers or horns?
And more.
This program will begin in the classroom at Whitney Preserve and then we will take to the field to expand our knowledge (weather permitting). Please dress accordingly, and bring a notebook/pen.
Who can come?
This is open to anyone! Families are encouraged, ages 5 and up are recommended. This is open to all skills levels -beginners welcome! Please leave pets at home.
What to expect
Parking and getting to the event: We will meet at Bev’s Bunkhouse at Whitney Preserve. Directions can be found here. The first portion of the class will take place inside, then we will head outside!
Admission: Payment online is recommended. You may drop payment off at our office at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, 26611 US Hwy 385, Hot Springs, SD. We also will accept cash and checks on the day of the event. If you prefer to pay in person please choose invoice when when completing your registration under the payment portion.
Amenities: Restrooms are available at the Bunkhouse
If you need to request any accommodation(s) for the program, please do so in the health concerns portion of registration. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of all of our participants so everyone can enjoy the program with us. Questions? Please contact Andrea bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
Full Moon Nature Experience
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- Date: 5/23/2024
- Time: 7:30 pm- 9:30 pm
- Location: Bismark Lake, Black Hills National Forest, Custer, SD
- Cost: Family Rate (2 adults, 1-3 children under 18)- $20, Individual- $10, Children Under 12- $4
Come join experienced instructors for a fun-filled learning experience under the full moon. We will be exploring nature with moonlit tracking, storytelling, listening for and interpreting the call of local owls, nature observation, scouting for wildlife, and exploring the night sky. It is suggested to bring a red lense flashlight. This class is designed for the whole family, but children should be accompanied by an adult.
Who can come?
This is open to anyone! Families are encouraged, ages 5 and up are recommended. This is open to all skills levels -beginners welcome! Please leave pets at home.
What to expect
Parking and getting to the event: We will share the exact meeting location the week of the event. It will take place near the Bismarck Lake Campground.
Admission: Payment online is recommended. You may drop payment off at our office at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, 26611 US Hwy 385, Hot Springs, SD. We also will accept cash and checks on the day of the event. If you prefer to pay in person please choose invoice when when completing your registration under the payment portion.
Amenities: There will be vault toilets available. We plan to be outside for 2 hours. Interested in extending the fun? Book a campsite: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231837
If you need to request any accommodation(s) for the program, please do so in the health concerns portion of registration. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of all of our participants so everyone can enjoy the program with us. Questions? Please contact Andrea bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
Essential Outdoor Skills: Firebuilding, Nature Navigation, Shelter Construction, etc.
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- Date: 5/24/2024
- Time: 9 am- 1 pm
- Location: Bismark Lake, Black Hills National Forest, Custer, SD
- Cost: Family Rate (2 adults, 1-3 children under 18)- $45, Individual- $20, Children Under 12- $10
Join our expert instructors to learn essential outdoor skills. Through hands-on practice you will learn skills that humans have used for thousands of years to survive. Topics include ancient fire building technqiues (bow drills, ferro rods) nature navigation, shelter construction, and what to carry in your backpack. Anyone who takes part in outdoor recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and hunting will benefit from having these basic, but important, outdoor essential skills.
Who can come?
This is open to anyone! Families are encouraged, and ages 5 and up are recommended. This is open to all skill levels -beginners welcome! Please leave pets at home.
What to expect
Parking and getting to the event: We will share the exact meeting location the week of the event. It will take place near the Bismarck Lake Campground.
Admission: Payment online is recommended. You may drop payment off at our office at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, 26611 US Hwy 385, Hot Springs, SD. We also will accept cash and checks on the day of the event. If you prefer to pay in person please choose invoice when when completing your registration under the payment portion.
Amenities: There will be vault toilets available. We plan to be outside for 2 hours. Interested in extending the fun? Book a campsite: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231837
If you need to request any accommodation(s) for the program, please do so in the health concerns portion of registration. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of all of our participants so everyone can enjoy the program with us. Questions? Please contact Andrea at bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
Understanding the Voices of Nature
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- Date: 6/1/2024
- Time: 9 am- 1 pm
- Location: J.H. Keith Cascade Springs Picnic Area
- Cost: Family Rate (2 adults, 1-3 children under 18)- $45, Individual- $20, Children Under 12- $10
Have you ever wanted to know if a hawk or coyote is nearby, or perhaps when a deer is sneaking away from you, just by what the birds, animals, and other voices of nature are saying to each other? In this course participants will be shown how to expand their awareness and use forgotten techniques to interpret the communication system that non-humans use, and therefore learn how to know when predators or prey are in the area – as well as what species are nearby, even if they are out of sight. Participants will also learn how to move through nature without setting off this inter-species alarm system, and be able to see wildlife that they would not have otherwise seen. The content knowledge and experience from this class will help all outdoor enthusiasts including naturalists, hunters, and photographers. Families and individuals are welcome.
Who can come?
This is open to anyone! Families are encouraged, ages 5 and up are recommended. This is open to all skills levels -beginners welcome! Please leave pets at home.
What to expect
Parking and getting to the event: We will meet at the J.H. Keith Cascade Springs Picnic Area south of Hot Springs, SD.
Admission: Payment online is recommended. You may drop payment off at our office at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, 26611 US Hwy 385, Hot Springs, SD. We also will accept cash and checks on the day of the event. If you prefer to pay in person please choose invoice when when completing your registration under the payment portion.
Amenities: Restrooms are available at the Bunkhouse
If you need to request any accommodation(s) for the program, please do so in the health concerns portion of registration. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of all of our participants so everyone can enjoy the program with us. Questions? Please contact Andrea bhpf@blackhillsparks.org