Registration is under way for the Antelope by Moonlight bike ride, which features prizes for bicyclists with the best costumes and bike decorations. The noncompetitive ride, now in its 16th year, is open to participants of all ages and begins at the Antelope Island Marina July 10 at 10 p.m.
Registration forms are available at www.daviscountyutah.gov through 4:30 p.m. on June 24. Fees range from $15 to $25 and include a T-shirt, park entry and refreshments (served until midnight). All riders will be required to use a working headlight, reflectors and helmets (lights and helmets will be available for sale at the ride.)
Proceeds are used to fund projects at the state park.
The halfway point of the 22-mile route is the historic Fielding Garr Ranch, where refreshments will be served and prizes (including a new bike from The Biker's Edge) awarded, based on judging at the marina at 9:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Moonlight Madness."
For more information, call 801-451-3286 or e-mail tour@daviscountyutah.gov.
Birding with Bill
Birders can look for a rare Himalayan snow cock and visit the private Deseret Land and Livestock Ranch with Utah birding expert and Tribune columnist Bill Fenimore on July 8-13.
The five-day guided trip includes a hike in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada to see Himalayan snow cocks that reside at 11,249 feet elevation. Birders can also expect to see other high-elevation species. The fourth day of the trip includes birding at Deseret Ranch in northern Utah, where visitors can expect to see more than 100 of the 276 bird species found on the ranch. On the last day, Fenimore takes his guests to the High Uintas in search of other forest birds. A supplemental sixth day of birding includes a trip to Antelope Island, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and Farmington Bay.
Birders can participate in all five days or pick and choose the days they want to participate. The daily per-person fee is $220, which includes transportation, guide service, trespass and access fees, meals and lodging. For information, visit www.wildbird.com/layton or call 801-525-8400.
New group site at Fremont
The new Sam Stowe Group-Use area is now open for use at Fremont Indian State Park and Museum, 21 miles southwest of Richfield. The new facility can accommodate up to 100 people and has a campground with sites for RVs and tents, including seven full-hookup sites; full restrooms with coin-operated showers; two pavilions with electricity, lights and barbecue grills; volleyball court and two horseshoe pits; and ATV ride in/out access. An amphitheater, basketball court and archery range are also planned.
For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov or call 435-527-4631.
League play at Dimple Dell
Adult men's basketball » A summer basketball league will be played on Wednesday evenings starting July 15. Fees include seven games single round-robin play, three-week single-elimination tournament with eight games guaranteed, certified officials and scorekeepers with stats, and awards for the first-place team, leading scorer and 3-point leader. Registration deadline is July 6. League is limited to eight teams.
Adult coed volleyball » The league will play on Thursday nights beginning July 9. The fee is $210 per team. Each team will play two matches every Thursday for six weeks. A two-week double-elimination tournament will be played to determine final league placement, with individual awards for first and second place. Deadline is July 2. Dimple Dell Fitness & Recreation Center is at 10670 S. 1000 East, Sandy.
A history lesson on the Green
Ken Sanders Rare Books will host a reading and slideshow by James M. Aton, author of The River Knows Everything: Desolation Canyon and the Green , June 27 at 7 p.m. at the Salt Lake City bookstore, 268 S. 200 East. Aton will read from the new book and present historical photographs of the area and original photography by Dan Miller, whose photos constitute much of the artwork in the book. Copies of the book ($34.95, paperback) will be available for purchase and signing at the event, which is free and open to the public.
Timpanogos summer series
Timpanogos Cave National Monument has launched its free weekly summer programs, which are held at 7 p.m. at the monument's visitors center in American Fork Canyon (a $6 fee is required to enter the canyon).
This week's program, on June 15, is "Signs of Plants and Animals." Join Ranger Deb Cox at the visitor center for a short hike on the Canyon Nature Trail. The program, geared toward children, will help them recognize common plants and evidence of animal activity. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 801-756-5238.
BUI check at Powell
Utah State Parks boating rangers, in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and U.S. Coast Guard, will conduct a boating-under-the-influence (BUI) checkpoint on June 27 at Halls Crossing Marina area on Lake Powell. Operation Dry Water is a coordinated, national weekend of BUI detection and enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water. In 2007, U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that 21 percent of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use.
For more information on boating in Utah, visit stateparks.utah.gov or call 801-538-BOAT.
Catch fish, win money
Millsite State Park will tag 20 fish worth $50, 10 fish worth $100 and two fish worth $250 to reward anglers who visit the area near Huntington. The contest continues through July 31. There is no cost to participate, but a valid Utah fishing license is required. For more information, call 435-687-2491.
Plant trees with your keyboard
Odwalla, a food company that makes energy bars and drinks, is donating $100,000 to help plant trees in state parks in 11 states, including Utah. You can contribute by visiting www.parkvisitor.com/odwalla, selecting Utah from the list of states and voting to plant a tree.
State parks news and events
June 20, 11 a.m. » Children 6 to 10 can learn about rocks and make a pet rock to take home at Rock Cliff Nature Center at Jordanelle State Park in Francis. Children earn a badge and certificate. Rock Cliff is on the east side of the reservoir; 435-782-3030.
June 20, 1 p.m. » Discover what snakes are poisonous, what they eat and where they live with the park naturalist at the campground office. Program is geared toward children 6 to 12, but everyone is invited; 435-654-1791.
