Field Notes: Escape the Rally... Find the Wild on August 14th
Field Notes: Escape the Rally...Find the Wild on Friday August 14th
Sturgis brings thousands to the Black Hills every August — but most never see what's just off the pavement. On August 14th, step into a different kind of ride. Field Notes with Tom Tonkin is a 1.5-hour immersive introduction to the wild Black Hills — the animals, the plants, the tracks, and the signs most people walk right past. Whether you're here for the rally or in spite of it, this is your chance to discover the Black Hills in a way that few see it.
Class Overview
Black Hills Parks & Forests Association invites you to join Education Specialist Tom Tonkin for an engaging 1.5-hour introduction to the art of nature observation. Through photos, videos, and stories, you’ll discover how naturalist skills can deepen your understanding of the natural world around us.
What We’ll Explore
Animal tracking and survival techniques explained through real-world examples
The plants and wildlife of the Black Hills and surrounding ecosystems
Hidden meanings behind animal calls and signs
Interactive Q&A where you can test your knowledge and curiosity
Why Attend
This class is designed for anyone who loves the outdoors or wants to begin looking at nature in a new way. Whether you are a family, student, or lifelong learner, Field Notes offers fresh perspectives and practical insights into local flora, fauna, and helps you gain the skills that help us connect with them. You will also learn what you can do to help protect and care for the public lands around the Black Hills.
Details
Length: 1.5 hours (5pm-6:30pm)
Cost:10$ or $30 for a family of up to 4
Format: Interactive presentation, personal stories, visuals, discussion, and optional audience participation.
Tom Tonkin is the Education Specialist for Black Hills Parks & Forests Association. With over 30 years of experience teaching naturalist skills, Tom has worked with Wilderness Awareness School, Tracks & Trees Learning Center, and numerous state and county programs. His teaching blends storytelling with practical skill-building to inspire connection to the natural world.
Location
Black Hills Parks and Forests Association Nature Shop
833 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer SD
About Black Hills Parks & Forests Association
Founded in 1946, BHPFA is a nonprofit dedicated to interpretation, education, and stewardship in partnership with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and other public land agencies across the Black Hills and Nebraska Panhandle.
