Mules On the Oval took place at the University of Montana Oval on Tuesday.

This annual event raises awareness of summer opportunities as part of the UM Summer Kickoff.

The mules are based at the Ninemile Ranger Station outside Missoula.

The mules do educational events, help with community service and work for the U.S. Forest Service in Montana, Idaho, and North Dakota.

The pack string circled the Oval and stopped for a demonstration. It was a hands-on experience, and attendees were able to try their hand at packing.

This event was also an opportunity for students, staff, and the community to learn more about summer course offerings.

Among the classes, students can go on a five-day “wilderness pack trip” into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with these packing mules.

“These are mules, this is the northern region pack train. So, they pack the whole summer supporting projects for trails, wilderness, backcountry facilities, and they work throughout the whole summer to improve the trails and provide public access,” said Laura Johnson with the U.S. Forest Service.

For more information on the packing program, you can visit the University of Montana’s website, to learn more about UM Summer.