ANACONDA – The gate and road at Lost Creek State Park will open for the 2021 season on Friday, May 20. The campground will also open at that time.

The park campground is offered on a first-come, first-served basis through October. Visitors should keep in mind that sites that can accommodate camping vehicles more than 23 feet long are limited. The park has one hand pump for potable water, and visitors must pack out their own trash. Please plan your camping stay at the park accordingly.

Lost Creek State Park boasts spectacular gray limestone cliffs with pink and white granite formations that rise 1,200 feet above the canyon’s narrow floor. Lost Creek Falls, in the northwest corner of the park, cascades over a 50-foot drop to provide one of the most scenic and popular spots in the park. This area also abounds with opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and viewing wildlife.

Lost Creek State Park is about 12 miles north of Anaconda. For more information about Lost Creek, visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lost-creek or call 406-244-0833.

Course available June 1 online, field days scheduled this summer and fall

HELENA – People looking to get into trapping will have a new, and required, education course available online June 1 from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

The course is being developed by the Trapper Education Committee, which has members from the Montana Trappers Association and Montana Fur Harvesters, as well as staff from FWP.

During the 2021 legislative session, Senate Bill 60 passed, which requires trapper education for all trappers who have not been a licensed trapper for at least three previous seasons. The education program will include online course work and a mandatory field day where new trappers can learn from experienced trappers about trapping ethics, humane techniques, avoidance of non-target species, fur management, and safety. This course also includes the mandatory wolf trapper certification for anyone looking to also trap wolves.

“Our trapper education course is really the culmination of years of collaboration to implement mandatory trapper education in Montana,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “Trapping has a long-standing history in Montana and is not only part of our outdoor culture, but a critical tool in wildlife management. Alongside our partners from Montana trapping organizations, we’re going to ensure that we’re teaching ethical and safe trapping, that avoids conflicts and maintains the tradition of trapping in Montana.”

Trapping licenses went on sale in April. Trappers who have been licensed trappers for three previous seasons will be asked to list that experience when purchasing a license. All other trappers age 12 and older will need to take the trapper education course before purchasing a license. Wolf trappers who have taken the wolf trapper education course, but haven’t been a licensed trapper for three years, will need to complete the trapper education course to be able to trap wolves in 2022 and beyond.

The online course will be available by June 1. Two field days are already scheduled for July. More field days will be scheduled and advertised in the coming weeks.

For people who are interested in going through the course curriculum in hard-copy format, please call or email Wayde Cooperider, 406-444-9947 or wacooperider@mt.gov.

For more information, on upcoming field days, please go to https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/trapping.

Bozeman, MT— The Bozeman Swim Center will be closed to the public until further notice effective Thursday, May 19^th.

Work has begun ahead of improvements to the Swim Center approved by voters in November 2021. One of the major planned improvements is the replacement of the HVAC system to circulate and regulate air within the building. Ahead of the installation of the new HVAC system, ​inspections were conducted within the roof system leading to further structural analysis that identified issues with the integrity of the building.

As a precaution, the building will be closed to the public effective immediately until the facility can be repaired. Additional work is currently underway to inform a process for completing the necessary repairs.

The Aquatics Division will now shift focus to provide extended services to the public at Bogert Pool. Parks & Recreation Director Mitch Overton says, “we recognize the impact of this closure on Swim Center users and groups. Thank you for your patience as we prioritize public safety and gather more information on the needed repairs.”

Summer can be a very challenging time for working families with elementary age children who are out of school. These kids are not old enough to stay home alone, and their parents need safe reliable care for them so they can remain in the workforce. This often leads to a patchwork of camps and caregiver at a great expense to many families.

To help, a Summer Care Grant will be available May 20th – June 3rd for working families with children entering K-5th grade in the fall of 2022. Families will be eligible for $1,500 & $2,500 per child in scholarships to pay for summer care including nannies, babysitters, camps, and other relevant expenses.

