What the F#%K is a fen?

That is the first question that I asked my wife's, cousin's, husband (perhaps not in such exact words). He works for the Nature Conservancy in Montana, specifically out of Choteau. He manages the Pine Butte Swamp Preserve roughly 20 minutes out of town toward the mountains along what is called the Rocky Mountain Front. I had asked what makes the area a "swamp", clearly there being nothing "swampy" about this area. We are talking all BIGSKY and mountains, spanning out and spreading down to rolling grassland and ranches. Simply beautiful.

He politely responded by saying, "That is actually a good question, because technically it is not a swamp, it is what is referred to as a fen". He went on to explain the differences not unlike the WIKI link above.

As I recently posted, my family and I just got back from MT and are now reflecting back on the great trip we had. Visiting my wife's, cousin's family up in Choteau was a highlight. Being the Manager of the preserve he took us on a quick driving tour of a portion of the 20,000+ acres he manages. He specifically swung us by Pine Butte.

Now what makes this so interesting is certainly not the ecological difference of "swamps" VS "fens" (although I did find it interesting and plan to use the word in SCRABBLE some day). What is so interesting about this unique area, or "fen", is the following:

First it is one of, if not the, largest "fen" within the United States. And secondly it is PRIME grizzly bear habitat and boasts the highest seasonal densities of grizzly bears (and their cubs) anywhere in the continental U.S. So when I asked the likelihood of there currently being a grizzly sow with cubs down in the lush vegetation of the pic below, the answer was, "very likely". Very cool. More info to read about the preserve here.

Yes, Montana is a very wild and beautiful state. Can't wait to go back next year. Below are some additional pics from our trip look closely and you'll find a coyote within the landscape.