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Get Outside!
Published
10 years agoon
Spring transitions
By Katie Alvin Explore Big Sky Contributor
Winter in Montana is long and deep, but despite record-setting March snowfall, spring is in the air. Longer days, warmer sun and melting snow are reinvigorating to those who might be feeling some late season winter cabin fever. This is a great time to get outside and explore beyond the ski slopes.
One place to connect with a surprisingly alive and vibrant winter world is on the shore of an unfrozen section of river. Near Big Sky, this is easy. Not only does the highway follow the river, providing ample turnout parking and access within yards of your car, but warm groundwater springs that feed into the river keep it from freezing for much of its length.
While on the water, keep an eye out for a robin-sized, dark-gray bird that wades, dunks and bobs up and down on river rocks. This active, vocal bird is the American Dipper (aka Water Ouzel). A year-round resident in southwest Montana rivers, the Dipper is the only aquatic songbird in North America. It survives by dipping underwater, where it swims and feeds on aquatic insects. Both their cheerful melodic song and their streamside acrobatics make these birds fun to observe.
Many other terrestrial animals also find refuge along the stream in winter. Without much effort, you should be able to find sign of deer, moose and elk in the form of tracks or scat. Rabbits, squirrels and voles leave tracks as they skitter across the surface, often around tree trunks and shrubs. Occasionally you can find evidence of a food chain interaction: tiny prints overtaken by larger animal prints, like a coyote, or my favorite, a raptor wing landing print.
To explore outside safely, proper outerwear is essential. The best setup for more active pursuits includes a moisture wicking base layer, a warming mid-layer, and a weather-proof outer shell. If you don’t plan to work up a sweat, bundle up with maximum insulation and a waterproof, breathable exterior to retain body heat. Traveling and left your snow boots at home? You can rent a pair of snowboard boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Don’t forget that with spring now here, the days are lengthening, and with highly reflective snow on the ground, sunscreen is a must.
While spring skiing and snowboarding are great ways to have fun in April, every visitor and resident alike should take some time to more intimately experience the wilder side of our region.
Katie Alvin has lived in Big Sky for more than 20 years. With degrees in Environmental Studies and Soil Science, she has been involved with environmental and outdoor education for 25 years, and owns East Slope Outdoors with her husband Dave.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd