The Black Hills National Forest announces the Moon Walk interpretive program schedule for the 2018 season. In its 23rd year, Forest visitors will explore the importance of fire, reptiles and amphibians, botany, bugling bulls and learn about the stars in the night sky above the Forest.
Speaker Kelly Warnke, Botanist on the Mystic Ranger District, will discuss conservation of grassland habitats. “Montane grasslands are home to a variety of plant and wildlife species that are found nowhere else in the Black Hills” said Warnke. “These grasslands have much more to offer than just grass, they have impressive displays of wildflowers as well.”
Participants in the scheduled Moon Walk event will walk approximately 1 mile round-trip over uneven terrain.
To reach the Moon Walk, travel west from Hill City, SD on Deerfield Road for approximately 17 miles to Ditch Creek Rd. Turn south (left) on to Ditch Creek Road and travel for approximately 8 miles to the intersection of Ditch Creek Road and Six Mile Road. Turn east (left) onto Six Mile Road and make an immediate right hand turn back on to Ditch Creek Road. The parking area will be immediately to the left by the corrals.
Visitors should bring flashlights, water, bug repellant, and dress for unexpected inclement weather and wear sturdy footwear for hiking on uneven terrain. Bring binoculars or spotting scopes to spot birds and wildlife along the hike.
The program may be canceled unexpectedly for unforeseen reasons such as lightning, high fire danger forecasts and other reasons beyond control. The program will not be canceled due to rain unless lightning is spotted.
The Black Hills National Forest, in partnership with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association is selling ‘Black Hills Moon Walk’ collector pins.
This year’s pin, 1.125-inches in diameter, features a Great Horned Owl hunting in the forest. A different designed pin is anticipated each year.
You can purchase the inaugural “2018 Black Hills Moon Walk” pin, for $5.00 (cash only), at a Moon Walk program.
Your purchase of this pin will directly support the Moon Walk and other educational programs.
Moon Walks are held on a Saturday night close to the official full moon and begin at 7:00 p.m. Most programs last for 1-2 hours and visitors walk an average of 1 mile round trip. As each Moon Walk nears, specific directions to individual programs will be posted on the Black Hills National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills or call (605) 343-1567.
2018 Moon Walk Schedule
May 26 – The Importance of Fire in the Ponderosa Pine Ecosystem
This walk is located west of Rapid City. Join Black Hills National Forest personnel as they guide you through portions of the Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire area. They will discuss the local fire history, and the importance of fire to plants and animals in the ponderosa pine ecosystem.
A variety of biologists and specialists employed on the Mystic Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest will discuss how their resource is represented in the planning process prior to a prescribed burn. “A wildlife biologist, botanist and assistant fire management officer will discuss how bringing fire into this ponderosa pine ecosystem can be used as a tool to manage their particular resource area,” said Stephen Keegan, Moon Walk Coordinator.
Speaker Chris Stover, Assistant Fire Management Officer on the Mystic Ranger District, will also discuss the history of fire in the Black Hills. “Fire plays a critical role in the health of the ponderosa pine ecosystem. Prescribed fire allows for the re-introduction of fire under chosen environmental conditions,” said Stover. “Prescribed fire can benefit soil, plants, water quality, wildlife habitat, and at the same time create a safer environment for firefighters working to control wildfires in the heat of the summer.”
To reach the Moon Walk, travel west from Rockerville on US Highway 16 intersection for approximately 2.5 miles to Silver Mountain Road. Turn north (right) on Silver Mountain Road and travel approximately .1 miles to Boulder Hill Road. Turn north (left) onto Boulder Hill Road and travel approximately 1.3 miles to the parking area. Signs will be posted at major intersections to guide visitors to the parking area once you leave Highway 16.
The drive from Rapid City, SD should take approximately 30 minutes. Signs will be placed at major intersections to guide visitors to the site. Participants should arrive early to facilitate parking.
Visitors should bring flashlights, water, and bug repellant and dress for unexpected weather and hiking on uneven terrain. Long pants and sturdy footwear (hiking boots or athletic shoes) are recommended for your comfort and safety.
The program may be canceled unexpectedly for unforeseen reasons such as lightning, high fire danger forecasts and other reasons beyond control. The program will not be canceled due to rain unless lightning is spotted.
June 30 – Snakes on the Plains: Conserving Prairie Stream Habitats
This walk is located in the northern Black Hills. The Nature Conservancy along with a herpetologist from Black Hills State University will discuss the importance of riparian habitat in grassland ecosystems for reptiles and amphibians.
July 28 – Botany
This walk is located in the central Black Hills. Explore the Black Hills Montane Grasslands, a plant community type unique to the Black Hills, led by Black Hills National Forest botanists.
This program is in memory of Andrew Korth, USFS botanist, 2008-2010
August 25 – Wapiti – Bugling Bulls of the Black Hills
Join wildlife biologists from the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks for a moonlit walk in the northern Black Hills. Immerse yourself in the world of the wapiti within the Black Hills ecosystem. Explore elk biology, behavior, habitat, natural history and folklore as we listen for the first bugling bulls of the season.
September 8 – Star Gazing
This walk is located in the central Black Hills. Be ready to be guided through the universe by a physics professor from Black Hills State University. Telescopes will be set up for you to explore the night sky during this September “New Moon” night.
