Summer Project Recap
Friends of Hyalite has been busy this summer! With magnetic counters installed along the Hyalite Road, we’ve been able to track how many vehicles visit Hyalite per day. Labor Day weekend we counted 200 per hour. Since Hyalite is such a busy and well-loved recreation site for locals and visitors alike, Friends of Hyalite is continually working with the Forest Service to keep it safe, clean, and accessible. Join us as we journey back to look at the projects we’ve completed this summer.
Spring Clean Up Day
Our 2019 Spring Clean Up Day was on May 11th. We focused on cleaning debris from the fire pits and parking lots. Over the years we’ve removed thousands of pounds of garbage from the canyon. This is an ongoing effort, and we will continue to host our bi-annual clean ups in fall and spring.
Outhouse Awareness
Outhouses at Hyalite trailheads are maintained by a local septic company contracted by the Forest Service. However, when visitors dump trash into the toilets it makes it difficult for the contractors to pump them clean. In the past three years two outhouses had to be closed because the septic company was unwilling to clean up the mess (they’re open again now). Friends of Hyalite brought this situation to the public’s attention as a way to educate people on proper outhouse use. Friends of Hyalite is also raising money to help pay for outhouse pumping. Your donations and proper use of the facilities are what keep them available to the public.
Moser Fence Pulling
Our evening stewardship project this summer consisted of removing a section of the 24 miles of barbed wire fence that was once used for cattle grazing along Moser Creek. Friends of Hyalite and hearty volunteers spend three evenings removing barbed wire fencing so that wild animals and recreationists alike can move safely through the forest. There is much more fence removal still to be done.
Looking Forward
Take a peek at upcoming events with Friends of Hyalite!
Fall Clean Up Day
Our Fall Clean Up Day is October 12th! We will meet at the Day Use parking area at the reservoir at 12:00 and work until 4:00 when we will enjoy a late lunch sponsored by Pickle Barrel, Outlaw Brewing, Schnee’s, Costco and A Personal Touch Cleaning.
Christmas Stroll
Friends of Hyalite will be at the Christmas Stroll, sharing space with the Bozeman Ice Fest in the Lark parking lot on December 7th. After visiting Santa, try out the climbing wall, or warm up around the fire pit with some hot chocolate!
Bozeman Ice Fest
We will be tabling at the Bozeman Ice Fest at the Emerson this year, December 11th - 15th. Come learn about what we do, and donate to earn one of our coveted “I Plow Hyalite” stickers!
Hyalite Tour
We will once again be partnering with the Bridger Ski Foundation for the annual Hyalite Tour event at the Day Use Area on December 28. Join us and the many hearty cross country skiers having fun and learning more about the winter recreation opportunities that Hyalite provides.
Sneak Peek: HyaliteFest
The wheels are in motion for our first annual HyaliteFest, which will take place in August 2020. It will include a day of family-friendly activities in the canyon, a brewfest, local food, and a celebration of our city’s watershed. Stay tuned for more information!