Program Dates
June 7 National Trails Day/9-11 am /Hell Canyon District, Horsethief Lake
Sounds of Nature
Celebrate National Trails Day and learn how to interpret the sounds of nature while you hike! Have you ever wondered how to tell if a hawk or coyote is near, or when a deer is quietly slipping away, just by listening to the sounds of nature? On this hike, participants will learn how to tune into animals’ communication systems to understand what’s happening around them—even when the creatures are out of sight.
July 26/ 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm/ Sundance District, Cook Lake
Nature at Night
Explore the wonders of nature at night! In this program, participants will learn about adaptations that make nocturnal animals unique. As we hike along Cook Lake we will practice our observation skills to look and listen for signs of nocturnal animals as the sun starts to set as we discover how darkness transforms the landscape and comes alive after dusk.
August 23/ 9 am- 11 am / Mystic District, Buzzards Roost
Fire on the Landscape
How does wildfire shape the land over time? On this hike, we’ll explore the role of fire in the Black Hills, both past and present, and how it influences the landscape, wildlife, and plant life. We will learn about fire’s role in ecosystem health, its impact on biodiversity, and how nature recovers and thrives after a burn.
September 27 Public Lands Day / 9 am -11 am /Northern Hills District, Friendship Tower
Friends in Nature
Let’s celebrate friendship on National Public Lands Day! The Friendship Tower is a symbol of Seth Bullock and Theodore Roosevelt’s relationship and the lasting impact it had on Black Hills National Forest. Taking inspiration from Bullock and Roosevelt we will explore symbiotic relationships in nature—how different species coexist and support one another to thrive in the Black Hills.
- Programs could involve hiking up to 2 miles on uneven terrain.
- Please come prepared with layers, closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, sun protection, water & snacks.
- Hiking gear checklist from REI
- Additional recommended gear: Trekking poles, binoculars, camera
- Questions? Contact bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
