July 7, 2025 • 39 mins
Today, we’re heading to the U.S.-Canadian border in Montana to explore Glacier National Park. In this episode we discuss some of the fascinating features of the park, some plants and animals, learn about the geology and history of the park, and complete a Junior Ranger activity together.
Junior Rangers are explorers, learning all about the park’s ecosystems, plants and animals, and how to protect nature. The Junior Ranger program is not just for kids; it's for the young, and the young at heart!
A Special Thanks to Glacier National Park!
Source: https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
Trail Trivia Sound Effect by Justin & Robin
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/honey-its-sunny
License code: GKQFT9URIZXZJGMG
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:07):
Welcome to NPJR, where we explore the great outdoors one
National Park at a time. I'm Justin and I'm Robin.
We encourage you to. Pause the podcast.
At any time and discuss some of our talking points or try
answering our trail trivias. Today we're heading to our
favorite National Park, Glacier National Park.
(00:30):
Located in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana, Glacier
National Park is a breathtaking natural treasure spanning over
1,000,000 acres of pristine wilderness, making it the 12th
largest National Park. Established on May 11th, 1910 as
the United States Eighth National Park, Glacier is often
(00:51):
referred to as the crown of the continent.
The park is also a critical partof the world's first
international peace park, formedin partnership with Canada's
Waterton Lakes National Park in 1932, symbolizing cross-border
conservation and friendship. Glacier is currently home to 26
(01:12):
named glaciers that meet the size.
Criteria of. .1 square kilometers.
Which is about. .4 square miles.Or.
Roughly 25 acres. The number of glaciers has
significantly decreased due to climate change, as there were
over 150 glaciers in the 19th century.
The park is also. Home to several unnamed.
(01:34):
Glaciers. Rock glaciers.
And snow fields visitors. Flock.
To experience the parks going tothe Sun Rd., A50 mile scenic
highway renowned for its stunning views and engineering
marbles with over 700 miles of trails, countless Alpine lakes
showcasing the unparalleled glacial meltwater and abundant
(01:56):
wildlife. Glacier is a.
Haven for. Trail lovers, adventurers,
photographers. And nature enthusiasts.
Glaciers elevation ranges from just over 3000 feet at its
lowest point near the Flathead River to 10,466 feet at the
summit of Mount Cleveland, the park's highest peak.
(02:19):
Glaciers northern location and high elevation mean it has a
short peak season for ideal weather, typically limited to
July and August. As a result, most of the parks
3.2 million visitors in 2024 arrived during these two summer
months when the iconic Going to the Sun Rd. is open.
(02:41):
The park's busiest year on record was 2017 with over 3.3
million visitors. Since its designation as a
National Park, Glacier has welcomed more than 128,000,000
visitors. Interesting facts about Glacier
include its distinction as a UNESCO.
World Heritage Site. And.
Biosphere Reserve the park. 'S unique position at the
(03:03):
meeting point of several ecosystems, Prairie, forest and
Alpine tundra supports one of the most.
Diverse. Habitats in the National Park
System Iconic species like grizzly bears, mountain goats,
moose and bighorn sheep roam itslandscapes, and its waters are
among the purest in the world, sustaining native fish species
(03:25):
like the threatened bull Trout Trail.
Trivia What gives glaciers lakesthe unique beautiful blue color?
It's called glacial till, which is a mixture of rocks, gravel,
sand, silt, and clay that is left behind when a glacier
(03:47):
melts. It's created as the glacier
slowly moves across the landscape, grinding up bedrock
beneath it like a giant sheet ofsandpaper.
This process creates a very finepowdery sediment known as many
things, including glacial flour,glacial milk, rock dust, rock
flour, and rock powder. When glaciers melt, they carry
(04:11):
this glacial flower into lakes and rivers, the unique blue
color of many. Glacial lakes.
Like the ones you see in GlacierNational Park comes from this.
Glacial flower. Suspended in the.
Water Here's. How it works The fine particles
are so small that they don't settle to the bottom quickly.
Instead, they stay suspended in the water, scattering sunlight.
(04:35):
The sunlight that hits the watercontains all colors, but the
fine sediment reflects and scatters mostly blue and green
wavelengths. This gives the lakes their.
Striking turquoise, teal or Milky blue.
Color so the. Next time you see that
incredible blue in a glacial. Lake you're.
Actually seeing the result of thousands of.
(04:56):
Years of ice. Grinding rock into flower and
sunlight bouncing off of it in. Just the right way.
The land now known as Glacier National Park has been cherished
by humans for thousands of years.
The human history here is as rich and buried as its
landscapes. The Black Feet, Salish and
(05:16):
Kootenai Tribes considered the region sacred, with its towering
peaks and verdant valleys woven into the spiritual beliefs and
cultural practices. The Black Feet in particular
referred to the area as the backbone of the world.
The Black Feet Nation, who live east of the park, have deep
spiritual connections to the land.
(05:38):
They believe the towering peaks were created by Napi the Old
Man, a key figure in their creation stories.
The western regions of the park were traditionally used by the
Salish and Kootenai, who hauntedand gathered in the area's
abundant valleys in the 19th century at European fur trappers
and settlers arrived, drawn by the region's abundant wildlife
(06:01):
and natural. Resources by the late. 1800s As
the western frontier developed, explorers and surveyors began
mapping the area, uncovering itspotential for tourism and
conservation. Railroad companies, particularly
the Great Northern Railway, played a pivotal role in
promoting Glacier as a destination.
(06:22):
Recognizing the region's naturalbeauty, they built lodges and
chalets, many of which remain today, like the Lake McDonald
Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel, blending Swiss style
architecture with the rugged mountain landscape.
In 1910, President William Howard Taft signed the
legislation establishing GlacierNational Park, making it one of
(06:44):
the earliest parks in the system.
The iconic Going to the Sun Rd.,completed in 1933, opened up the
park to more visitors, allowing for easier access to its most
remote areas. Today, glaciers cultural
heritage. Continues through the.
Stories of park. Rangers, conservationists and
local communities. Who work to preserve.
(07:04):
Its history and ecosystems. Native American.
Tribes actively collaborate. With the NPS to honor their
ancestral ties and share their perspectives on the land.
