Grand Teton National Park is recruiting participants for 15-20 short term positions for its 2009 Youth Conservation Program (YCP). The summer employment program for high school students (ages 16-19) is designed to help them develop an understanding of conservation ethics as they assist with maintenance and rehabilitation of park trails and pathways. Participants will work alongside NPS crew leaders and become familiar with stewardship goals while learning essential trail maintenance skills. In addition to project work, the work includes environmental education and recreation. The program runs June 22 through August 27. Participants must be at least 16 years old by June 22, and must find housing as it is not provided. Applicants must also be United States citizens and students in good standing. Other qualifications include good team skills, a willingness to learn about Grand Teton National Park and its trail system, and the ability to work a physically demanding job which may involve lifting 30 to 40 pounds. Wages are $10.20 per hour. The Grand Teton National Park Foundation provides funds for work boots, work pants, T-shirts, and free transportation to and from Jackson. Applications are available at www.nps.gov or by calling Brian Bergsma at 307-739-3364 or writing to YCP Program, GTNP, Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012. Applications must be postmarked by March 27.
BLM looking for a few good men or women
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking nominations for five positions on its Utah Resource Advisory Council, which provides advice and recommendations to the agency on the use and management of 22 million acres of public land in Utah. The RAC has 15 members, who serve three-year terms after being approved by the Secretary of the Interior.
Nominees are evaluated on education, training and experience with issues involving public lands in Utah. They are not compensated for their time but are reimbursed for travel and meal expenses. Nominations must be accompanied by at least two letters of reference. Nomination forms are available from BLM offices or the agency Web site, www.blm.gov/ut/st/en.html. Deadline for sending nominations and letters of reference is April 13; send to Bureau of Land Management, Utah State Office, 440 West 200 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, Attn.: Sherry Foot. For more information, contact Foot at 801-539-4195.
Bid on the birdie
Art sculptor Alan Derrick has teamed with the Utah Chukar and Wildlife Foundation to raise money for wild bird conservation. A one-of-a-kind sculpture depicting a chukar partridge's signature barred breast feather will be auctioned to benefit the foundation's conservation efforts. The auction is on eBay under "Art, Direct from Artist, Sculptures" and ends on April 12 at 7 p.m. The UCWF is a nonprofit organization focused on improving chukar and other upland game populations, habitat, and hunting on Utah's public lands. One of the main goals of the UCWF is to support scientific wildlife management. Visit www.utahchukar.org for more conservation details or www.derrick.com.
Spring Grüv
The Canyons Resort, 4000 Canyons Resort drive in Park City, is hosting Spring Grüv, March 27 through April 5, with numerous events, concerts, and contests starting with pond skimming, in which contestants will attempt to ski or snowboard across a 100-foot pond. For more information, or a copy of the full events schedule, visit www.springgruv.com.
Science camps for kids
Utah Museum of Natural history at the University of Utah is hosting nine camps for second-through-fifth grade students on April 9-17. Campers will investigate everything from geology and chemistry to frogs, biology and the Great Salt Lake, as well as astronomy. Slots are limited and pre-registration is required. Cost ranges from $40-60 depending on the camp. Get more information at umnh.utah.edu/springbreak2009 or by calling 801-581-6927.
Wild Bird Center
The Wild Bird Center, 1860 N. 1000 West in Layton, is offering free bird walks in March. For more information, call 801-525-8400. The schedule:
March 14 » USU Botanical Gardens, Kaysville ponds, departing at 10 a.m.
March 21 » Kays Creek, departing at 10 a.m.
March 28 » Sage grouse, departing at 6 a.m.
Polar Bear Classic
Registration for the Polar Bear Softball Classic for ages 12 and 14 is underway. Visit the Sunset City office building, 200 W. 1300 North, Sunset, to register before the March 31 deadline, or visit www.sunset-ut.com for more information.
Dimple Dell Fitness & Recreation Center
Registration is underway for numerous spring sports at the center, 10670 S. 1000 East, Sandy. For more information, visit www.recreation.slco.org/dimpledell or call 801-495-1480.
Youth coed volleyball league » Starts March 21 with a $36 fee that includes clinic, weekly practice, uniform, seven games. Divisions are split into fourth through sixth grades and seventh through ninth grades. All games and practices are at Dimple Dell.
Youth coed soccer league » Starts April 25 with a $41 fee that includes full uniform (jersey, shorts and socks), eight games and trophy. Pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first-second, third-fourth, and fifth-sixth age divisions. Two games are played each week, one on a weeknight, the second on Saturday. Registration deadline is April 2.
Youth tee ball and coach pitch leagues » Starts April 25 with a $36 fee that includes clinic, jersey and hat, and eight games and trophy. Programs are for youngsters age four through second grade. Games are played Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings. Register before April 2.
National Paddling Film Festival
The Utah Whitewater Club hosts the National Paddling Film Festival Road Show on March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Orson Spencer Hall Auditorium on the University of Utah campus. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Snake River fund.
Bear River 'Sense of Wonder' event
Join Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 2155 W. Forest S., Brigham City, on March 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., to celebrate Women in History month with family activities. For more information, call 435-734-6438. The schedule:
10:30 to noon » Join naturalist DeAnn Lester and other staff to explore the wetland landscape and make organic art after a scavenger hunt.
1--1:30 p.m. » Meet a live eagle and Ogden Nature Center's Dalyn Erickson for a story about Bald Eagles and their journey back from the threat of extinction.
2--3 p.m. » Special sneak preview of the "Sense of Wonder" film based on the life and writings of Rachel Carson, who tells the story of a woman's love for the natural world and her fight to defend it.
