Division of Wildlife Resources biologists have captured 30 bighorn sheep in recent weeks from southeastern Utah and transplanted them to John's Canyon, a tributary of the San Juan River. The surplus animals were collected by helicopter from healthy herds in the vicinity of Green River and Moab and trucked south to their new home near the Utah-Arizona border. The DWR hired Pathfinder Helicopter Services for the capture project. Once sheep were located in fly-overs, biologists dropped nets from the helicopter to capture the animals. The sheep were secured in a nylon sleeve and flown to a staging area for a health inspection and transfer to a horse trailer. The new herd consists of five rams, 22 ewes and three lambs.

Banff films

The 32nd annual Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour arrives in Utah next week. The festival is known for its mountaineering, nature and outdoor adventure films. This year's lineup includes "Endless Knot," a film about how world-renown climber Conrad Anker dealt with the loss of his good friend Alex Lowe in 1999. Anker ended up marrying Lowe's widow, Jennifer, and becoming a father figure for the three sons of his friend. Anker attended the University of Utah and lived in Utah for more than a decade. "Endless Knot" will be shown at Kingsbury Hall on the University of Utah Campus on Feb. 19. See schedule below for more information. For more on the climbing school, see the related story box.

The Banff Film Festival schedule follows:

* Tuesday-Wednesday - Orem, Utah Valley State College, $9. Call 801-863-7052.

* Feb. 14-15 - Logan, 6:30 p.m. both nights at Kent Concert Hall, $9 general admission, $7 students. Call 435-797-3264.

* Feb. 16 - Ogden, Peery's Egyptian Theater, 7 p.m., $12. Call 801-395-3227.

* Feb. 19-20 - Salt Lake City, Kingsbury Hall, 7 p.m. Call 801-581-8516

* March 10 - Moab, $10 at the door. Call 877-463-6156.

Wasatch citizen series

The Wasatch Citizen Series, five events held at major Utah cross country ski areas, continues Saturday at 10 a.m. at Soldier Hollow.

Two classical technique and three free technique races will be included. And there are 17 age categories for each gender, including novice classes to encourage beginners to get involved in the sport, and expert classes for more serious racers. Visit the Utah Nordic Alliance Web site at www.utahnordic.com for more information.

Wetland wings

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge on Wednesdays hosts "Wetland Wings and Other Wild Things," a free program for children ages 3-6. The 45-minute programs are at the Bear River Refuge Wildlife Education Center starting at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by a parent or teacher. Topics include: animal tracks (February), owls (March), Canada goose (April) and bird babies (May). Pre-registration required by calling 435-734-6438. The education center is at 2155 W. Forest St., Brigham City (I-15 exit #363, turn west one block).

REI clinics

The following presentations are offered free at the Sandy or East Millcreek REI stores. Visit www.rei.com and click on the stores & events link for more information.

* Snowshoeing 101, Feb. 14, 7 p.m., at the Sandy store.

* Backcountry skiing the Wasatch, Tuesday, 7 p.m., East Millcreek store, featuring Andrew McLean, voted as one of the "Greatest Skiers of Our Time" by Powder Magazine and featured prominently in the recent film, "Steep." Sponsored by the Alta Historical Society and The Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation.

Starry nights

Explore the moon, stars, planets, galaxies, comets and more in the Ogden Nature Center's "Starry Nights Preschool Program" Wednesday and Feb. 21. The 60-minute classes Wednesday are at 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.; and Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Cost: $3 per child, adult chaperones are free. To register for classes or for more information, call 801-621-7595 or visit www.ogdennature center.org.

Shorebird ID class

The Great Salt Lake Audubon will focus on shorebirds in a class to be held Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Sugarhouse Garden Center in Salt Lake City. Cost is $5 per person. Call Sylvia at 532-3486 to reserve a place.

Snow caves

Learn the basics of building a snow cave Saturday at Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway. The class starts at 10 a.m. at the park's educational yurt. Come dressed in layers with a waterproof outer layer. More info: 435-654-1791.

Animal adaptations

Join the Antelope Island State Park park naturalist Saturday for this junior ranger program on how animals survive harsh winter months. Participants should dress for the weather conditions, bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes and meet at the visitor center at 11 a.m. While the event is intended for children ages 6 to 12, all are welcome. More info: 801-721-9569.

Writing nature poetry

The Ogden Nature Center, 966 W. 12th St., is holding a writing nature poetry class Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Naturalists William Pollett and Susan Snyder will lead the class, which is open to all ages. The cost is $6 for members and $7 for nonmembers. The registration deadline is Monday. Call 801-621-7595 or visit www.ogdennature center.org for more information.

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* To get your event listed, e-mail the information to brettp@ sltrib.com or mail it to Brett Prettyman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.