Over the decades, Glacier has faced.
Numerous challenges from climatechange threatening its.
Glaciers. To increasing visitor numbers
impacting its ecosystems, conservation efforts continue to
(07:26):
prioritize the protection of this fragile and iconic
landscape for future generations.
Another challenge Glacier faced in the mid 1900s was the growing
issue of human wildlife interactions, made worse by poor
management practices, particularly the widespread
feeding of bears. These policies led to
(07:48):
increasingly dangerous encounters, culminating on a
stormy night in 1967 that brought national attention to
the problem. Maybe the most famous event in
National Park history, The Nightof the Grizzlies, a book by
journalist Jack Olson, refers toa tragic and pivotal event that
(08:09):
occurred on the night of August 12th, 1967 in Glacier.
On that night, in two separate and unrelated incidences on
opposite sides of the park, two young women, Julie Helgeson and
Michelle Koons, were killed by grizzly bears.
These were the first recorded fatal bear attacks.
(08:30):
In the park's history and they occurred within.
Hours of each other. Forever changing how wildlife
management was handled in national parks in the years
leading up to the attacks, humanbehavior and park policies
inadvertently contributed to growing bear aggression.
Campers frequently left food scraps near campsites, and bears
were often fed garbage at park dumps, which became popular
(08:53):
attractions for visitors. Bears began to associate.
People with food. Losing their natural fear and
becoming more aggressive and. Bold despite.
Warning signs and minor incidents Park officials did not
fully anticipate or address the growing risk.
On the night of the attacks, Julie Helgesson and a friend
were camping near Granite Park Chalet, where a known bear had
(09:16):
been active. That bear attacked Helgesson in
the early morning hours, fatallywounding her.
Across the park at Trout Lake, Michelle Coons was also fatally
attacked while camping with friends.
Both attacks were unprecedented in the park's history and sent
shock waves through Glacier and the National Park Service.
The aftermath of the night of. The Grizzlies.
(09:38):
Led to a major overhaul and bearmanagement policies across
national parks. Glacier permanently closed open
air garbage dumps, implemented strict food storage and waste
disposal regulations, and launched educational campaigns
to. Teach visitors how to safely
coexist with wildlife Rangers. Also became more proactive in
(09:59):
identifying and removing problembears.
The tragic events of that night became a turning point in the
history of Wildlife Conservation, emphasizing the
importance of respecting naturalanimal behavior and reducing
human impact on wild environments.
Bear attacks and Glacier are rare, averaging just one per
(10:20):
year, and are almost always non fatal.
That said, it's essential to stay informed about current bear
activity before entering the park and to understand the key
differences in how to respond toencounters with black bears
versus grizzly bears. We've covered these safety tips
in previous episodes and strongly encourage everyone to
(10:43):
do their homework before venturing into wild areas.
In Glaciers history, there have been 10 fatal bear attacks.
Only three involved hikers, and two of those were solo hikers.
Outdoor and wilderness safety education along with.
Basic first aid. Training should.
Be a top. Priority when planning any trip
(11:03):
into remote areas. Especially where cell service.
Is limited and emergency help may be far.
Away while bears safety. Often gets the spotlight.
It's just one of many important topics to understand
statistically. Visitors to National.
Parks are far more. Likely to experience incidents
due to drowning or motor vehicleaccidents than from wildlife
(11:26):
encounters. In fact, drowning and vehicle.
Related fatalities are the. Two leading causes of death in
National Park units, while animal attacks rank at the
bottom of the list. 12 out of 12total categories.
Tallied by the NPS. The geologic story of Glacier is
(11:51):
1 of immense time, tectonic forces and ancient environments.
The foundation of the park was laid over 1.5 billion years ago
during the pre Cambrian era whenshallow seas covered what is now
northwest Montana. Over millions of years, layers
of sedimentary rock composed of mud, sand and lime rich material
(12:13):
accumulated and eventually hardened into formations like
the Belt Supergroup, which dominates much of glaciers
visible landscape today. These rocks are notable not only
for their age, but also for containing some of the oldest
and best preserved fossilized algae and early life forms,
giving scientists rare insight into Earth's early biosphere.
(12:37):
The most dramatic event in. Glaciers.
Geologic History. Came about 170 million years ago
during the formation of the Rocky Mountains, a massive
uplift known. As the Lewis overthrust fault.
Occurred where a. Huge.
Slab of ancient pre Cambrian rock measuring roughly 3 miles
(12:57):
thick, 50 miles wide and 160 miles long was thrust eastward
over much younger. Cretaceous.
Rock This unusual phenomenon created the park's iconic
towering peaks where older. Rock lies atop.
Younger rock defying the typicalGeo During the last Ice Age,
(13:20):
which peaked around 20,000 yearsago, massive glaciers carved
deep U-shaped valleys, sharpenedmountain ridges and sculpted
cirks which are 1/2 open, steep sided, hollow at the head of a
valley or on a mountainside formed by glacial erosion and
hanging valleys throughout the park.
(13:40):
Although most of those glaciers have since retreated, their
legacy remains etched into the landscape, and a few small
glaciers like Grinnell and Sperry still persist today,
though rapidly shrinking due to climate change.
In essence. The glacier we see today is the
product. Of ancient seas, tectonic
(14:01):
collisions and the. Slow but powerful.
Movement of ice, a testament to the dynamic and layered.
History of Earth itself glaciershave shaped both the.
Landscape and the story of Glacier National Park From the
beginning, indigenous peoples long referred to the region as
the place. Where there is a.
Lot of Ice and the Land of the Shining Mountains Inspired by
(14:26):
the bright snow and ice seen from the plains.
The first recorded sighting of aglacier by a white American came
in 1873 when Lieutenant John VanOrsdale crossed Cut Bank Pass.
A decade later, conservationist George Byrd Grinnell and John H
Beacon photographed what would become known as Grinnell
(14:48):
Glacier. Nearly 40 years later, in 1920,
photographer TJ Heilman returnedto the same spot, creating one
of the earliest examples of repeat photography, a tool still
used today to document glacial retreat in 19 O. 6 Glacial.
Geologist Francois Matisse suggested naming the.
(15:10):
Proposed park, Glacier Park. Noting its. 50 ice bodies.
