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.

MT: Coyotes to Mermaids to Fens?

We are back! Each year my family and I take a trip out to Montana to visit my wife's relatives. Great Falls to be exact. I really look forward to this trip. I truly enjoy the people we spend time with (Grandma/Great Grandma, Uncle, Cousins, Neices/Nephews, Family Friends). Typically our time is spent hanging out on the deck, relaxing, napping, drinking a beer (or two), and engaging in conversation. Serious downtime. We also spend time visiting the State Fair, the Sip-N-Dip, Farmers Market, fishing if there is time and what would a trip be to MT without a visit to the DQ and the Taco Treat. We'll also try to break away from Great Falls and check out another portion of the State. This year it was a visit to Heather's cousin and her family up near Choteau. What a great time we've had. Below is a small collection of images from the trip. We always find we are never ready to come home and that just another couple days away from CA would be just right.

I'll be posting a couple separate exposes on our trip that are worth writing about. Stay tuned.