Environmental tips for July

  • Published
  • By Janelle Broach
  • Malmstrom Scout Leader
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Wildlife certainly started to appear everywhere on Malmstrom in June. Redwing blackbirds successfully laid their eggs and await their hatchlings to fledge. Northern Leopard frogs find solace throughout the day, and doves, like roosters, wake us up in the morning with their coos. Fawns entrust their mothers to forage for food on blistering afternoons, while painted turtles bask in the sun to generate heat.

Throughout the month of July people Nationwide celebrate Biodiversity Month. Biodiversity is a word for the plants and animals you find in a certain area. The more biodiversity in an ecosystem, the healthier and stronger it is.

Let's take a look at what else is happening this month.

In 1941 July 4th was declared a federal holiday by Congress. The declaration was read in public and, on many occasions, it caused outbursts of cheers and celebrations from loyal patrons. Military events, parades, fireworks and speeches have marked this day for many years. The United States has also adopted other ways to commemorate this glorious day. Summertime activities include picnics, barbecues, campouts, baseball games, watermelon eating contests, lemonade stands and visits to the
beach. Don't forget to check out Great Falls' Fourth of July Parade. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce.

Here are some other interesting events this month:

July 6th-14th is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona

July 11th is World Population Day; this is an annual event to raise awareness of global population issues. For more information, please search the web.

July 14th starts the Great Falls farmer's market evening hours. For more info, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at
761-4434.

July 29th The pet and doll parade takes place in Great Falls.

July 30th marks the beginning of the Great Falls State Fair.

Every Thursday at 5 p.m., you will find people celebrating 'Alive at 5' in the city. This weekly event provides our community with food, music and activities for the kids. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at the number listed above.

July 30th is declared Schools Tree Day. This is a day students, faculty and parents can get their hands dirty by planting native trees and shrubs on school grounds for beautification and education.

As July heats up, more of us will find ourselves looking for watering holes to cool down. Why not check out some of our local areas such as the Sluice Boxes State Park or Monarch for a ride on a natural rock slide. How about tubing in Lewistown, or taking a raft ride down the Missouri?

Whatever your choices are to comfort yourself from July's heat wave, remember to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and only water your yard during designated hours.