As a local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, the nonprofit Child Care Connections (CCC) will administer regional Summer Care Grants on behalf of MT’s Early Childhood and Family Support Division (ECFSD) through the Department of Health and Human Services. ECFSD anticipates a total of 3,200 scholarships to be awarded across the state of Montana. Applications will be awarded following a regional allocation formula based on census information, to ensure equitable access.

 This opportunity is made possible by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA). Additional information and application are available at cccmontana.org or (406) 587-7786.
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Child Care Connections is a 501(c)3 nonprofit advocating for the well-being and quality care of children by supporting early childhood professionals, families, and the communities we serve. We offer services in Gallatin, Lewis & Clark, Park, Meagher, Jefferson and Broadwater Counties.

BOZEMAN — Montana State University Extension recently published six new MontGuides on a variety of topics to provide unbiased information for Montana citizens.

As part of their outreach efforts, MSU Extension specialists and agents write MontGuides with information gathered during their research and outreach work throughout the year. The fact sheets are designed for all Montanans, including agricultural producers, home gardeners, families, landowners and other groups.

New and existing MontGuides are located online at store.msuextension.org, where they can be downloaded for free, or printed copies can be ordered for a small shipping fee. For more information, call the MSU Extension Distribution Center at 406-994-3273 or email orderpubs@montana.edu.

The recently published MontGuides include the following:

Water Quality for Livestock
Livestock water requirements vary greatly depending on several factors, including temperature, animal size, production stage and moisture content of the diet. This eight-page MontGuide provides an overview of common livestock water quality issues in Montana, water testing guidance and a summary of options when water quality is very poor. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Water-Quality-for-Livestock-MT202209AG__MT202209AG.aspx.

Growing Succulents
Succulents are popular plants with indoor gardeners. This two-page MontGuide highlights how to care for and propagate these easy-to-care-for plants, which have water-storing capabilities in their roots, stems and leaves to help withstand drier climates. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Growing-Succulents-MT202208AG__MT202208AG.aspx.

Soybean Diseases and their Management in Montana
In the last decade, an increasing number of growers in eastern Montana have experimented with grain soybean. This eight-page MontGuide provides a general description of the symptoms, causes and management of the major soybean biotic diseases that are more likely to occur and become problematic in Montana. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Soybean-Diseases-and-their-Management-in-Montana-MT202206AG__MT202206AG.aspx.

Physical Activity: Different Types, How Much is Needed and Health Benefits
This four-page MontGuide provides guidance as to how much, and what type, of physical activity is needed based on the 2020 National Physical Activity Guidelines. It also provides tips and tricks for increasing physically active time and summarizes health benefits that can be gained from incorporating physical activity into daily life. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Physical-Activity-Different-Types-How-Much-is-Needed-and-Health-Benefits-MT202207HR__MT202207HR.aspx.

What Does Yellowing or Chlorosis Tell Us About the Health of a Plant?
This eight-page MontGuide addresses questions about plant chlorosis and yellowing discoloration and provides some visual examples, with steps to evaluate symptoms and causes of chlorosis. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/What-Does-Yellowing-or-Chlorosis-Tell-Us-About-the-Health-of-a-Plant-MT202205AG__MT202205AG.aspx.

Water Productivity of Montana Crops
This four-page MontGuide discusses the amount of additional grain or biomass a crop can produce with additional water. This crop water productivity guide describes how to estimate soil water storage and water productivity for various crops in relation to yield potential, which helps growers evaluate crop rotations. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Water-Productivity-of-Montana-Crops-MT202204AG__MT202204AG.aspx.

Bozeman, MT— Beginning this week, a portion of Sourdough Road immediately south of the Triple Tree Trailhead to the Nash Road intersection will be fully closed.

Work is underway to complete a new water transmission main line along Sourdough Road between Nash Road and Goldenstein Lane. The project begins on Sourdough Road near the Triple Tree trailhead parking lot where the prior Phase 1 project left off and ends with connection to the Sourdough reservoir and flow control station. This project will increase the capacity between the water treatment plant and the reservoir to match the rated capacity of the plant and will also provide critical redundancy between the two.

CK May Excavating is the contractor for this project, and work will include roadway milling, installing a new water transmission main in the roadway, and roadwork associated with the project.

