Don’t Be Stubborn! Meet the Mules on U of Montana Oval Tuesday
If you're promoting outdoor course offerings and adventures with a bit of a "kick," it's pretty clever marketing to hire spokes-mules.
And the public has a chance to meet the stars of the awareness campaign. Once again this year, to promote summer programming, University of Montana News Service tells us that a pack train of mules will make their way onto the UM Campus Oval during the noon hour this coming Tuesday, March 28. Their mission is to help raise awareness about summer courses available, as part of the annual UM Summer Kickoff.
The U.S. Forest Service Northern Region Pack Train of mules will do their meet-and-greet free of charge for one hour. Everyone is invited. And this mule train has a pretty impressive resume.
A PACK TRAIN OF PROS
Based at the Ninemile Ranger Station, the mules do educational events, help with community service and work for the Forest Service in Montana, Idaho and North Dakota. The appearance includes a packing demonstration. This is also a hands-on experience, as some in attendance can try their hand at packing.The mules are led by Robin Connell, the regional pack train manager; Smoke Elser, a well-known local outfitter, and packers from Back Country Horsemen of Missoula.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Among the classes offered this summer, students can learn about “Wilderness Policy and Packing” (May 22-June 9) and go on a five-day “Wilderness Pack Trip” (June 12-16) into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with Dr. Eva-Maria Maggi. Scholarships for the pack trip are made available from the Back Country Horsemen of Montana and its local chapters, Grizzly Rider International, the Connie Saylor Memorial Fund of the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation and UM’s Department of Political Science.
If you would like to find out more about the course offerings, contact Becka Simons, associate director of UM Summer and Pre-College, at 406-243-5674, or email becka.simons@mso.umt.edu.