The U.S. Forest Service Northern Region Pack Train of mules will again be at the University of Montana Oval at noon Tuesday, April 1, to raise awareness of summer course offerings as part of the fifth annual UM Summer Kickoff.
The free meet-the-mules event will run for an hour, and members of the media and public are welcome to attend. Sponsors include the UM Summer Office, UM College of Humanities & Sciences, Back Country Horsemen of Missoula and Forest Service.
Based at the Ninemile Ranger Station near Missoula, the mules are part of education events, help with community service and work for the Forest Service in Montana, Idaho and North Dakota. The pack string will circle the Oval and stop for a packing demonstration on the Oval. This will be a hands-on experience where attendees will have the opportunity to try their hand at packing.
The mules are led by Robin Connell, the regional pack train manager; Smoke Elser, a local outfitter and conservationist; packers from Back Country Horsemen of Missoula; and UM students.
This event is also an opportunity for students, staff and community members to learn about summer courses and opportunities from various UM colleges, departments and local nonprofit community partners.
“UM provides unique learning opportunities that are experiential and take place in the unmatched landscapes of western Montana,” said Becka Simons, associate director of UM Summer and Pre-College.
To learn more about UM Summer, visit the UM Summer website.
