Some Colorful Signs that Summer is Near at the Beartooth Nature Center in Red Lodge, Montana
I have been volunteering at the Beartooth Nature Center (BNC) in Red Lodge, Montana for the past two months and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Not only did I get to learn about all the animals at the BNC but I get to educate the visitors (mainly kids from various schools in Montana and Wyoming) about the animals by assisting with the Education Program and providing private guided tours.
The following are photos I took on June 3, 2010 after I was done volunteering in the morning.
The BNC is also know for having some of the most beautiful flowers in Red Lodge comes summer. Credit goes to Clare Witcomb and Maureen Booth who are regular volunteers and year after year take care of the flowers and plants at the BNC. To see some of the results of their labor from last year (summer 2009), check out the following post: Not-So-Wordless Wednesday - Summer at the Beartooth Nature Center .
Here are some of this year's early blooms which are signs that summer is near at the BNC and that more beautiful flowers are to appear again this year thanks to Clare and Maureen and the team of volunteers that look after the gardens at the BNC.
A colorful tulip bunch. Bonnie (coyote) can be seen resting in the background in the above photo.
Don't worry, Bee Happy! :)
The flowers in the background look like purple butterflies. Don't they?
I did some research and these lupines are more commonly known as bluebonnets (the state flower of Texas). The name may come from the shape of the petals of the flower and their resemblance to the bonnets worn by pioneer women to shield themselves from the sun.
You can tell that the animal residents at the BNC are very happy that summer is near.
Peabody is a very happy peacock at the BNC. He is seen above fine tuning his announcement that summer is near.
Niles (sandhill crane) is excited that summer is near. He can been seen above doing his happy dance.
Lurch (turkey vulture) is bouncing up and down and spreading his wings to show how happy he is.
Yes, signs that summer is near are very much present at the Beartooth Nature Center.
I am very happy to volunteer at the BNC and to get to view the beautiful flowers and the happy residents on a regular basis as well as meet visitors of all ages and be able to show them this amazing place and animal refuge here in Red Lodge, Montana.
If you are planning to visit Red Lodge (or have a planned trip to Yellowstone National Park) make sure to also add the Beartooth Nature Center to your list of places to see. You will be amazed at how many interesting animals you will see and observe at close range and get to learn about. And as mentioned earlier, you will also get to see some of the most beautiful flowers in Red Lodge!
Here is one more photo of the beautiful flowers to leave you with.
Got MOOSE? :)
Information about the Beartooth Nature Center:
The Beartooth Nature Center advocates the protection of Montana's wildlife and its habitats by receiving and caring for animals that are orphaned, injured or imprinted (habituation to humans) and as a result, unable to be returned to the wild. The Nature Center provides an opportunity to educate our citizens as to the value of wildlife and its conservation. It is a non-profit wildlife refuge supported solely by private donations (make a difference in the lives of Montana's wildlife).
All photos and/or written content produced by Gerry Khatchikian. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Gerry Khatchikian.
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