Nominations for Trails Awards
Nominations for the National Trails Awards presented by American Trails are now being accepted. The awards are given every two years to "recognize the tremendous contributions of volunteers, professionals, businesses and other leaders working to create a nationwide trails system."
Nominations for projects completed June 1, 2006 to May 31, 2008 will be accepted. Categories include Trail Advocacy, Trail Worker, Best State Trails and Partnership awards. The deadline for nominations is May 31. Visit www.americantrails.org/2008/awards.html for more information.
Youth summer camps
Registration for the summer nature camps at Ogden Nature Center is now under way. The camps are appropriate for youths, from preschoolers to age 16.
Camps include:
Nature's Myths, Legends and Stories: June 9-13 for ages 6-8; June 16-20 for ages 9-12. Cost is $145 for members and $160 for nonmembers.
Mystery and Magic in Nature: July 7-11 for ages 6-8; July 14-18 for ages 9-12. Cost is $145 members and $160 nonmembers.
Home Sweet Habitat: Geared for ages 3-5, this camp will be held June 2-6, June 23-27 and July 28-Aug. 1. Cost is $75 for members and $80 for nonmembers.
Junior Naturalist Certification: This class is for youths ages 11-14 and involves attending seven discovery workshops and participation in a community volunteer project. The program runs June 12-July 31 with a final session on Aug. 8. The cost is $40.
Green Teens: This program is for students ages 12-15 and will focus on topics like how the natural world is connected to you and your choices. The program will be held July 21-23 and costs $30.
Volunteens: This service-based program runs June 10-July 31 and is for ages 13-16. There is no charge. Participants will complete service projects at the Ogden Nature Center and learn about ecology, botany and other natural sciences.
To register for the camps call 801-621-7595. Visit www.ogdennaturecenter.org for more information.
Birding trips
Great Salt Lake Audubon is holding the following birding trips. Beginners are welcome.
Saturday - Geoff Hardies will led a trip to Yellow Fork Canyon in the Oquirrh Mountains. Meet by 7:30 a.m. in the southeast corner of the Shopko parking lot in Sugar House or by 8 a.m. at the REI Sandy store, 230 W. 10600 South. Call 801-273-7841 for more information.
Wednesday - Allene Keller will lead the monthly bird survey to the Mountain Dell Recreation Area in Parleys Canyon. Meet by 8 a.m. at the REI Salt Lake store, 3285 E. 3300 South, in East Millcreek. Call 801-467-3960 for more information.
State Parks events
Utah State Parks has the following events planned. Contact the park for more information:
Saturday-June 16 - A watercolor exhibit from members of the Southern Utah Watercolor Society in Cedar City will be on display at Iron Mission State Park. Call 435-586-9290.
Wednesday-May 28 - A free women's golf clinic is being held every Wednesday in May at Palisade State Park near Sterling. The clinics start at 5:30 p.m. Call 435-835-4653.
May 9 - Learn how water carves, nurtures and defines the desert in a program at Goblin Valley State Park near Hanksville. The program starts at 8:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. Call 435-564-3633.
May 10 - Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with a morning bird walk at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. Meet at the visitor center at 8:30 a.m. At 7 p.m. at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center auditorium, 755 W. Main St., in Escalante. Call 435-826-4466.
May 10 - Learn about the predators and the prey at Goblin Valley State Park in a Junior Ranger program starting at 9:30 a.m. at Observation Point. In the evening take a walk through the goblins with a park naturalist. Meet at the Observation Point at 8:30 p.m. Call 435-564-3633
May 10 - The first annual Watershed Festival will be presented by students from Soldier Hollow Charter School at Jordanelle State Park near Heber from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 435-649-9540.
May 10 - A spring constellation party is being held at 9 p.m. at Snow Canyon State Park near Ivins. Space is limited and registration is required. Learn how to spot constellations in the spring sky. Call 435-628-2255.
Idaho wildflower event
City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park in Idaho are celebrating spring with a weekend of wildflower programs May 10 and 11. Wildflower walks begin at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. Celebrate Mother's Day by taking her on a wildflower walk.
A "chasing" wildflowers program in the Albion Mountains will be presented at Smoky Mountain Campground, 8 p.m., on May 10. People with digital cameras can participate in a photo safari at 9 a.m. on May 11.
City of Rocks and Castle Rocks are located 50 miles south of Burley, near the community of Almo. For more, visit www.nps.gov/ciro or www.parksandrecreation. idaho.gov/parks/castlerocks.
Free REI clinic
Learn to navigate using a map and compass in an orienteering clinic being held at the Sandy REI store, 230 W. 10600 South, May 8 at 7 p.m. Instruction begins in the classroom with basic concepts such as orienting the map, choosing routes, and using handrails and catching features before culminating in a practical exercise outside the store using a simple map. Bring a compass if you have one or borrow one from the instructor.
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* To get your event listed, e-mail the information to brettp@ sltrib.com or by mail to Brett Prettyman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
