Learn more about nature at Forest Service events all summer long

Guided walks and other nature programs are planned throughout the summer on the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Here are some of the upcoming events.

Big Four Ice Caves: Rangers will lead interpretive hikes at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday from July 4 through Sept. 7. The Big 4 Ice Caves is an ADA Accessible trail and is a short, easy hike for all ages and all abilities. Meet at the Big 4 picnic area, 14 miles east of the Verlot Public Service Center on the Mountain Loop Highway. Free, no reservations required. A federal recreation pass is required for parking. For more information call the Verlot Public Service Center at 360-691-7791.

Verlot Public Service Center: Come join Smokey Bear at the Verlot Public Service Center on the Mountain Loop Highway at noon on July 18 and Aug. 22. Rangers will host a Smokey Bear storytime on the lawn. Bring a sack lunch to eat while you listen. For more information call the Verlot Public Service Center at 360-691-7791.

Nooksack river walk: NSEA River Stewards will teach visitors about salmon and stream ecology in the Nooksack River and how to preserve habitats at 1 p.m. on Saturdays from July to September. Visitors will go for a walk up the Horseshoe Bend Trail and learn about rivers and riparian zones. Children are welcome. Free, no registration required. For more information contact Annitra Peck at 360-715-0283 ext. 105.

To get there: Travel east on Highway 542 approximately two miles from the Glacier Public Service Center. The Horseshoe Bend trailhead is on the right side (east) of the highway, across from the Douglas Fir Campground entrance.

Mt. Baker and Heather Meadows: The Heather Meadows Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are a variety of exhibits on local flora and fauna. Presentations will be offered throughout the summer at the visitor center. Free, no reservations required. A federal recreation pass is required at Heather Meadows.

For more information call the Glacier Public Service Center at 360-599-2714. The visitor center is at milepost 56 on Highway 542.

Meet a Ranger: Though Sept. 13 on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Forest Service field rangers will lead guide a presentation about natural and cultural histories along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway. Meet on the ramp at Heather Meadows Visitor Center.

Family Weekend at Heather Meadows: Aug. 22 and 23. Activities appropriate for kids of all ages will be available on both days. Kids can hike with a naturalist, take a short walk with a ranger, meet Smokey Bear or become a Junior Ranger.

Guest speakers: Local historians, scientists and artists give presentations at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center.

July 25 at 1 p.m: Graham Messe will talk about the history and importance of glaciers in the Pacific Northwest and the glacier monitoring program at North Cascades National Park.

Aug. 1 at noon: Michael Impero will talk about the history of the Mt. Baker Lodge. Impero is author of “The Lone Jack: King of the Mount Baker Mining District” and “Dreams of Gold.”

Aug. 2 at 1 p.m.: Join staff from Western Wildlife Outreach to learn about bears in the North Cascades and get a chance to experience hands on displays.

Aug. 8 at 1 p.m.: Janet Oakley will talk about early female hiking clubs and the impact they had on public lands.

Aug 15 and 16 at 1 p.m.: Join Smokey Bear and a field ranger to hear Smokey’s story and learn how to prevent wildfires.

Aug. 22 at 11:30 a.m. and Aug. 23 at noon: Forest Service volunteer and avid outdoorsman, Elmer Roomsa, will share his knowledge about the local black bear and cougar populations.

Aug. 29: Nooksack Tribal elder Tammy Cooper-Woodrich will tell traditional stories about the animals, plants, and people of the Nooksack River drainage.

Crystal Mountain: Interpretive Ranger Walks are at 11 a.m. 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sunday and Mondays through September.

A ranger will lead a short, one-hour interpretive hike from the summit of Crystal Mountain. Visitors will learn about local flora and fauna, human history and the geologic processes which have shaped the landscape. Meet near the top of the gondola. Come early as the walks begin promptly at their scheduled times. Free, no reservations required. Call the Silver Creek Service Center at 360-663-2284 for more information.