And 200 lakes. The name became official when
the park was established in 1910, soon after the.
US Geological Survey. Sent William C Eldon.
To study the glaciers. Is 1914 report opened with
Glacier National Park derives its name and much of its
(15:33):
interest from the presence of many small glaciers.
Despite early skepticism, 1 Montana paper warned the name
would make the state sound cold and uninviting.
Tourists were drawn to the novelty of real glaciers.
The Great Northern Railway capitalized on this fascination
using glacier imagery in its advertising.
(15:57):
Though today's glaciers are retreating rapidly, their
presence continues to inspire awe.
Thanks to repeat photography, wecan clearly see that while the
glaciers once symbolized permanence, they are in fact
dynamic and impermanent featuresof this ever changing landscape.
Plants and Animals Glaciers, diverse ecosystems ranging from
(16:21):
lush valleys to Alpine tundra, are home to extraordinary
variety of plants and animals, with around 1132 plant species,
277 bird species and 71 species of mammals.
This rich biodiversity. Is one of the park's most unique
features. Here species.
(16:43):
Typical of northern Canada. The Pacific Coast.
And the Great Plains coexist with Alpine species from the
Rocky Mountains, creating unusual and fascinating
combinations of plant and animallife.
One of the reasons for this diversity is the park's
location. Glacier straddles the
Continental Divide at the narrowest point of the Rocky
(17:04):
Mountains, bringing together ecological communities from east
and West in a way that happens nowhere else along the Divide.
Also, three major rivers, the Saskatchewan, Missouri and
Columbia, originate near one another in this region, creating
important corridors that allow plants and animals to move
(17:26):
across the continent. The park's dramatic elevation
changes also contribute. To its varied habitats.
These differences in elevation and terrain create a range of
microclimates. The east side experiences warmer
Chinook winds in winter and stronger, drier winds year
round, resulting in wider temperature swings, while
(17:49):
overall precipitation is similaron both.
Sides of the park. These conditions make the east
side seem much drier than the more.
Sheltered, stable West Trail. Trivia.
What state in the? US has Earth's record for
largest temperature. Swing in a 24 hour period.
(18:14):
Montana, specifically the small town of Loma, Montana, which is
just over 100 air miles from East Glacier.
On January 15th, 1972, the temperature there rose from
-54°F to 49°F, a change of 103°Fin just 24 hours.
(18:40):
This record-breaking change is attributed to strong Chinook
winds back to Glacier. The Avalanche Lake Trail on
Glacier National Parks West side, which we hiked with our
friends Adam and Ashley, winds through a cool lush cedar
hemlock forest. This shaded environment is
dominated by towering W red cedar and hemlock trees
(19:04):
alongside ferns and other shade loving plants.
Western red Cedars, with their fibrous, spiraling bark reach
the eastern edge of their range here aligned perfectly with the
eastern most reach of the Pacific Northwest.
Maritime climate. Some trees in the lower
Avalanche Creek area are more than 500 years old in.
(19:25):
Contrast just a. Few miles away, on the drier
east side of the Continental Divide, Lodge pole Pines
dominate. These trees have.
Small resin sealed cones. Specially adapted for fire The
heat of wildfires. Melts the resin, releasing seeds
into nutrient rich sunlit soil. This fire adapted strategy is
(19:48):
part of a broader. Pattern glaciers, varied
topography, climate, fire frequency, soils, and geology
create a remarkable diversity ofplant communities and, in turn,
wildlife. Forests on both sides of the
park provide shelter and food for animals like bears and
mountain lions. Higher up, rocky cliffs are home
(20:09):
to mountain goats, marmots, and ptarmigan.
Waterways support Beavers, muskrats, ducks and other
aquatic birds, while flower filled meadows attract elk.
Coyotes, Hawks and many small mammals.
Each habitat. Brings unique survival
challenges. Mountain goats, for example.
Have thick coats. For warmth and specialized
(20:32):
hooves for gripping cliffs on the windy eastern slopes.
The bright pink de glacia plant,a common subspecies being the
Cliff dwarf primrose. Has adapted with fuzzy.
Leaves to conserve water and a compact shape to resist the
wind. This variety and landscape and
life is part of what makes Glacier such an extraordinary
(20:54):
place. Together, these geographic and
climatic factors help support the exceptional biodiversity
that makes Glacier so ecologically special.
On the NPS website, they highlight many ferns, grasses,
mosses and liver warts, trees and shrubs and wildflowers too
(21:14):
many to cover in one episode. Same goes for the animal
section. This website is incredibly
thorough and worth checking out.The link is in the show notes.
The park supports. A botanical treasure trove in
the lower valleys, Visitors can.Explore the lush cedar.
(21:38):
Hemlock forest We mentioned remnants of an ancient ecosystem
that thrives in the parks wetterregions as elevation increases
these forests. Give way to sub.
Alpine fir, Engelman spruce and colorful.
Wildflowers like bear grass. Indian paintbrush and.
Glacier lilies. Above tree line, Hardy Alpine
(22:00):
plants cling to life in rocky soils, painting the high
altitude meadows with seasonal. Bursts of color.
Huckleberries A wild mountain treasure, huckleberries are a
beloved wild fruit native to themountainous regions of the
Northwest US, particularly Montana In Glacier.
(22:22):
They hold a special place not only as a seasonal treat for
visitors and locals, but as an essential food source for
wildlife like black bears and Grizzlies.
Every summer from mid-july to early September, the park's
sunny slopes and forest edges come alive with ripe purple
black huckleberries. These berries grow on small
(22:44):
shrubs and resemble blueberries,though their flavor is richer
and a bit more tart, unlike many.
Commercial fruits huckleberries are.
Almost never cultivated. They thrive best.
In wild high altitude environments, and are
notoriously. Difficult to grow outside.
Their natural habitat. Because of this huckleberry.
(23:06):
Picking has become both. A cherished.
Tradition and a rare sought after experience near a glacier
visitors can enjoy. A huckleberry flavored ice.
Cream, jam, syrup, shakes and our.
Favorite huckleberry pie? All made from berries.
That are harvested by. Hand, which means they can be
expensive. Beyond their culinary appeal,
(23:28):
huckleberries are ecologically vital.
