Nature
Nature is part of everything we do around here – no matter where you are, you're only a minute or two from the great outdoors. This section is about the flora & fauna that we encounter on a daily basis, as well as the photography, art, poetry, and conservation ethic inspired by these encounters.
Mammals
The open prairie and hills of southwest Montana are prime areas to spot pronghorn, the fastest distance runners in the world. Fans of the cheetah may argue that the African feline is faster, but they’re only correct if the distance is up to a quarter mile or so. Read more >>
The effects of climate change are already evident, and the stakes are high for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers living in southwest Montana who recreate year-round in Yellowstone National Park. Read more >>
Yellowstone Park’s brucellosis-infected bison have been in the Montana Department of Livestock crosshairs for years, but the newest round of shots might prove less fatal. Read more >>
There are a lot of annoying critters out there, both wild and domestic—packrats, mice, magpies, roosters, raccoons, possums, porcupines, and poodles to name a few. But as far as sheer destructiveness goes, nothing in my experience beats a marmot. Read more >>Other Animals
As the summer sun beats down, everyone knows to apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water—but what about parasites? Those nasty little bloodsuckers are out there, waiting to use your body (and your dog's!) to fuel their own. Read more >>
A few years ago, I passed a slowpoke on the road in front of me, returning to my lane just in time to see eyes staring down my headlights. Before I could swerve, the impact crushed the hood of my Honda CRV like an aluminum can. The car sputtered and stopped. Read more >>
With Park splendor, recreational fun, wildlife sightings, and a spectacular summer sunset practically guaranteed daily, it's hard to ask for a fuller day in Gardiner. With a little planning, you don't have to. Butterfly Count naba.org Read more >>
Montanans know all too well the dread-inducing buzz of a rattlesnake’s tail—and how these slithering serpents can cast a dark shadow over an otherwise glorious summer day. Read more >>Birds
The shadows stretched long as my wife, daughter, and I drove to our friends’ ranch to catch a few fish on the Madison. Getting out of the car we noticed a commotion above us. Three ospreys flew around erratically; then we saw an eagle, and then another, talons outstretched and beaks open. Read more >>
A few years ago I was guiding a family in Yellowstone National Park and, as usual, we were focused on bears. But while having a picnic under a big Douglas fir, we were all startled to see a red-tailed hawk drop down into the sagebrush about 15 yards away. Read more >>
Harrison Lake, aka Willow Creek Reservoir, just east of Harrison in the Madison Valley, is now formally an Important Bird Area (IBA)—the 40th IBA in Montana. Read more >>Fish
Trout are surprisingly sensitive fish. Oftentimes, trout are released by anglers who believe the fish is fine—when in fact it will die within a day or two due to the stress and exhaustion of the catch. Read more >>The effects of climate change are already evident, and the stakes are high for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers living in southwest Montana who recreate year-round in Yellowstone National Park. Read more >>
In a rapidly growing western landscape, the ability to assimilate into the local culture is a skill and even a gift. Read more >>
One of my earliest fishing memories has a mountain whitefish at its heart. I don’t know how old I was, but I do know that I was infected by the fishing fever. Read more >>
I’m not sure when I started wanting a drift boat. I do know why. On various trips around Montana, I’d drive past glimmering rivers and catch an occasional glimpse of a drift boat, anglers fore and aft, a hardy captain at the oars. Read more >>Plants
The effects of climate change are already evident, and the stakes are high for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers living in southwest Montana who recreate year-round in Yellowstone National Park. Read more >>
Healthy soil is the basis of healthy plants and a healthy environment. When garden soil is in good shape, there’s less of a need for fertilizers or pesticides. Read more >>
It’s easy to rebuff Old Man Winter by ducking inside, stoking up the woodstove, and thumbing your nose at the howling winds beating vainly on the windows. But what about your botanical buddies outside? Think they’re having a good time, completely unprotected while winter rages on? Read more >>
Did you know there’s a wild garden around you? It’s available for your viewing pleasure during easy ambles on trails around town and on steeper stretches that reach up to 10,000 feet. Some of the flowers are like jewels that hug the ground; others paint the view as far as you can see. Read more >>
Want to grow your own veggies? Interest in raised-bed gardening is growing, and the local climate and soils make them a great way to go in Bozeman. Here's how to get started.Why a Raised Bed? Read more >>Conservation
The effects of climate change are already evident, and the stakes are high for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers living in southwest Montana who recreate year-round in Yellowstone National Park. Read more >>
Catch this! Over a quarter of the state’s angling occurs here in Region 3 with seven premier wild trout streams, more than 90 fishing access sites (FAS), and some splendid high-mountain lakes. As the peak of fishing season draws near, here are some things to keep in mind. Read more >>
Class IV means churning rapids, dangerous rocks, and high waves. Anything less than powerful and precise maneuvers means swimming—or worse. And “Wilderness” means no cell phone service, no roads, and no real easy way to fix a disaster. Read more >>
Dorms were a luxury that evening, muddy floors and all. My hankering for the last Hershey Bar in camp led to desperate things: 100 push-ups later, it was mine—a simple pleasure hard-won through sweat equity, perseverance, and a dose of crazy, cheering buddies. Read more >>
We Montanans have a lot to be proud of when it comes to contributing to our nation’s conservation legacy: Montana is home to two of America’s most beloved national parks—Glacier and Yellowstone. Read more >>Paint & Poetry
Shakespeare wrote “thy breath be rude,” but I think thy breath has little attitude. Dullness, neglect, but not vulgarity— of emotions you haven’t even slight sincerity. While your chill betrays some tempered winds, your stillness renders still their sin. Read more >>
The last of the geese have frozen over in my backyard, covered in a foot of snow. I dig one out each week and thaw it in the fridge—with a high success rate; even the runt is able to take flight after a few days at 50 degrees. Read more >>
Ahead of me Hardscrabble cracks knuckles against clouds. Behind the Bridgers splay crags in the oystery air. I move to a tango. Skies and poles glide, cut, break. I am partnered by the wind against whom I tangle, kick. Read more >>
From time to time the river would expel a pronounced “gurgle” as water rushed into a pocket created by the infinite droplets moving in their mysterious ways. She listened from the bank and watched the water pass by. Read more >>
Roads of the West refuse to end, they waver over rivers, roll sleeves up cityscapes. Comb hair in windows of downtown breakfast joints or fancy looking cowboy bars. They shuffle hooves with wild horses, cross wood bridges over dried up Read more >>
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Yellowstone Park
Three decades of experience offering programs in the Park, focusing on small-group learning and good times in the field, led by instructors and naturalist guides who know Yellowstone inside and out.
