The “Explore the Owyhee Canyonlands” 2008 desert recreation series kicks off April 12 with a hike through Leslie Gulch. Other outings this year will provide adventurers with the opportunity to view sage grouse at sunrise, snowshoe and view migratory birds, get the kids out for a family hike and explore historic cultural sites while traipsing cross country through sagebrush country.

The spring recreation series is organized by Idaho Conservation League, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Idaho Rivers United, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club and The Wilderness Society. Trip details and downloadable brochure are available online at www.owyheeinitiative.org. All outings are free, but space is limited. For more information or to register for a hike, please call or email Marcy Westover, Idaho Conservation League, at 345-6942 x14 or mwestover@wildidaho.org.

“These trips are designed to get folks out into this vast, incredible country safely with experienced, knowledgeable guides. We are fortunate to have such great volunteers donate their time to share these places they find special with others in the Valley,” said Jessica Ruehrwein of Sierra Club. Currently 517,000 acres have been proposed for Wilderness protection and over 300 miles of rivers are up for Wild & Scenic River designation in the Owyhee Canyonlands. Now pending in Congress, the Owyhee Initiative Bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Crapo, would offer lasting protections for these areas.

SPRING DESERT OUTINGS SCHEDULE
April 12: Leslie Gulch
Visit the mini-canyon country of Leslie Gulch just across the border in Oregon. Enjoy the red rocks, green of the juniper, and blue skies of this late spring hike. Hike leader: Alan Hausrath. Leave Boise at 8:30 am, back 5 pm.

April 19: Owyhee Petroglyphs
Hike cross-country approximately 4 ½ miles along upper Pole Creek with hike leader Bill Eastlake. Meet in Boise at 8 am, return by 6 pm.

April 26: Sunrise with Sage Grouse
Join Idaho Rivers United executive director Bill Sedivy and Idaho Fish and Game biologist Michelle Commons-Kemner to observe sage grouse do their mating dance at sunrise. Leave Boise at 4 am, return at 1 pm.

April 26: Snowshoe to Avondale Basin
Snowshoe 7 + miles into an Owyhee “Sky Island” out near Silver City. Observe many migratory bird species along the way and discuss the rampant ORV damage witnessed along the route. The route is intermittently forested with scenic granite outcrops and good views of the valley. This is a moderate-strenuous trip and hikers must be prepared for muddy, sloshy and snowy ground. Trip leader: Rich Rusnak. Carpool from Nampa at 8:30 am, return at 5 pm.

May 3: North Fork Owyhee Family Hike
Family-friendly hike near the No. Fork Owyhee Campground. We’ll scramble and hike, look at wildflowers and discuss the incredible canyons and take in breath-taking vistas. For kids 8 years old and up, must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Hike leader: John McCarthy. Carpool from Boise at 8:30 am, return by 4 pm.