Join wildlife biologists from the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks for a moonlit walk in the northern Black Hills Saturday, August 25th at 7:00 p.m. Immerse yourself in the world of the wapiti (elk) within the Black Hills ecosystem. Explore elk biology, behavior, habitat, natural history, folklore and listen for the first bugling bulls of the season.
To reach the Moon Walk from Lead, SD, travel south on US HWY 85 for approximately 4 miles. Turn south (left) on North Rochford Road (Hwy 17). After 7.8 miles, turn right onto Besant Park Road (FSR 206). Travel about 6 miles to a large opening on the north side of the road. Signs for the elk management area and designated parking will be visible. Please allow 45 minutes’ drive-time from Lead.
From Rapid City, SD, take SD 44-West from town and turn north (right) on US HWY 385. Drive approximately 12 miles and turn left onto Custer Crossing Road (FSR 256, about 1.5 miles north of Roubaix Lake). Travel another 6 miles, turn north (right) onto North Rochford Road (Hwy 17). In 1.7 miles, turn left onto Besant Park Road (FSR 206). Follow directions outlined above to the designated parking area. The drive is about 90 minutes’ from Rapid City.
Visitors should bring flashlights, water, bug repellant, and dress for unexpected inclement weather and wear sturdy footwear for hiking on uneven terrain. Bring binoculars or spotting scopes to spot birds and wildlife along the hike. The program may be canceled unexpectedly for unforeseen reasons such as lightning, high fire danger forecasts and other reasons beyond control. The program will not be canceled due to rain unless lightning is spotted.
The Black Hills National Forest, in partnership with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association is selling ‘Black Hills Moon Walk’ collector pins. This year’s pin, 1.125-inches in diameter, features a Great Horned Owl hunting in the forest. A different designed pin is anticipated each year. You can purchase the inaugural “2018 Black Hills Moon Walk” pin, for $5.00 (cash only), at a Moon Walk program. Your purchase of this pin will directly support the Moon Walk and other educational programs.
The Black Hills National Forest announces the Moon Walk interpretive program schedule for the 2018 season. In its 23rd year, Forest visitors will explore the importance of fire, reptiles and amphibians, botany, bugling bulls and learn about the stars in the night sky above the Forest.
Speakers include The Nature Conservancy, Black Hills State University, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks and the Black Hills National Forest.
Moon Walks are held on a Saturday night close to the official full moon and begin at 7:00 p.m. Most programs last for 1-2 hours and visitors walk an average of 1 mile round trip. As each Moon Walk nears, specific directions to individual programs will be posted on the Black Hills National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills or call (605) 343-1567.
2018 Moon Walk Schedule
August 25 – Wapiti – Bugling Bulls of the Black Hills
Join wildlife biologists from the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks for a moonlit walk in the northern Black Hills. Immerse yourself in the world of the wapiti within the Black Hills ecosystem. Explore elk biology, behavior, habitat, natural history and folklore as we listen for the first bugling bulls of the season.
September 8 – Star Gazing
This walk is located in the central Black Hills. Be ready to be guided through the universe by a physics professor from Black Hills State University. Telescopes will be set up for you to explore the night sky during this September “New Moon” night.
