"WHO" is up first for 2010 Moon Walks?

The following release comes from Amy Ballard at the U.S. Forest Service:

Join the Black Hills National Forest on Saturday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. for an educational walk featuring owls. This 2 mile roundtrip walk through an aspen grove on a forest 2-track road is located west of Highway 385 between Pactola Reservoir and Sheridan Lake.

The featured speaker is Nancy Drilling, biologist, with the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory in Colorado. She is currently conducting owl surveys in the Black Hills and will bring her owl calls with her to the program. Ms. Drilling will discuss owl vocalizations, their habitat needs, nesting habits and biology along with survey results.

To reach the Moon Walk site from Rapid City, SD travel west on Highway 44 to the intersection of Highway 385. Turn left or south on Highway 385 and travel approximately 8.2 miles to Horse Creek Road (FDR 243). Turn right or west on Horse Creek Road and travel 2.3 miles to FDR 343.2J. Turn left and travel approximately .3 miles. Signs will be posted at major intersections to guide visitors to the parking area.

The Forest Service suggests that visitors dress for unexpected weather and cooler nighttime temperatures. The program will not be cancelled due to rain unless lightning is spotted. About 100 visitors per walk have been attending the programs so please arrive early to aid us in parking vehicles.

For more information about the program and summer schedule or if you would like to be placed on an internet mailing list to receive the Moon Walk news releases and directions please call the U.S. Forest Service at 605-343-1567 or go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills