Programs are periodically held in the commons area of West Valley School (2290 Farm to Market Road). They are open to the public and there is no charge. Donations are accepted to help maintain this website.
If you have suggestions for a program and/or would like to lead a field trip please contact Linda de Kort (linda@westvalleynaturalists.org).
Current Programs, 2022-2023
Nature Walk
May 24, 2023
9:00AM – 12:00PM
Pat Jaquith will lead a Nature Walk in the Pig Farm 9:00AM – 12:00PM. We will look for Calypso Bulbosa varieties (Fairy Slippers), Coral root, and other ephemerals that may be out! Pouring rain will cancel. Contact Pat at pjaquith07@gmail.com to sign up or for information.
Wildlife Photos by Dick and Pam Walker
March 6, 2023
7:00-8:00 PM
Dick and Pam Walker have been combing the woodlands and wetlands of the West Valley area for over a decade and have gathered stunning photos of wildlife (feathered and furry) from all seasons. In addition to viewing outstanding photos of our natural environment, you will all come away with a notion of how to sharpen our own powers of observation.
Sandhill Cranes
September 28, 2022
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Laura Katzman, Land Protection Specialist with Flathead Land Trust, will talk about the Sandhill Cranes which grace our valley each fall when hundreds of them refuel at a staging area in the West Valley on their migration. Flathead Land Trust, with help from FAS, helped conserve a portion of this staging area in 2018. These impressive birds depend on wetlands and agricultural lands as they travel from their breeding to their wintering grounds. We will meet at 7:00 pm on Wed. Sept. 28 in the Middle School Commons area. Guides will help you find your way.
Archived Presentations
- Sandhill Cranes; Laura Katzman, Flathead Land Trust. Sep 28, 2022.
- West Valley Geology Field Trip; Dr. Lex Blood, Science and Education Director, Whitefish Lake Institute. May 3, 2014.
- Winter Birds of West Valley; Dan Casey, Flathead Audubon Society,
- The Mystery of Tally Lake; Mike Koopal, Executive Director, Whitefish Lake Institute. March 2, 2020.
