Outdoor notes

BIRD-WALK SCHEDULE

The Saturday tour schedule for the free nature/bird walks with the Wild Bird Center for October is:

Oct. 1—— Nature Conservancy Layton Wetlands; Oct. 8 — Kaysville USU Botanical Gardens and Ponds; Oct. 15 — Kayscreek; and Oct. 29 — East Kaysville Foothills Wilderness Park.

Tours leave the center at 8 a.m. and carpool to the destination. The walks are designed for beginning birders, especially families. All birders are welcome. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.

DREDGING AT WILLARD BAY

Dredging began at Willard Bay State Park South Marina on Monday and is expected to last four weeks.

Because of safety concerns, the South Marina is closed to public access. Dredging removes sediments that have built up during low water years. Boat launching, day-use and camping are available at the North Marina. For more information call 435-734-9494.

EAST CANYON CONSTRUCTION

On Saturday, the boat ramp at East Canyon State Park will be partially closed due to construction and will close Oct. 15 for the season. Access to day-use facilities, including restrooms and shelters, will also be limited because of renovation.

Due to limited facilities, day-use fees are waived until further notice. Primitive camping is available at Big Rock Campground on the south end of the lake for $8 per site, per night.

As completion of the new campground, concession building and restrooms nears, park improvements will focus on the boat ramp, day-use area, yurt/group area, office and new entrance road. These projects coincide with the off-season and lower lake levels.

Next season, visitors will enjoy an improved campground with shelters, campsites with full and partial hook-ups, and two restrooms with showers in the camp loop. A new concession service will also be in operation with new facilities.

SNOWBASIN EVENT

Snowbasin Resort will hold its 6th annual Fall Festival and Uphill-Downhill race on Saturday.

Needles Gondola rides will be $8 for adults and $5 for children 7-12. The Gondola will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other activities will include authentic Mexican cuisine and Mariachi band, Bavarian Food and German music.