2008 Monday Night Guest Speaker Series

Monday nights at the Game Lodge Campground offer a variety of guest speakers for interested visitors.  Western South Dakota is rich with cultural history and teaming with an assortment of natural features.  Furthermore, many historical events in the Black Hills played an intricate role in the heritage of western North America.  The guest speaker series allows visitors to understand the stories behind the scenery of the Great Plains.

Each program is presented at the Tatanka Theater, located within the Game Lodge Campground.  The guest speaker series begins on June 2^nd and concludes on August 25^th.  Unless noted, each program begins at 9:00 p.m.

June 2 / Managed Forests are Healthy Forests

Bill Hill, Senior Forest – Custer State Park

Custer State Park has a long and diverse history of forest management that dates back to 1916.  Today, management efforts take place across 50,000 acres of timber and encompass thinning projects, commercial harvests, and natural disturbances.  This presentation focuses on the various hands-on activities that take place in one of the largest state parks in the nation.

June 9 / Black Elk Wilderness: A Pure Environment for the Public

Gus Malon, Black Hills National Forest

The Black Elk Wilderness Area consists of over 9,000 acres of unchanged spruce-pine forest habitat.  Established by the United States Congress in 1980, this wilderness area houses one of the most famous peaks in the Black Hills - Harney Peak.  To preserve this natural area, along with complementing the recreational demands of an ever-increasing public, the Black Hills National Forest takes on many challenges.

June 16 / Images of North American Wildlife

Guy Tillet, Professional Photographer

North America is home to bison, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, turkeys, birds of prey, and many other species of wildlife.  Take a photographic journey across the country and witness an array of natural features that stun even the most avid outdoor enthusiast.

June 23 / Snakes Alive - Part I

Terry Phillips, Reptile Gardens

This program focuses on the various snake species inhabiting western South Dakota.  Learn how to identify snakes by observing live animals during this interactive presentation.  A prairie rattlesnake will be on hand to highlight the only venomous species in the Black Hills.

June 30 / Custer’s Cook, Sarah Campbell - A Living History Presentation

Joyce Jefferson, Joyce Jefferson Creates Stories in Song

Sarah Campbell was born a slave in the early 1800s.  Also known as Aunt Sally, she worked on steamboats along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.  However, perhaps her most famous story was during Custer’s Expedition to the Black Hills in 1874.  NOTE: This presentation is sponsored in part by the South Dakota Humanities Council and Black Hills Parks and Forests Association.

NOTE:  This program is made possible by the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

July 7 / Rock Climbing in the Black Hills

Daryl Stisser, Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service

Rock climbing is a recreational activity (and sport) just like fishing, boating, and swimming.  The Needles and Cathedral Spires of Custer State Park are considered some of the best rock climbing routes in the Midwest.  This program features the art of rock climbing and exposes the audience to the basics of one of the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation.

July 14 / CC Gideon and His Mark in the Black Hills

Marilyn Oaks,

CC Gideon played an intricate role in the development of Custer State Park.  From its scenic roadways to the construction of the State Game Lodge, his mark can be found almost everywhere.  Come to this program and listen to the stories of this colorful historical figure through the words from his granddaughter.

July 21 / Custer’s Expedition of 1874 Forever Changed the Black Hills

Paul Horsted, Professional Photographer

Lt. Colonel George A. Custer entered the Black Hills in the summer of 1874 on a military expedition.  Upon discovery of gold near the present-day city of Custer, this historical moment forever changed the western frontier.  Using past photographs with modern-day images, participants will explore Custer’s route and witness the changes that have taken place over the past 134 years.

July 28 / Bats of the Black Hills

Brad Phillips, Black Hills National Forest

Bats are perhaps the most misunderstood wildlife species in the Black Hills.  Their nocturnal habits cause visitors to only speculate on their whereabouts and natural history.  This presentation takes visitors through the “every night” life of a bat … as well as exposes participants to the management efforts happening within the Black Hills.

August 4 / Life of the Bighorn Sheep

Guy Tillet, Professional Photographer

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are one of the rarely seen species of wildlife living in Custer State Park.  However, their presence adds to the natural diversity of the landscape.  Take a photographic hike through the park in search of bighorn sheep, while learning about their habits, lifestyle, and significance within the Black Hills.

August 11 / Nostalgic Movie Night

Interpretive Staff, Custer State Park

Bring back some campout memories by attending a showing of an “older” movie, entitled Prairie Spring.  This 16mm, reel to reel movie highlights the scenery of Custer State Park through a production by the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.  Bring some popcorn and take a step back in time to witness the technological entertainment of the 1970s.

August 18 / Snakes Alive - Part II (8:30 p.m.)

Terry Phillips, Reptile Gardens

This program focuses on the various snake species inhabiting western South Dakota.  Learn how to identify snakes by observing live animals during this interactive presentation.  A prairie rattlesnake will be on hand to highlight the only venomous species in the Black Hills.

August 25 / Fishing in the Black Hills Takes More than Bait (8:30 p.m.)

Randi Sue Smith, D.C Booth Fish Hatchery

Black Hills fisheries are an important part of the tourism economy within South Dakota.  However, most visitors are unaware that trout are not native to the region.  Historically and from today’s view, fishing is a critical part of any wildlife management program.  This presentation showcases the changes over time with fishing activities.