The Summit Nature Center is opening for the summer

WHITEFISH, Mont. – In partnership with Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and Whitefish Mountain Resort, the Summit Nature Center is set to open on Saturday.

The hours of operation for the nature center will be Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Summit Nature Center can be accessed by walking or taking a chairlift to the Summit House.

The center will have hands-on wildlife exhibits to teach visitors about plants and animals in Northwestern Montana. Bears, mountain lions, wildflowers and fire ecology are just a few of the many Montana natives that visitors can learn about.

Kids aged 8-12 can participate in the Junior Forest Ranger Program at the center as well. The program teaches kids about the national forest, hiking and trail safety, animals, survival skills and other topics to learn about.

Kids can later turn in their completed programs to become an Official Junior Forest Ranger and receive a special patch and card.

Youth groups are also invited to schedule a Summer Discovery Program with a center naturalist for a hands-on, interactive day-long program.  It includes a short hike and exploration in the nature center.

The Summit Nature Center asked to call well in advance to schedule.

For all ages, there are ranger-led “discovery walks” that take 20-30 minutes to complete.

Visitors may see or spot signs of many different wildlife, including mule deer, several birds, mountain lions, black bear, weasels, the snowshoe hare and pine squirrel.