Trailhead: Schley Mountain
Miles to Camp: 3
The Schley trailhead is a popular access point to the heart of the Great Burn, and is a great jumping-off point to the southern portion of the Stateline trail. The lush native meadows in the area provide valuable wildlife forage, making it an important area to keep weed-free. Volunteer will assist our Restoration Program Director (who also happens to be a birder!) in biocontrol monitoring and hand pulling in Kid Lake Meadows.
Access to Schley TH requires a high clearance vehicle. Contact volunteer@greatburn.org for carpooling options.
**All volunteer trips are subject to change due to ever-changing fire activity.
Difficulty
Hiking
Moderate: The hike in to Kid Lake is relatively easy with minimal elevation gain. After arriving at the lake, the group will be hiking below the lake each day to do work. This has significant elevation gain/loss but will have time to climb back up to the lake.
Work
Moderate: Volunteers will be on their feet, walking off trail, and handpulling noxious weeds.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Carpooling is encouraged to Schley TH. From the trailhead, we will make our way on trail #738 to Kid Lake (3 miles).
Day 2 | From Kid Lake, we will day hike to Kid Lake Creek Meadows, where the group will conduct biocontrol monitoring (using sweep nets to look for Chrysolina beetles) and hand-pull targeted noxious weeds. We’ll be back to camp at Kid Lake for the evening. (6 miles round-trip)
Day 3 | We’ll have a relaxed morning in camp with some opportunity to explore the Stateline area. Pack up camp and head back to Missoula by mid-day.
Great Burn Conservation Alliance trips are Free. Each volunteer will be required to make a 100% refundable deposit to secure a trip spot. The cost of the deposit is $50, which will be returned if you cancel at least 3 weeks before your scheduled trip or once you attend the trip. A lot of planning goes into these trips and we need to make sure you’re committed! If you are unable to make a deposit, please reach out to hayley@greatburn.org.