Preparing for Winter Fun

SEELEY LAKE – Winter is on its way and the Seeley Lake Regional Outdoor Center for Kinetic Sports (SL ROCKS) is prepared for its arrival. Monday Oct. 10 volunteers began assembling the yurt at the Seeley Creek Nordic Trail System. They finished Tuesday with the help of Kelsi Luhnow's third grade class from Seeley Lake Elementary (SLE).

After donning high-visibility vests, the SLE students hiked from school to the trailhead. Luhnow said as they walked they talked about western larch needles turning yellow and about bear safety. They even came across what appeared to be mountain lion scat.

When they arrived at the trailhead Seeley Lake resident Rob Loveman spoke to them about the different ways he has volunteered in the community, and how helping others has made him feel good.

The class then divided into three stations. At one station students moved benches and tables into the yurt and piled up firewood inside for easy usage. At another station they picked up litter. At the third station they hauled downed branches and other debris to a slash pile. The students rotated through the stations, allowing each child to participate in all three clean-up activities.

Students had enough time and energy left to hike around the Logger Loop of the trail to check for additional debris and to explore nature.

SL ROCKS President Chris Lorentz said of the young helpers, "They were a great group. Very helpful and they all had a fantastic attitude."

Luhnow said she helped the students generate ideas about how they might take action in other ways to help their community and world. She passed along some of the students' reflections on the experience.

Lilium Young: "I think it was helpful [clearing debris] because it is not helpful to step on branches and we need wood for the hut."

Haidyn Bradshaw wrote, "I felt good and proud and I want to do it more!"

John Debernardi: "It made me feel good when I helped the community."

The yurt isn't officially open to the public until snow arrives and ski trail grooming begins. However Lorentz said the facility would be available for educational purposes such as the on-going SLE Outdoor Education or projects by Seeley-Swan High School students.

A new addition to the yurt this year is a sturdy ramp on the side opposite the stair entry. The ramp conforms to the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides yurt access to disabled skiers or visitors.

Lorentz said he is looking forward to a great winter season. He said according to early weather predications Seeley Lake should get lots of snow and can anticipate a long ski period.