The Blackfoot River: A Conservation Success Story with NorthSky Adventures

Date: Saturday, June 13 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. Location: Meet at the Montana Natural History Center. Travel by NorthSky Adventures van. Cost: $150 MNHC members/$160 non-members Registration closes Friday, June 5 Travel to the iconic Blackfoot River on a day tour with North Sky Adventures that tells one of Montana’s greatest conservation success stories. Guests will learn how a river once heavily impacted by mining, logging, and pollution was restored through decades of collaboration, science-based management, and community stewardship. As you explore this now-pristine trout stream, you’ll see firsthand how healthy watersheds support thriving fisheries, wildlife, and local communities—an inspiring example of how thoughtful conservation can bring a landscape back to life. We’ll stop at Milltown State Park, Johnsrud Park, Daigle’s Eddy, Sheep Flats, Whitaker Bridge, and Ninemile Prairie before ending the tour at Clearwater Junction. What’s Included: -Expert interpretation and insight from our professional naturalist guides -A full lunch -Drinking water, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages -Roundtrip transportation -Binoculars, spotting scopes, trekking poles, and bear spray -Entrance fees and permits -Our guides carry emergency communication devices, first aid kits, and are current WFRs or EMTs What to Bring: -Reusable water bottles -Clothing, footwear, and raingear and layers appropriate for changing Montana weather conditions -Backpacks -Guide gratuity -Sunscreen -Bug spray -Weather is highly variable, and it is advisable to check the weather before the tour -We recommend bringing a fleece or puffy jacket and a rain jacket just in case Activity Level: Easy. On and off the van multiple times throughout the day. Standing. Walking on flat ground.