Beginning on or about Tuesday May 17th, Sourdough Road will be closed for approximately 2 weeks immediately south of the Triple Tree Trailhead to Nash Road. Access to the Triple Tree subdivision and the Triple Tree Trailhead will only be from Goldenstein Lane. No access to Nash Road from Sourdough will be available.

The public is advised to use the detour route on South 3rd Rd. Following this work, Sourdough Road will have road closures to thru traffic for the duration of the project. Please watch for changing detours and delays. CK May Excavating will preserve a single lane of traffic through the work site for emergency and local resident traffic only. Completion of the project is expected to be this fall, please watch for flaggers, road closures, changing detours, and expect delays.

For more information please visit: www.bozeman.net. Please see attached detour maps.

Learning a new language can be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. But can fun and games lead to efficient language learning?

Absolutely!

When you enjoy the learning process and get excited about it, it increases the activity of neurons in your brain. These neurons produce hormones that increase positivity, motivation, cognitive function, learning abilities, energy, and attention. So, finding a fun way to learn a new language is great for you, but it works! It doesn’t mean you can throw your textbooks away just yet. Fun learning activities to be supplemental to explicit study. The idea is to incorporate enough fun activities into your study schedule so you don’t get bored or disheartened. And many of the ideas below are easy to incorporate into your schedule every day.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are full of opportunities to connect with native speakers and practice your reading and writing skills. Find groups that match your interests and are using your target language. You will be reading and writing posts before you know it.

Play Online Video Games

Popular games like Minecraft and Call of Duty allow you to connect with users worldwide. Look up some gameplay videos in the target language to see what language is being used. Connect with native speakers through the gaming community and you will be joining their gaming teams quicker than you can say “surrender”!

Try An Online Class

Ever thought of taking German lessons? Or maybe French? Online language platforms like Preply offer fun, interactive classes that allow you to practice with a qualified, experienced tutor. 

Find Friends Online

Language exchange sites are great for connecting and chatting with native speakers. But interactions can be stiff, scripted, or stunted. Nevertheless, there are plenty of platforms for ex-pats or individuals living abroad where you can connect with speakers of your target language. 

Go On a Date!

Are you a single language learner looking to practice speaking skills with other single language learners? First dates are always awkward. So why not make it a little more so by choosing someone primarily because of their mother tongue! Many dating apps allow you to use filters to choose language and location. And you never know. “The One” may speak your target language!

Change the Language Settings on Your Phone   

Given how much time we spend on our phones, this is a great way to force yourself to use the target language. It also requires zero changes to your schedule to achieve. Just make sure you have the time and space to change it back if you get in a muddle!

Spring Road Trips and Sightseeing

If you live in a country that speaks your target language, taking a trip is a fun way to practice. You will be reading road signs and maps and expose yourself to the culture, architecture, and landmarks.

Recipes, Cooking and Ordering Food

If you’re a foodie who loves to cook, then doing so in the target language is great for extra practice. You can find recipes and instructional videos online that you can follow. If you’re more of an eating type foodie, then you could be the one to read and translate the recipes. Or choose one of your favorite target language speaking restaurants.

Have a Laugh…

Learning a new language doesn’t have to mean sitting with a textbook or in front of your computer the whole time. Evidence suggests that this may not be the most effective method anyway. Some formal training and learning for aspects of grammar and vocabulary will always be necessary. If you team it up with some of the suggestions above, not only will you have fun while learning, but you’ll also be learning more effectively. 

If you’re a first-time cannabis consumer, you might find yourself feeling a bit confused and overwhelmed when it comes to cannabis and cannabis consumption. Well, cannabis is an ancient and extremely popular plant. This plant is used recreationally and medically, and there are many benefits associated with cannabis consumption. Some of the most popular benefits include pain relief, anxiety relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and help with sleep disturbances. You will find that there are many ways you can consume cannabis and even more cannabis devices to choose from. But, if you want to begin consuming it, you must understand these consumption methods. In this article, we will be shining the light on some of the most beginner friend consumption methods so stick around!

