CRC staff member Heidi Sedivy leads a socially distanced workshop open to the Seeley Lake community.
The beginning of March has teased us with a little taste of spring. We've been treated to temperatures in the forties, hours of sunshine, and clear skies providing crisp views of the Swan Mountain range. We've been presented with weather basically begging us to come outside and encouraging us to take advantage of the conditions while we can. We've been forced to question whether or not Punxsutawney Phil knew what he was talking about just a few weeks ago when he predicted 6 more weeks of winter. While any native Montanan will tell you that either weeks of winter still wait ahead or this is yet another sign of global climate change, you can't help but get excited by a few warm days.
The start of March also serves as a reminder that we are coming up on the year anniversary of mask wearing, quarantining and social distancing. This anniversary of sorts leads us to reflect on the changes we have all faced thanks to COVID-19. This past year has looked different for everyone and been harder for some than others. Here at Clearwater Resource Council (CRC), we've been thinking about what COVID-19 means for non-profit organizations, specifically how we can modify CRC practices and events to adjust to COVID in the future.
One of the most common trends identified in this COVID-dominated year was the "escape to the outdoors". Whether that means taking more walks or traveling to new (or old) natural attractions, you probably experienced this in some aspect. Many found that there was only so much time they could spend within the same four walls every day. The Seeley Lake community saw this first hand. Seeley Lake experienced a record year for tourists during 2020. From greater numbers of visitors at state parks and public beaches to increased traffic at local businesses, Seeley Lake thrived at being a Place for All.
This year, common ground can also be found among people craving human connection. As a popular recreation area, Seeley Lake typically has many opportunities for human interactions. The area has countless opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation, making it a seemingly perfect place to spend time with other people in a safe manner. Complying with social distancing guidelines and local mandates remains important, but hikes or outdoor socially distanced events are two examples of group activities open to all.
Increased visitors or presence of homeowners means more potential participants in COVID-safe activities. As a non-profit, CRC wants to involve the community and tourists who enjoy the lakes, streams and land within the Clearwater Watershed as much as possible. This year, CRC is introducing two new community programs in an effort to provide more opportunities for involvement in a COVID-friendly format. The first is our new Guided Nature Walks program. Three different nature walk events are planned for the 2021 calendar year. These walks are open to everyone!
The first event of the year was a winter snowshoe on March 14. This guided snowshoe walk was hosted by CRC in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and featured wildlife biologist and animal track identification expert Scott Tomson. The program will also include spring wildflower and fall larch walks. The spring wildflower walk is scheduled for May, so stay tuned for more information! The goal of these events is to provide a space for people to get outside and learn about the natural resources of the Clearwater Valley while spending time with others in a safe manner.
The second new CRC program is a Campfire Chats series. This program will entail a CRC staff member and partners, visiting local campsites once a month throughout the summer to lead and facilitate conversations about various topics of interest among tourists and residents. Potential discussions may include pollinators, aquatic invasive species and blue-green algae blooms. However, if you have any suggestions for additional topics please let us know at crc.watshd.coord@crcmt.org. This program aims to reach all those enjoying and recreating on public lands.
As COVID-19 continues to affect the way people socialize and recreate, CRC is adapting its education and outreach opportunities to reach more people across a wider platform. CRC's increase in COVID-safe public events is an effort to involve more people in our programs in a safe and healthy environment. Just like Seeley Lake is a Place for All, CRC events are open to all!
Reader Comments(0)