June 20, 9 p.m. » Join historian Jerry Springer for a slide show on the development of Wasatch Mountain State Park at the campground amphitheater at Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway; 435-654-1791.
June 20, 9 p.m. » The Ogden Astronomical Society and Weber State University host a star party at White Rock Bay at Antelope Island State Park in Syracuse. If you bring a flashlight, please make it a red-colored lens; 801-721-9569.
June 20 , 7 p.m. » Staff from Golden Spike National Historic Site give a free presentation on the transcontinental railroad and how it joined our nation from east to west at Hyrum State Park in Hyrum; 435-245-6866.
June 27 » Bring the family for a campout and cookout at Palisade State Park near Manti. Learn how to use basic camping and outdoor cooking equipment from the experts. While you're there, play the 18-hole golf course or paddle on Palisade Reservoir. Equipment, instruction, day-use entrance fees and a gift are included in the price of $10 per group with up to eight people. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by e-mailing rockin@utah.gov or calling 801-537-3123.
June 27 » Collect fossils from the Green River Formation with staff of the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Vernal. Most fossils collected are leaves, although insects, twigs, buds, flowers and pods are also found. Be prepared for hot or inclement weather. Hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks and sturdy shoes are required, and long, light-colored pants are recommended. Equipment, instruction, day-use entrance fees and a gift are included in the price of $10 per group with up to eight people. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by e-mailing rockin@utah.gov or calling 801-537-3123.
Audubon birding trips
Trips are free, but contributions for gas are encouraged. Be sure to call the trip leader to verify trip details.
June 17, 7:30 a.m. » Annual walk along the Jeremy Ranch Road to look for catbirds, flycatchers, dippers, eagles, kingfishers and green-tailed towhees. Meet by 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot just west of REI, 3285 E. 3300 South, East Millcreek, for carpooling or take the Jeremy Ranch exit off I-80, go left under the highway, then left at four-way stop to the carpool parking lot and be there by 8 a.m. Call leader Kim Roush at 435-658-2076.
June 24, 7 a.m. » Monthly half-day visit to Farmington Bay. Meet inside the McDonald's just north of the Centerville exit 319 from I-15 at 7 a.m. for breakfast and camaraderie or 7:30 a.m. to head out. Bring your own water and snacks. Call Deedee O'Brien at 801-272-8060 if you plan to attend.
Hogle Zoo and predators
Hogle Zoo is teaming up with local and national wildlife groups and agencies to educate the public about predators, especially those found in Utah and the surrounding areas, on June 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Groups like USU Coyote Research, HawkWatch International and No More Homeless Pets will be at the zoo to answer questions about co-existing with predators. This day will also showcase fun activities for kids to learn all about the predators found in the wilderness close to our homes, including Meet-a-Keeper feeding demonstrations with many of the predatory animals found on zoo grounds. Regular admission applies.
Summer at Snowbird
Summer activities are now open at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. New for 2009 is the Wasatch Mining Company Gemstone Mine, where participants can pan for real gemstones in Snowbird's own mining sluice. All-day activities passes are $32 for adults, $19 for kids under 75 poundse. More information at www.snowbird.com.
Wasatch Mountain Club activities
New members are always welcome at this social outdoors club. Visit www.wasatchmountainclub.org for information on how to join. Upcoming activities and contacts:
June 15 » Evening road bike in City Creek Canyon; Elliott, 801-969-2846 or elliott887@msn.com.
June 15 » Evening road bike in Mill Creek Canyon; Robert, 801-467-1129 or r46turner@sisna.com.
June 16 » Evening mountain bike in Park City area; Vince, 435-649-6805 or vincedesimone@yahoo.com.
June 16 » Evening hike in Mill Creek Canyon; Tony, 801-272-8927.
June 17 » Evening hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon area; Lynette, 801-523-6225.
June 17 » Evening canoe on the Jordan River (flat water); Marjorie, 801-712-7890 or gendler801@aol.com.
June 18 » Evening hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon; Mohamed, 801-466-9310.
June 18 » Evening dog hike in Neff's Canyon; Cathy, 801-486-9200.
June 18 » Day hike in Cottonwood/Mill Creek Canyon area; Norm, 801-266-3703.
June 18 » Evening climb in Challenge Buttress area; Peter Campbell, 801-733-0313 or wmc-alpinist@hotmail.com.
June 19 » Road bike in Lost Creek; Donna, 435 649-0183 or dlfisher@utahbroadban.com.
June 20 » Day hike of Wildcat ridge (Mt. Olympus to Mt. Raymond); Walter, 801-534-1262 or haas@xmission.com.
June 20 » Day hike of upper Bells Reservoir; Julie, 801 244-3323 or jk@wasatch-environmental.com.
June 20 » Boating at Causey Reservoir east of Huntsville (flat water); Zig, 801-292-8332 or zig.sondelski@gmail.com.
June 20 » Day hike, upper Red Pine Lake; Greg, 801-226-9026 or wittandwisdom@gmail.com.
June 20 » Day hike, Bonneville Shoreline stroll; Christine, 321-223-1580.
June 20 » Road bike, Frontrunner ride; Robert, 801-467-1129 or r46turner@sisna.com.
June 21 » Road bike, Summit County; Cheryl, 435-649-9008 or csoshnik@yahoo.com.
June 21 » Dog hike, Granite saddle; Tom, 801-255-2784.
June 21 » Day hike, Mill B to Porter Fork; Steve, 801-261-5787.
