Understand The Park

Mount Spokane State Park

Natural history and cultural history tours will be featured among many activities at the Mount Spokane State Park Appreciation Day on July 18.

Dr. Arthur Partridge, retired University of Idaho professor of forest pathology and entomology, will lead some short walks to explain how old growth forests work and why they are important.

Park rangers and displays with information and maps will be available from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a potluck picnic organized by Friends of Mount Spokane State Park.

“Dr. Partridge was repeatedly voted `Teacher of the Year’ during his tenure in Moscow and is a most engaging and knowledgeable instructor,” said Cris Curie, Friends spokesman.

Bill Birk, a retired natural resources instructor at Spokane Community College also will lead tours.

The event is free, but organizers ask potential participants pre-register by calling the Friends message line, 467-9343. Leave name, number of people and phone number in case there are last minute changes.

“The event will happen rain or shine,” Currie said. “Bring a picnic dish to share for the potluck and your own plates and utensils. Water is available and pop and condiments will be provided.”

The event will be based at the park’s CCC cabin: Take State Road 206 into the Park. At the large Sno-Park lot, turn left on the paved road toward the summit. Pass the campground and turn left again at a sharp turn onto Kit Carson Loop Road. Drive a short distance and turn left at a gate into the parking area. Info: 466-9540.