FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 12, 2007

Contact: Mark Sundlov

(701) 572-9034

NATURAL WORLD OF THE CONFLUENCE PROGRAM
AT MISSOURI-YELLOWSTONE CONFLUENCE CENTER SEPTEMBER 29

WILLISTON – The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center will host a special day to learn about and interact with nature in its beautiful natural environment on Saturday, September 29. A wide array of activities are scheduled for visitors to learn more about the natural world that surrounds them.

Starting at 9 a.m., long-time birder and member of the Upper Missouri Birders’ Club, Bob Guderjohn, will provide an introduction to birding and discuss tools, techniques, and tips for successful birding. Guderjohn’s experience coupled with his engaging personality will ensure this informational session is helpful for first-time birders and those who have been birding longer.

At 10 a.m., following the introductory lecture, visitors are invited to take to the Confluence’s walking trail with Guderjohn to practice what they have learned and identify many of the Confluence’s native birds.

At 10:30 a.m., Professor Susan Zimmerman of Williston State College will offer children the opportunity to engage nature through a number of activities including plant collecting and identification. Although this portion of the program will be targeted for the children, adults will find it equally enjoyable and educational.

Concluding the program at 11:30 a.m. will be experienced geocacher Debbie Crossland, who will provide an introduction to geocaching. This hobby challenges participants to find geographic pinpoints across the state, and beyond. Participants see places they have never been before while partaking in ‘geographic treasure-hunts’. Geocachers quickly become a part of a select group of citizens who develop new challenges and rewards for each other. This hobby is exciting for everybody from teens to older adults. Crossland will explain the ins and outs of the hobby while taking participants on a short walk to find the Confluence’s geocached treasures.

All events, as well as a continental breakfast and noontime snacks, are free for all participants.

Located one-half mile east of Fort Buford, the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center tells the story of the confluence of these two mighty rivers, as well as provides the same magnificent view that Lewis and Clark Expedition members enjoyed when they visited in 1805 and 1806. The Confluence Interpretive Center is open year-round. From May 16 to September 15, its hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week. From September 16 to May 15 it is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Admission is $5 per adult, $2.50 per child, ages 6-15, and children 5 and under are admitted free. The fee also covers admission to Fort Buford State Historic Site, and vice versa.

The Center also includes a meeting room, rotunda and an open plaza facing the Confluence. The meeting room is available for use during and after operating hours. Equipment is available for no charge, including a slide projector, overhead, screen, easel with white board, public address system, and a coffee percolator. The rotunda and open plaza are available to groups after operating hours only. A $25 security fee is charged for after hours use, with a minimum use requirement of two hours. The admission fee is waived for groups that rent the facility.

Free admission to all sites administered by the State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND) is one of the many benefits for members of the SHSND Foundation. Others include a 15 percent discount on museum store purchases, and the quarterly publications North Dakota History and Plains Talk. To become a member, call the Foundation at (701) 222-1966 or click on the membership button on the agency’s website www.nd.gov/hist.

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