Edibles

Edibles are food and baked goods that contain cannabis. These are consumed orally and are considered one of the safest and healthiest consumption methods. Edibles are also beginner-friendly because eating requires no skill or practice at all. One thing you must know is that when you consume edibles, there is a waiting period of 60 minutes- 2 hours before the effects start to kick in and you mustn’t consume more edibles during that waiting period because edibles are infamous for the intense and potent high you experience. You can also expect to feel the effects for upward of 12 hours, with some consumers claiming to feel the effects up to 24 hours later. A few of the most popular edible products include brownies, gummies, and cookies.

Cannabis-infused drinks

Cannabis-infused drinks are the new popular kid on the block that is currently one of the dominating markets in the cannabis industry. Again, drinking is something we’ve been doing since birth so this is such an easy way to consume cannabis. Besides being beginner-friendly, cannabis-infused drinks are portable and discreet which is especially helpful for first-timers who don’t want to attract any attention while consuming. If you’d like to try some cannabis-infused drinks, some of the most popular products include ice tea, juice, water, and even alcoholic beverages such as beer and cocktails.

Vape pens

Vape pens are handheld inhalation device that enables you to vape concentrates. These devices are generally disposable and can fit into your pocket which is great for on-the-go consumption. Vape pens are also easy to use and unlike more traditional inhalation methods, you won’t have to worry about combustion because vaping produces a vapor which is considered a healthier option. Vape pens have a mouthpiece, a chamber, and a body that makes the device resemble a pen. These devices also use heating technology that is typically pre-set with this device; however, some devices allow you to choose your heating temperature for a more personalized experience.

Oils

Cannabis oils are also growing in popularity, with CBD oils becoming a hit in the medical marijuana community. Oils are great for topical use or you can consume them orally by cooking with them or placing a few drops in your baking mix for some delicious edible. You can also consume oils directly by placing them in your mouth. This is a convenient, easy, and discreet consumption method and these oils offer a more concentrated form of cannabis that delivers much more potent effects. Oils are also popular for medical use because you get CBD oils that do not induce any psychoactive effects. You can use these oils for pain relief, sleep disturbances, and many more.

Water pipes

Lastly, we have water pipes which are one of the most popular and traditional ways to consume dry cannabis. They come in a variety of sizes and for beginners, but small water pipes are considered a good choice mainly because they are easy to use and require less breath when inhaling. However, if you want a more powerful hit, a bigger water pipe is the way to go. Larger water pipes also have much better airflow because these devices have a longer smoke chamber which works to your advantage by filtering the smoke and reducing throat and lung irritation. Water pipes are great for quick hits and fast-acting effects. You also use much less cannabis per session which enables you to save weed long term.

On Monday, May 16, 2022, Montana Science Center partnered with Montana State University Optics and Photonics Society and the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance for International Day of Light. The day celebrates the role light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The celebration allows many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrate how science, technology, art and culture can help build the foundation for peaceful societies.

Every year theInternational Day of Light is celebrated on May 16th, marking the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman and is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development.

Bozeman’s International Day of Light features two main events. During the day, Montana Science Center will host students from MSU’s Optics and Photonics Society for hands-on, family friendly activities. These demonstrations of optical phenomena encourage understanding of light science and concepts. MSC will also announce the newest permanent exhibit, Light Lab: A photonic exploration, opening June 2022. The partnership between MSC and the Optics & Photonics Society sparks curiosity in young scientists about light science, encourages development of critical stem skills and showcases STEM pathways to careers in optics and photonics.

In the evening, both groups will partner with the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance for an evening at MSU’s Norm Asbjornson building featuring speakers, demonstrations and networking for adults. Featured speakers, MSU Professors Erik Grumstrup, Sara Mast, and Joseph Shaw, will give short lectures about light in nature, art, climate, and energy. These events are hosted by The Optics and Photonics Society at Montana State University, Montana Science Center, and the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance.

The public is invited to these events, which will be held at the Montana Science Center at 2744 W. Main St. from 10am to 1pm on Monday and from 5pm to 6pm at Montana State University.