Bears may consume 10s of thousands of them per day during
peak season, using the berries as a key part of their diet to
build fat reserves before winter.
Birds, deer and smaller mammals also depend on them for
nourishment. So whether?
You're savoring huckleberry. Treats at a local.
(23:49):
Lodge or spotting bear? Scat full of purple Berry.
Skins on the trail Remember, huckleberries are more than
just. A tasty fruit.
They're a symbol. Of the wilderness and a vital
thread in the fabric of glaciersecosystem, Huckleberry might be
the most iconic plant species inGlacier.
If not, then bear grass is. Bear grass is one of the most
(24:14):
iconic and visually striking plants found in Glacier and
seeing them bloom was a major plant highlight of our time
there. Despite its name, bear grass is
not actually a grass. It's a member of the corn Lily
family and is more closely related to lilies than grasses.
The plant's name is thought to come from the fact that bears
(24:35):
have been seen using the tall flowering stalks for bedding
material, or perhaps because they forage among the plant for
food. Bear grass.
Grows in clumps of long, narrow,tough, Evergreen leaves that
resemble coarse grass. These clumps can live for many
years without blooming, often going a decade or more before
(24:57):
producing a flower stalk when conditions are.
Just right, Bear. Grass will send up a tall,
slender stalk that can reach. Up to 6.
Feet in height. The stalk is topped.
With a dense cluster of small creamy white flowers that bloom
in a dramatic and often synchronized.
Display across hillsides this. Flowering usually occurs from
(25:19):
late June through early August and can transform entire
mountainsides into a sea of white.
Don't be alarmed like we initially were when you notice
that many of these creamy white blooms have been eaten from the
main stock. It is most likely sheep, deer,
elk and goats, not bears that have been munching on them.
(25:40):
In Glacier, bear grass thrives in subalpine meadows, open
forests and along trail edges. It is especially abundant in
areas that have been shaped by wildfires.
Fire plays a significant role inthe ecology of bear grass.
The plant is fire adapted with rhizomes that can survive
(26:01):
underground and sprout again after a burn.
In fact, fires often promote widespread flowering of bear
grass in the following years by reducing competition and
allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor.
Bear Grass also plays. An important role in the
ecosystem. It's leaves are used.
(26:21):
By animals for bedding and it's flowers are a food source for
insects. Native peoples, including the
black feet and Salish, traditionally use the leaves.
Of bear grass for. Weaving baskets and mats,
appreciating the plants strengthand flexibility when dried.
Visitors to Glacier often admireBear grass for its unique beauty
(26:42):
and photogenic blooms. While not guaranteed to flower
every year, when it does, bear Grass provides A breathtaking
reminder of the intricate relationships between plants,
wildlife, fire and time in the mountain ecosystems of Glacier
National Park. Glacier is renowned for its
(27:02):
charismatic megafauna. The park is one of the few
places in the contiguous. US.
Where visitors can see grizzly bears and Gray wolves in their
natural habitat. Other mammals include mountain.
Goats, the parks official. Symbol bighorn sheep, moose,
and. Elusive predators like the.
(27:22):
Canada Lynx and Wolverine. Like the plant section of the
NPS website, the animal section is equally extensive, far too
much to cover everything we'd like to in a single episode.
There are 6 known species of amphibians and only three
confirmed species of reptiles inthe park, the common Garter
snake and western terrestrial Garter snake, sometimes called
(27:45):
the wandering Garter snake and western painted turtles.
Only a few sightings of the rubber boa have been made in the
park, none documented. They are probably present, but
nocturnal feeding habits they feed mostly on small rodents
make them difficult to locate. Aquatic life thrives in the
parks, pristine lakes and streams with native and invasive
(28:08):
fish species. I like to threaten bull trout
and cutthroat trout, calling these waters home, just to name
a few. And because there are over 270
bird species, Glacier is a bird watcher's paradise.
Before we jump into a Junior Ranger activity, let's take a
moment to talk about the park's official symbol, the mountain
(28:31):
goat. Mountain Goats the iconic
climbers of Glacier Mountain goats are among the most iconic
and visually striking animals found in North America's Alpine
regions. Known for their.
Shaggy white coats. Incredible climbing abilities
(28:54):
and calm demeanor, these animalsare perfectly adapted to life in
the steep, rugged, high country.Nowhere is this more evident
than in Glacier National Park, where mountain goats are not
only a. Beloved site for visitors but
have also. Become the official symbol of
the park. Despite their name, mountain
goats are not true goats, but are more closely related to
(29:17):
antelopes and gazelles. They are built for extreme
terrain with stocky, muscular bodies and strong legs that help
them navigate steep cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Specialized hooves with rough pads give them incredible
traction on slippery or narrow surfaces.
They're double layered coats with a woolly underlayer and
(29:40):
coarse outer hairs keep them warm in the freezing
temperatures typical of their Alpine habitats, even in the
heart of winter. Trail trivia What are male
mountain goats called? Billies Back-to-back Trail
(30:04):
trivia What are female mountain goats called?
Female mountain goats are callednannies.
Both the billies. And nannies.
Have short, black slightly. Curved horns while males are
larger, weighing up to £300. The two sexes are.
(30:25):
Often difficult to distinguish from a distance, nannies are.
Fiercely protective of their. Young called kids and will
defend them from predators, including bears and Cougars.
With. Surprising aggression and
determination. Mountain goats and glacier are
typically found at high elevations, often above the tree
line. They prefer Rocky.
(30:46):
Cliffs and ledges. Which provide both food.
And protection from predators. Their diet consists mainly of
grasses, herbs, mosses, and lichen in the summer, with bark
and twigs added in winter when snow covers the vegetation.
They are generally solitary animals, though they may gather
in small groups, especially in summer when food is plentiful.
(31:10):
Nannies and their kids tend to stay in loose herds, while
Billy's often roam alone during the breeding season.
In late fall, however, males seek out females competing with
one another in dramatic clashes.While mountain goats are
impressive in many ways, a. Few of their traits.
Stand out as especially unusual,for instance.
(31:33):
They are capable of. Climbing nearly vertical rock
faces and are often seen rustingor grazing in places that seem
inaccessible. Studies have shown that mountain
goats can leap nearly 12 feet ina single bound, an invaluable
skill for navigating treacherousAlpine terrain.
