Kootenai festival

The Nature Conservancy and the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge are presenting two days of activities and programs this week to acquaint the public with the nature and history of the lower Kootenai River Valley near Bonners Ferry.

“Weed awareness field trip, 9 a.m.-noon on Friday: Learn to identify and manage noxious weeds. $5 fee includes lunch. Preregister, (208) 267-9629 or email jpetty@tnc.org.

“Jack Nisbet, author and historian, speaks on David Thompson’s connections with the Kootenai Valley followed by presentations by the Forest Service and Kootenai Tribe, Friday, 7 p.m. at Kootenai Refuge Environmental Education Center.

“Paddle canoes on Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., with Jack Nisbet and other historians on a 14-mile stretch of the Kootenai River to discuss history, flora and fauna. Cost: $50, includes paddling equipment. E-mail sgrourke@tnc.org.