We’re wild about Montana Wilderness Association!

If you aren’t familiar with Montana Wilderness Association, you’re truly missing out on one of this state’s greatest treasures.

For more than 50 years, the nonprofit has been working with communities across the state to protect our wilderness heritage and traditions – making considerable effort to preserve both our public lands as well as our wild places.

And in addition to all the hard work they do working behind the scenes on a community and state-wide level, they also host an incredible recreation-focused website designed to help us all take full advantage of the great hiking opportunities Montana provides.

We’ve been delighted to partner with Montana Wilderness Association for more than a year as part of our weekly “Trail Well Traveled” hiking series, and now we’re excited to help them out with their upcoming fundraiser, Wildfest 2017.

Join the Trail 103.3 and MWA September 8th and 9th for a full weekend of FREE guided hikes, kids’ activities, wildlife tours and outdoor adventure tips.

Wildfest 2017 is also your opportunity to learn about the association’s groundbreaking work and to get some important training on how YOU can help preserve Montana’s public lands.

Friday’s agenda includes a presentation from Montana author Pete Fromm; Saturday’s plans include hikes, birding and a tour of the historic Ninemile Ranger Station – PLUS later that evening kick back at Fort Missoula with local food and brews while enjoying live music from Holy Smokes & the Godforsaken Rollers, bluegrass stars Kuinka and Missoula’s own Mendelssohn.

Check out the full weekend itinerary HERE, or check out a truncated version below.

And whether you can make it or not, we hope you’ll continue to support Montana Wilderness Association in all its efforts – and don’t forget to keep it wild!

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Friday, September 8th at Fort Missoula

• Noon-1 pm, Lunch and Socializing: Swap adventure stories, explore new trails, and enjoy some of the region’s best music at this year’s WildFest. The Friday activities will start at noon and lunch will be provided by The Trough Deli.

• 12:45-1:30 pm, Welcome to WildFest: The association’s Western Montana Field Director will welcome you to Missoula with a photographic journey of the Bitterroots and Sapphires, the Great Burn, and the headwaters of the Blackfoot. Hear how they’re working to protect these wildlands and glean ideas for your “must see” adventure list for the weekend.

• 1:30-2:30 pm, Choose Your Own Adventure: Spend 20 minutes getting up-close and personal with a few of MWA’s focus regions. Learn about the latest conservation strategies,, see some gorgeous pictures and maybe even get a few tips for your next adventure.

• 2:45-3:15 pm, The Public Lands Rollercoaster: Learn about critical work grassroots and legislative action undertaken by MWA in the previous 12 months, including bumps the road, how members have been making a difference and an outlook on the year ahead.

• 3:15-4:30 pm, Activism 406: Get some invaluable training on ways you can work to make sure your voice is heard.

• 4:30-5 pm, Closing remarks

• 5:30-7 pm, Reception:  Hear from bestselling author Pete Fromm, mingle with fellow association members and fellow wildlands supporters over appetizers, craft beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic drinks, and take your chance on some great adventure items at silent and live auctions.

Saturday, September 9th at Fort Missoula

• All morning: Join MWA on FREE guided hikes in and near Missoula as well as throughout the region. Learn history, development and enjoy breathtaking scenery, bird-watching and wildlife. Hikes range in difficulty from easy to moderate and start around 7:30 am. Registration is required, and you can do that now via the WildFest event website.

• Ninemile Ranger Station activities: Enjoy guided tours of the historic ranger station near Alberton, as well as the Tri-con Lumber Mill in St. Regis, reclamation work undertaken by Trout Unlimited in the Ninemile Valley, the nearby bighorn sheep habitat and a mules and packing demonstration. Tours vary in start time and duration beginning at 9 am; register HERE.

• 3-6 pm, demos, presentations, kids’ activities and movie screenings: Stop by the Bella Vista Pavilion at Fort Missoula for food trucks, great local brews and lots of fun activities for all ages, including presentations and demos from Wild Skies Raptor Center, Bitterroot Audobon Society, Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation, REI, Trout Unlimited and Montana Wilderness Association. Event also includes hands-on children’s games and activities and screenings of the movie “Bud’s Place” and shorts from the International Wildlife Film Festival.

• 4-5:30 pm, closing ceremony: Live music from Mendelssohn, Holy Smokes & the Godforsaken Rollers and Kuinka.