(31:53):
Another lesser known fact is that mountain goats will
sometimes descend from their lofty heights to seek out
natural mineral licks, travelinglong distances to find essential
nutrients. In Glacier, they have been known
to venture down near trails and roadsides where human activity
provides access to salt or sweatleft behind by visitors.
(32:17):
While this behavior creates incredible photo opportunities,
it's also a reminder of the importance of keeping wildlife
wild, not encouraging close encounters and the Leave No
Trace principles. And pack it in.
Pack it out. For visitors.
Lucky enough to spot a mountain goat during their travels, it's
(32:38):
often a. Highlight of the trip, like it
was for us while we were there. Watching these sure footed
climbers navigate. Their vertical world offers a.
Profound sense of respect for the.
Wildlife that calls Glacier. Home and reinforces the parks
mission to preserve these extraordinary creatures and
their habitat for generations tocome.
(32:58):
Now a Junior Ranger activity in regards to the Junior Ranger
program. Glaciers NPS website is more
extensive than any we have covered to date.
On the website, there are pages that link to booklets for 12
individual programs, including Park explorer, Wildland
Firefighter, Railroad Explorer, Sounds Explorer, Space Flight
(33:24):
Explorer, Angler, Cave Scientist, Night Skies Explorer,
Archaeologist, Underwater explorer, paleontologist, and
Underground Railroad Explorer. These are part of the National
THEMES Junior Ranger program in addition to Junior Ranger
(33:46):
Program. Specific to their site.
Many parks also offer these additional booklets.
These activity booklets help. Kids connect to topics that are
important to many places across the National Park Service.
Kids, families and the young at heart are invited to become
Junior Rangers. People of all abilities are
welcome. Glacier National Park does not
(34:09):
appear to have a dedicated online Junior Ranger program of
their own as of this recording. Instead, they offer the links to
these theme programs. However, they do offer on site
Junior Ranger programs and Ranger LED activities.
Robin and I live in a state where wildfire awareness is
important and the same awareness, education and
(34:32):
preparedness applies to Glacier.I've drawn inspiration from the
Wildland Firefighter Junior Ranger Handbook to create an
activity. One important thing to have
prepared when in a high fire danger area at the peak of fire
season is a go bag. This is a bag that is always
ready to grab and go in a moment's notice.
(34:54):
When preparing your go bag, whatare the essential items you
would pack? An ideal go bag is more than
just one bag. Here's.
A list of the. Recommended emergency evacuation
items to have ready to go at a moment's notice Water and food,
sleeping bags, a warm waterprooflayer map and evacuation routes,
(35:16):
Medications, change of clothes, eyeglasses or contact lenses.
First Aid. Kit sanitation supplies like
toilet paper and other sanitary items, flashlight and extra
batteries if applicable. Important documents like.
Copies of birth certificates. Passports insurance information.
Extra car keys, credit cards or cash.
(35:39):
Pet food and water carriers and leashes.
Any small irreplaceable items. Portable cell phone charger,
notepad, pen, pencil. If you could only take 10 items
with you. What would you choose?
Pause the podcast. Or wait until the episode ends
and think about the things you truly couldn't live without.
What would make it into your bag?
(36:02):
As Smokey Bear says, only you can prevent wildfires.
And it's true. About 90% of wildfires are
caused by humans. With proper care and attention,
nearly all wildfires can be prevented.
Normally, this is the part of the episode where we share our
(36:22):
personal experiences and tips for accessing and exploring the
park. However, because we could talk
about Glacier for hours, we're wrapping up this portion of our
Glacier episode here and continuing it in our Trail
Lovers episode at the end of themonth.
If you're curious to hear about our wildlife.
(36:43):
Encounters including a grizzly bear, moose, mountain goats and
bighorn sheep be sure to tune into.
Our Trail Lovers episode which will follow our.
Upcoming trail trivia episode featuring all things Glacier.
July and August are the best months to visit.
Glacier. So what better way to celebrate
our favorite park? And one of the.
(37:05):
Most breathtaking places. We've ever been then by
dedicating the entire after month of July here on the
podcast to Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park is a testament to nature's grandeur
and resilience. From its towering peaks and
ancient glaciers to its diverse flora, fauna, and rich cultural
(37:27):
history, the park continues to inspire awe and reverence.
Whether driving the going to theSun Rd., hiking its rugged
trails, or simply gazing at its star filled skies, Glacier
offers countless ways to connectwith the natural world.
As the crown of the continent, it serves as a reminder of the
(37:47):
importance of preserving our planet's most cherished places
for generations to come. If you haven't visited.
Glacier yet? We hope.
This inspired you? To add it to your bucket list.
If you. Enjoyed this episode?
Make sure to like, share, and follow us for more outdoor
adventures. And to all you Junior Rangers
(38:08):
out there, good luck on earning your badge.
And hey, if you've earned a Junior Ranger badge recently,
send us a. Picture.
We'd love to see it. And if you want, feel free to
share your latest story from your time in a National Park
unit. Who knows, maybe we will mention
it in one of our upcoming episodes.
Be sure to include in the e-mailthat you grant us permission to
Share your story. I will include our e-mail
(38:30):
address npjrpodcast@gmail.com inour show notes and feel free to
follow us on our adventures on Instagram at NPJR podcast.
Until next time, happy trails and remember, the Earth is ours
to explore and protect. So let's get out there and do
it. Explore, learn and protect.
Welcome to NPJR, where we explore the great outdoors one
National Park at a time. I'm Justin and I'm Robin.
We encourage you to. Pause the podcast.
At any time and discuss some of our talking points or try
answering our trail trivias. Today we're heading to our
favorite National Park, Glacier National Park.
(00:30):
Located in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana, Glacier
National Park is a breathtaking natural treasure spanning over
1,000,000 acres of pristine wilderness, making it the 12th
largest National Park. Established on May 11th, 1910 as
the United States Eighth National Park, Glacier is often
(00:51):
referred to as the crown of the continent.
The park is also a critical partof the world's first
international peace park, formedin partnership with Canada's
Waterton Lakes National Park in 1932, symbolizing cross-border
conservation and friendship. Glacier is currently home to 26
(01:12):
named glaciers that meet the size.
