The Wings over the Rockies Festival, May 7 to 13, has scheduled active events specifically for those naturalists who enjoy the beauty of the Columbia Valley at a faster pace than do bird watchers.

Local hikers, bikers and runners will lead activities requiring moderate to strenuous exertion.

On Wings Monday, John Ashby, will lead a group on a strenuous all-day hike, and in the afternoon, two moderate hikes are scheduled:  Exploring the Edgewater Flume with Norm Funnell and Hydrological Cycles in the Columbia Valley: The Role of Weather with Bill Thompson.

Gerry Wilkie and Taoya Schaefer will lead the Old Coach Interpretive Walk through a provincial Wildlife Management Area on Tuesday afternoon.

On Thursday morning, cyclists can go Biking and Birding with Ruth Goodwin along the Rails to Trails route from Kimberley to Cranbrook.

Depending on the snowline on May 10, Jim Bonny will lead a strenuous hike somewhere in the Purcell Mountains.  Bill Ayrton and Deborah Griffith will explore the geology and wildlife in the Sinclair Canyon Ramble.

Friday’s Hike the Trench with Andy Stuart-Hill is a low elevation hike in the Columbia Valley.

The Historic Thunder Hill Mine is the destination of Colin Cartwright’s more challenging expedition.

Len Luders and Lev Lipkov will be Exploring Dutch Creek from the perspective of both human and geological history.

Finally, on Saturday morning, runners can join Beva Kirk for a Wetland Trail Run through prime bird habitat.

Participants should check the fitness levels required for each activity.  Also, it is important to register early, as these events have maximum participant numbers.

Registration for Wings Festival started on April 9. For more information see www.wingsovertherockies.org.