2011 Summer Series at Flat Ranch

Free Flat Ranch Summer Series Begins Wednesday!

Wednesday, June 15
Living in Cougar Country, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

While bears and wolves often take center stage as charismatic carnivores in the Island Park area, mountain lions also inhabit the landscape. Learn about the life history of these elusive cats, as well as living and recreating in cougar country. Marilyn Cuthill, Leader of the Teton Cougar Project for Craighead Beringia South (Kelly, WY), will present.

Wednesday, June 22
Fly Fishing Off the Grid, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

It's hard to imagine that anyone would care to fish beyond the banks of the Henry's Fork, but a world of opportunity awaits the adventurous angler, from hunting for tigerfish in Tanzania to fishing peacock bass in the Amazon to chasing trout on the Pakistani border. Jim Klug, founder and co-owner of Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, based in Bozeman, Montana, will describe some of his "more interesting" fishing adventures abroad, share stories, and show photographs from his years of traveling the world. He will also discuss the role that fly fishing has played and can play in local economies and conservation efforts in developed and developing countries. Klug's program will visit such unique and unusual fisheries as Tanzania, Cuba, the Seychelles, India, and Brazil.

Saturday, June 25
Recreating in Bear Country, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Prepare yourself for recreating in Bear Country before you hit the trail. Join IDFG/USFS bear education technician Licia Meates for a review of the basics, including a hands-on bear spray demonstration. Wear appropriate foot attire for walking outside, and bring insect repellent.

Wednesday, June 29
Wildflowers of the Caldera, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Island Park area boasts some of the most spectacular wildflower viewing in the country. Join USFS Forest Botanist Rose Lehman in an outdoor lecture to identify species growing in your own backyard. Wear appropriate foot attire for walking outside, and bring insect repellent.

The Nature Conservancy's Summer Series presentations are free to the public and are held at the Flat Ranch Visitor Center, located on north Highway 20 in Island Park (near Macks Inn), just 15 minutes west of West Yellowstone.