Criteria of. .1 square kilometers.
Which is about. .4 square miles.Or.
Roughly 25 acres. The number of glaciers has
significantly decreased due to climate change, as there were
over 150 glaciers in the 19th century.
The park is also. Home to several unnamed.
(01:34):
Glaciers. Rock glaciers.
And snow fields visitors. Flock.
To experience the parks going tothe Sun Rd., A50 mile scenic
highway renowned for its stunning views and engineering
marbles with over 700 miles of trails, countless Alpine lakes
showcasing the unparalleled glacial meltwater and abundant
(01:56):
wildlife. Glacier is a.
Haven for. Trail lovers, adventurers,
photographers. And nature enthusiasts.
Glaciers elevation ranges from just over 3000 feet at its
lowest point near the Flathead River to 10,466 feet at the
summit of Mount Cleveland, the park's highest peak.
(02:19):
Glaciers northern location and high elevation mean it has a
short peak season for ideal weather, typically limited to
July and August. As a result, most of the parks
3.2 million visitors in 2024 arrived during these two summer
months when the iconic Going to the Sun Rd. is open.
(02:41):
The park's busiest year on record was 2017 with over 3.3
million visitors. Since its designation as a
National Park, Glacier has welcomed more than 128,000,000
visitors. Interesting facts about Glacier
include its distinction as a UNESCO.
World Heritage Site. And.
Biosphere Reserve the park. 'S unique position at the
(03:03):
meeting point of several ecosystems, Prairie, forest and
Alpine tundra supports one of the most.
Diverse. Habitats in the National Park
System Iconic species like grizzly bears, mountain goats,
moose and bighorn sheep roam itslandscapes, and its waters are
among the purest in the world, sustaining native fish species
(03:25):
like the threatened bull Trout Trail.
Trivia What gives glaciers lakesthe unique beautiful blue color?
It's called glacial till, which is a mixture of rocks, gravel,
sand, silt, and clay that is left behind when a glacier
(03:47):
melts. It's created as the glacier
slowly moves across the landscape, grinding up bedrock
beneath it like a giant sheet ofsandpaper.
This process creates a very finepowdery sediment known as many
things, including glacial flour,glacial milk, rock dust, rock
flour, and rock powder. When glaciers melt, they carry
(04:11):
this glacial flower into lakes and rivers, the unique blue
color of many. Glacial lakes.
Like the ones you see in GlacierNational Park comes from this.
Glacial flower. Suspended in the.
Water Here's. How it works The fine particles
are so small that they don't settle to the bottom quickly.
Instead, they stay suspended in the water, scattering sunlight.
(04:35):
The sunlight that hits the watercontains all colors, but the
fine sediment reflects and scatters mostly blue and green
wavelengths. This gives the lakes their.
Striking turquoise, teal or Milky blue.
Color so the. Next time you see that
incredible blue in a glacial. Lake you're.
Actually seeing the result of thousands of.
(04:56):
Years of ice. Grinding rock into flower and
sunlight bouncing off of it in. Just the right way.
The land now known as Glacier National Park has been cherished
by humans for thousands of years.
The human history here is as rich and buried as its
landscapes. The Black Feet, Salish and
(05:16):
Kootenai Tribes considered the region sacred, with its towering
peaks and verdant valleys woven into the spiritual beliefs and
cultural practices. The Black Feet in particular
referred to the area as the backbone of the world.
The Black Feet Nation, who live east of the park, have deep
spiritual connections to the land.
(05:38):
They believe the towering peaks were created by Napi the Old
Man, a key figure in their creation stories.
The western regions of the park were traditionally used by the
Salish and Kootenai, who hauntedand gathered in the area's
abundant valleys in the 19th century at European fur trappers
and settlers arrived, drawn by the region's abundant wildlife
(06:01):
and natural. Resources by the late. 1800s As
the western frontier developed, explorers and surveyors began
mapping the area, uncovering itspotential for tourism and
conservation. Railroad companies, particularly
the Great Northern Railway, played a pivotal role in
promoting Glacier as a destination.
(06:22):
Recognizing the region's naturalbeauty, they built lodges and
chalets, many of which remain today, like the Lake McDonald
Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel, blending Swiss style
architecture with the rugged mountain landscape.
In 1910, President William Howard Taft signed the
legislation establishing GlacierNational Park, making it one of
(06:44):
the earliest parks in the system.
The iconic Going to the Sun Rd.,completed in 1933, opened up the
park to more visitors, allowing for easier access to its most
remote areas. Today, glaciers cultural
heritage. Continues through the.
Stories of park. Rangers, conservationists and
local communities. Who work to preserve.
(07:04):
Its history and ecosystems. Native American.
Tribes actively collaborate. With the NPS to honor their
ancestral ties and share their perspectives on the land.
Over the decades, Glacier has faced.
Numerous challenges from climatechange threatening its.
Glaciers. To increasing visitor numbers
impacting its ecosystems, conservation efforts continue to
(07:26):
prioritize the protection of this fragile and iconic
landscape for future generations.
Another challenge Glacier faced in the mid 1900s was the growing
issue of human wildlife interactions, made worse by poor
management practices, particularly the widespread
feeding of bears. These policies led to
(07:48):
increasingly dangerous encounters, culminating on a
stormy night in 1967 that brought national attention to
the problem. Maybe the most famous event in
National Park history, The Nightof the Grizzlies, a book by
journalist Jack Olson, refers toa tragic and pivotal event that
(08:09):
occurred on the night of August 12th, 1967 in Glacier.
On that night, in two separate and unrelated incidences on
opposite sides of the park, two young women, Julie Helgeson and
Michelle Koons, were killed by grizzly bears.
These were the first recorded fatal bear attacks.
(08:30):
In the park's history and they occurred within.
Hours of each other. Forever changing how wildlife
management was handled in national parks in the years
leading up to the attacks, humanbehavior and park policies
inadvertently contributed to growing bear aggression.
Campers frequently left food scraps near campsites, and bears
were often fed garbage at park dumps, which became popular
(08:53):
attractions for visitors. Bears began to associate.
People with food. Losing their natural fear and
becoming more aggressive and. Bold despite.
