Forest fun planned for community

Community groups have come together to plan a day of fun in the forest on Saturday, September 17, at the Mule Pasture in Thompson Falls. The Forest Fest is an outdoor educational event for forestland owners and those who enjoy living near the forest. The free event will offer demonstrations, information and activities for all ages.

The Mule Pasture is located just north of Thompson Falls Elementary School on N. Columbia Street. The land is owned by the U.S. Forest Service and offers several miles of family friendly trails through 150 acres of natural forest. Trailheads and parking lots are available on N. Columbia and Church streets as well as Weber Gulch Road.

Forest Fest begins at 10 a.m. at the Mule Pasture, with presentations taking place every 30 minutes. Near the parking lot at N. Columbia Street, booths will be set up from various local organizations along with a kids’ activity tent, first aid station and a welcome table. Food will be available for purchase from the Btchn Ktchn 406 BBQ truck, and water will be offered free. Demonstration stations will be located along the trails just a short walk from the booth area. The event will wrap up at the Mule Pasture around 1 p.m.

Presentations at the Forest Fest will range from fire management, pest and disease, and wildlife management to plant and weed identification, hiking and backpacking, and U.S. Forest Service practices. Demonstrations will also be available on horse packing, crosscut sawing and using a sawmill. Industry experts from Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, MSU Extension Forestry and Friends of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will present on these topics.

Following the activities at the Mule Pasture, the Forest Fest will continue with special presentations at the Harlow Bison Ranch at 391 Harlow Rd in Thompson Falls. Talks will begin at 1:30 p.m., focusing on logging operations, conservation easements, and a water and fishery project. Ranch owner Melinda Anakalea will speak on these topics along with experts Regan Plumb from Kaniksu Land Trust and Peter Kolb from MSU Extension Forestry Department.

Join the day of family fun and facts in the forest September 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Mule Pasture and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Harlow Bison Ranch in Thompson Falls. For more information, visit Kaniksu Land Trust’s Facebook page or email [email protected].