Join the US Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy Saturday, June 30, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to learn about reptiles and amphibians of western South Dakota and the habitats they depend on.
Dr. Brian Smith, a herpetologist from Black Hills State University, will present on local species of “herps” (the study of amphibians & reptiles) and discuss ways that we can protect their habitat and things to look for when trying to spot them in nature. The Nature Conservancy’s Western South Dakota Conservation Manager, Corissa Busse, will discuss the importance of conservation within the riparian areas of grassland and forest ecosystems.
Participants in the scheduled Moon Walk event will walk approximately 1 mile roundtrip over uneven terrain to a unique riverine ecosystem.
To reach the Moon Walk, travel west from Spearfish on I-90 and take exit 2. At the off-ramp turn right (north) to Highway 14 and turn right (east) at the “T”. Travel 0.2 miles to McNenny Road and turn left (north). Follow McNenny Road 1.4 miles to Coxes Lake Road and watch for parking area signs.
The drive from Spearfish, SD will 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. Bring binoculars or spotting scopes to spot birds and wildlife along the hike.
As this hike is in ‘snake country’, it is important that hikers’ attention is focused on the surroundings, children and dogs need to be kept in control, long pants and sturdy footwear (hiking boots) 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.
Starting this year, the Black Hills National Forest, in partnership with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association will be 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.
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.
Speakers include The Nature Conservancy, Black Hills State University, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks and the Black Hills National Forest.
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
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.