Warning signs and minor incidents Park officials did not
fully anticipate or address the growing risk.
On the night of the attacks, Julie Helgesson and a friend
were camping near Granite Park Chalet, where a known bear had
(09:16):
been active. That bear attacked Helgesson in
the early morning hours, fatallywounding her.
Across the park at Trout Lake, Michelle Coons was also fatally
attacked while camping with friends.
Both attacks were unprecedented in the park's history and sent
shock waves through Glacier and the National Park Service.
The aftermath of the night of. The Grizzlies.
(09:38):
Led to a major overhaul and bearmanagement policies across
national parks. Glacier permanently closed open
air garbage dumps, implemented strict food storage and waste
disposal regulations, and launched educational campaigns
to. Teach visitors how to safely
coexist with wildlife Rangers. Also became more proactive in
(09:59):
identifying and removing problembears.
The tragic events of that night became a turning point in the
history of Wildlife Conservation, emphasizing the
importance of respecting naturalanimal behavior and reducing
human impact on wild environments.
Bear attacks and Glacier are rare, averaging just one per
(10:20):
year, and are almost always non fatal.
That said, it's essential to stay informed about current bear
activity before entering the park and to understand the key
differences in how to respond toencounters with black bears
versus grizzly bears. We've covered these safety tips
in previous episodes and strongly encourage everyone to
(10:43):
do their homework before venturing into wild areas.
In Glaciers history, there have been 10 fatal bear attacks.
Only three involved hikers, and two of those were solo hikers.
Outdoor and wilderness safety education along with.
Basic first aid. Training should.
Be a top. Priority when planning any trip
(11:03):
into remote areas. Especially where cell service.
Is limited and emergency help may be far.
Away while bears safety. Often gets the spotlight.
It's just one of many important topics to understand
statistically. Visitors to National.
Parks are far more. Likely to experience incidents
due to drowning or motor vehicleaccidents than from wildlife
(11:26):
encounters. In fact, drowning and vehicle.
Related fatalities are the. Two leading causes of death in
National Park units, while animal attacks rank at the
bottom of the list. 12 out of 12total categories.
Tallied by the NPS. The geologic story of Glacier is
(11:51):
1 of immense time, tectonic forces and ancient environments.
The foundation of the park was laid over 1.5 billion years ago
during the pre Cambrian era whenshallow seas covered what is now
northwest Montana. Over millions of years, layers
of sedimentary rock composed of mud, sand and lime rich material
(12:13):
accumulated and eventually hardened into formations like
the Belt Supergroup, which dominates much of glaciers
visible landscape today. These rocks are notable not only
for their age, but also for containing some of the oldest
and best preserved fossilized algae and early life forms,
giving scientists rare insight into Earth's early biosphere.
(12:37):
The most dramatic event in. Glaciers.
Geologic History. Came about 170 million years ago
during the formation of the Rocky Mountains, a massive
uplift known. As the Lewis overthrust fault.
Occurred where a. Huge.
Slab of ancient pre Cambrian rock measuring roughly 3 miles
(12:57):
thick, 50 miles wide and 160 miles long was thrust eastward
over much younger. Cretaceous.
Rock This unusual phenomenon created the park's iconic
towering peaks where older. Rock lies atop.
Younger rock defying the typicalGeo During the last Ice Age,
(13:20):
which peaked around 20,000 yearsago, massive glaciers carved
deep U-shaped valleys, sharpenedmountain ridges and sculpted
cirks which are 1/2 open, steep sided, hollow at the head of a
valley or on a mountainside formed by glacial erosion and
hanging valleys throughout the park.
(13:40):
Although most of those glaciers have since retreated, their
legacy remains etched into the landscape, and a few small
glaciers like Grinnell and Sperry still persist today,
though rapidly shrinking due to climate change.
In essence. The glacier we see today is the
product. Of ancient seas, tectonic
(14:01):
collisions and the. Slow but powerful.
Movement of ice, a testament to the dynamic and layered.
History of Earth itself glaciershave shaped both the.
Landscape and the story of Glacier National Park From the
beginning, indigenous peoples long referred to the region as
the place. Where there is a.
Lot of Ice and the Land of the Shining Mountains Inspired by
(14:26):
the bright snow and ice seen from the plains.
The first recorded sighting of aglacier by a white American came
in 1873 when Lieutenant John VanOrsdale crossed Cut Bank Pass.
A decade later, conservationist George Byrd Grinnell and John H
Beacon photographed what would become known as Grinnell
(14:48):
Glacier. Nearly 40 years later, in 1920,
photographer TJ Heilman returnedto the same spot, creating one
of the earliest examples of repeat photography, a tool still
used today to document glacial retreat in 19 O. 6 Glacial.
Geologist Francois Matisse suggested naming the.
(15:10):
Proposed park, Glacier Park. Noting its. 50 ice bodies.
And 200 lakes. The name became official when
the park was established in 1910, soon after the.
US Geological Survey. Sent William C Eldon.
To study the glaciers. Is 1914 report opened with
Glacier National Park derives its name and much of its
(15:33):
interest from the presence of many small glaciers.
Despite early skepticism, 1 Montana paper warned the name
would make the state sound cold and uninviting.
Tourists were drawn to the novelty of real glaciers.
The Great Northern Railway capitalized on this fascination
using glacier imagery in its advertising.
(15:57):
Though today's glaciers are retreating rapidly, their
presence continues to inspire awe.
Thanks to repeat photography, wecan clearly see that while the
glaciers once symbolized permanence, they are in fact
dynamic and impermanent featuresof this ever changing landscape.
Plants and Animals Glaciers, diverse ecosystems ranging from
(16:21):
lush valleys to Alpine tundra, are home to extraordinary
variety of plants and animals, with around 1132 plant species,
277 bird species and 71 species of mammals.
This rich biodiversity. Is one of the park's most unique
features. Here species.
(16:43):
Typical of northern Canada. The Pacific Coast.
And the Great Plains coexist with Alpine species from the
Rocky Mountains, creating unusual and fascinating
combinations of plant and animallife.
One of the reasons for this diversity is the park's
location. Glacier straddles the
Continental Divide at the narrowest point of the Rocky
(17:04):
Mountains, bringing together ecological communities from east
and West in a way that happens nowhere else along the Divide.