Free seminars
The following free presentation is at the Sandy store, 10600 S. 230 West. For more information, call 801-501-0850 or visit www.rei.com.
March 26, 7 p.m. » Join author Greg Witt for a workshop on exploring canyons, mountains, deserts, oceans, and rutted roads, based on his recent book Ultimate Adventures: A Rough Guide to Adventure Travel .
The following free presentation is at the Millcreek REI store, 3285 E. 3300 South. For more information, call 801-486-2100.
March 24, 7 p.m. » Join local mountaineer Carol Masheter for a discussion about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for the second time last year.
REI sponsored events
March 28, 8 a.m. to noon » Come to Bend-in-the-River for willow planting and a river bank clean-up. Breakfast will be provided and then participants will split into teams for planting and cleanup. Bring your own mug and-or water bottle to help cut down on waste. For more information, visit www.bend-in-the-river.org or register by calling Tara Poelzing at 801-587-9027.
March 28 » Join National Geographic GPS expert Jeff Caulfield and REI navigation specialists to learn how to use your GPS unit in the field. Participants should have some familiarity with GPS and/or have attended REI's GPS 101 evening clinic. Learn route-finding skills such as how to transfer waypoints from your PC to your GPS unit, how to use the U.T.M. grid system vs. latitude and longitude coordinates, and how to create your own custom maps. Pre-registration is required in person or by phone at the Sandy REI, 801-501-0850. Tuition is $25 for REI members, $35 for non-members.
Utah State park news and events
Jordan season opens » The Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle Center will open weekends beginning March 14 from 8 a.m. to dusk. In April, the park will be open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Cost is $10 per rider. For more information, call 801-533-5425.
Liability insurance » Motorboats, including personal watercraft, are required to carry owner's or operator's liability insurance when operating on Utah's waters. Motorboats equipped with engines smaller than 50 horsepower are exempt. Proof of insurance must be carried on the motorboat whenever it is in operation. For minimum requirements or more information or tips on how to save money on boat insurance, visit www.statepark.utah.gov or call 801-538-2628.
Ski closures » Cross-country ski trails are closed for the season at Wasatch Mountain. The park is preparing for spring and summer recreation opportunities including hiking, biking, camping, and golf at all four courses. For more information, call 435-654-1791.
March--April 20 » Utah Field House of Natural History in Vernal is hosting an exhibit of photographs by Craig Law, John Telford and Tom Till featuring the rock art of four of Utah's indigenous cultures. For more information, call 435-789-3799.
March 27, 8 p.m. » Join Antelope Island park naturalists to learn how to make your nighttime stargazing a little more fun. Meet at the visitor center. For more information call 801-721-9569,
March 27--28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. » Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding is hosting a beading workshop with Navajo bead artist Wanda Ketchum. Tuition is $120 plus $20 for material fees (covers leather, beads, and supplies). Registration is required by calling 435-678-2238.
March 28 » A trail run at Antelope Island begins at 6 a.m. at the White Rock Bay Trailhead. Approximately 500 runners participate, making this the largest trail running event in Utah with runners from Japan, Canada, and 13 states competing. For more information, call Jim Skaggs at 801-644-7346 or Antelope Island State Park at 801-773-2941.
March 28, 7 p.m. » Jordanelle State Park staff host a starlight hike, beginning at the Hailstone Event Center. Space is limited and registration is required by calling 435-649-9540 or 435-782-3030.
March 28, 10 a.m. » An Ancient Ways workshop demonstrates how American Indians used the plants of the Colorado Plateau, making soap from yucca plants, and tea from ephedra. For more information, call 435-259-2614.
March 29, 10:30 a.m. » Join DeadHorse Point staff in Moab for a geology talk at the Neck, one mile south of the visitor center. For more information, call 435-259-2614.
Ogden Nature Center
The Ogden Nature Center is at 966 W. 12th Street, Ogden. For more information and to register for classes, call 801-621-7595.
Wild Wednesday's are informal programs about the ecology of the Wasatch Front and are open to all ages at 3:30 p.m. each week. Regular admission is $4, $2 for children 2-11, and $3 for seniors 65 and older. ONC members are free.
March 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. » Walk in the footsteps of renowned naturalist and author Rachel Carson at a discussion and hands-on workshop designed to help teachers, scout leaders and parents learn how to enhance and encourage children's curiosity about nature. Cost is $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Pre-registration required.
Preschool programs » Join staff on March 24 at either 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., or 1 p.m. for a preschool program that will explore sea creatures. Snacks will be provided. Cost is $4 per child with adult chaperones free of charge. Classes are one hour and geared to ages 3-5.
Wasatch Mountain Club Activities
The club offers weekly events. Visit www.wasatchmountainclub.org for more information.
March 15 » Snowshoe at Millcreek, tba. Call Jim at 801-733-0627.
March 17 » Snowshoe at Park City Environs, tba. Contact Vince at 435-649-6805 or vincedesimone@yahoo.com.
March 19 » Snowshoe in The Cottonwoods, tba. Call Norm at 801-266-3703.
March 19 » Gym climbing night at Momentum Climbing Gym. Contact Peter at 801-733-0313 or wmc-alpinist@hotmail.com.
March 21 » Canyoneering at in the Dogwood picnic area. Contact Rick at 801-255-8058 or gone2moab@hotmail.com.
March 21 » Snowshoe, organizers choice, tba. Call Heidi at 801-942-8088.
March 22 » Day hike at Stansbury Island. Contact Donn at 801-706-0815 or donn@xmission.com.
March 22 » Snowshoe in Millcreek area, Terraces to Elbow Fork and back down Pipeline Trail. Call Tony at 801-272-8927.
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.