Also, three major rivers, the Saskatchewan, Missouri and
Columbia, originate near one another in this region, creating
important corridors that allow plants and animals to move
(17:26):
across the continent. The park's dramatic elevation
changes also contribute. To its varied habitats.
These differences in elevation and terrain create a range of
microclimates. The east side experiences warmer
Chinook winds in winter and stronger, drier winds year
round, resulting in wider temperature swings, while
(17:49):
overall precipitation is similaron both.
Sides of the park. These conditions make the east
side seem much drier than the more.
Sheltered, stable West Trail. Trivia.
What state in the? US has Earth's record for
largest temperature. Swing in a 24 hour period.
(18:14):
Montana, specifically the small town of Loma, Montana, which is
just over 100 air miles from East Glacier.
On January 15th, 1972, the temperature there rose from
-54°F to 49°F, a change of 103°Fin just 24 hours.
(18:40):
This record-breaking change is attributed to strong Chinook
winds back to Glacier. The Avalanche Lake Trail on
Glacier National Parks West side, which we hiked with our
friends Adam and Ashley, winds through a cool lush cedar
hemlock forest. This shaded environment is
dominated by towering W red cedar and hemlock trees
(19:04):
alongside ferns and other shade loving plants.
Western red Cedars, with their fibrous, spiraling bark reach
the eastern edge of their range here aligned perfectly with the
eastern most reach of the Pacific Northwest.
Maritime climate. Some trees in the lower
Avalanche Creek area are more than 500 years old in.
(19:25):
Contrast just a. Few miles away, on the drier
east side of the Continental Divide, Lodge pole Pines
dominate. These trees have.
Small resin sealed cones. Specially adapted for fire The
heat of wildfires. Melts the resin, releasing seeds
into nutrient rich sunlit soil. This fire adapted strategy is
(19:48):
part of a broader. Pattern glaciers, varied
topography, climate, fire frequency, soils, and geology
create a remarkable diversity ofplant communities and, in turn,
wildlife. Forests on both sides of the
park provide shelter and food for animals like bears and
mountain lions. Higher up, rocky cliffs are home
(20:09):
to mountain goats, marmots, and ptarmigan.
Waterways support Beavers, muskrats, ducks and other
aquatic birds, while flower filled meadows attract elk.
Coyotes, Hawks and many small mammals.
Each habitat. Brings unique survival
challenges. Mountain goats, for example.
Have thick coats. For warmth and specialized
(20:32):
hooves for gripping cliffs on the windy eastern slopes.
The bright pink de glacia plant,a common subspecies being the
Cliff dwarf primrose. Has adapted with fuzzy.
Leaves to conserve water and a compact shape to resist the
wind. This variety and landscape and
life is part of what makes Glacier such an extraordinary
(20:54):
place. Together, these geographic and
climatic factors help support the exceptional biodiversity
that makes Glacier so ecologically special.
On the NPS website, they highlight many ferns, grasses,
mosses and liver warts, trees and shrubs and wildflowers too
(21:14):
many to cover in one episode. Same goes for the animal
section. This website is incredibly
thorough and worth checking out.The link is in the show notes.
The park supports. A botanical treasure trove in
the lower valleys, Visitors can.Explore the lush cedar.
(21:38):
Hemlock forest We mentioned remnants of an ancient ecosystem
that thrives in the parks wetterregions as elevation increases
these forests. Give way to sub.
Alpine fir, Engelman spruce and colorful.
Wildflowers like bear grass. Indian paintbrush and.
Glacier lilies. Above tree line, Hardy Alpine
(22:00):
plants cling to life in rocky soils, painting the high
altitude meadows with seasonal. Bursts of color.
Huckleberries A wild mountain treasure, huckleberries are a
beloved wild fruit native to themountainous regions of the
Northwest US, particularly Montana In Glacier.
(22:22):
They hold a special place not only as a seasonal treat for
visitors and locals, but as an essential food source for
wildlife like black bears and Grizzlies.
Every summer from mid-july to early September, the park's
sunny slopes and forest edges come alive with ripe purple
black huckleberries. These berries grow on small
(22:44):
shrubs and resemble blueberries,though their flavor is richer
and a bit more tart, unlike many.
Commercial fruits huckleberries are.
Almost never cultivated. They thrive best.
In wild high altitude environments, and are
notoriously. Difficult to grow outside.
Their natural habitat. Because of this huckleberry.
(23:06):
Picking has become both. A cherished.
Tradition and a rare sought after experience near a glacier
visitors can enjoy. A huckleberry flavored ice.
Cream, jam, syrup, shakes and our.
Favorite huckleberry pie? All made from berries.
That are harvested by. Hand, which means they can be
expensive. Beyond their culinary appeal,
(23:28):
huckleberries are ecologically vital.
Bears may consume 10s of thousands of them per day during
peak season, using the berries as a key part of their diet to
build fat reserves before winter.
Birds, deer and smaller mammals also depend on them for
nourishment. So whether?
You're savoring huckleberry. Treats at a local.
(23:49):
Lodge or spotting bear? Scat full of purple Berry.
Skins on the trail Remember, huckleberries are more than
just. A tasty fruit.
They're a symbol. Of the wilderness and a vital
thread in the fabric of glaciersecosystem, Huckleberry might be
the most iconic plant species inGlacier.
If not, then bear grass is. Bear grass is one of the most
(24:14):
iconic and visually striking plants found in Glacier and
seeing them bloom was a major plant highlight of our time
there. Despite its name, bear grass is
not actually a grass. It's a member of the corn Lily
family and is more closely related to lilies than grasses.
The plant's name is thought to come from the fact that bears
(24:35):
have been seen using the tall flowering stalks for bedding
material, or perhaps because they forage among the plant for
food. Bear grass.
Grows in clumps of long, narrow,tough, Evergreen leaves that
resemble coarse grass. These clumps can live for many
years without blooming, often going a decade or more before
(24:57):
producing a flower stalk when conditions are.
Just right, Bear. Grass will send up a tall,
slender stalk that can reach. Up to 6.
Feet in height. The stalk is topped.
With a dense cluster of small creamy white flowers that bloom
in a dramatic and often synchronized.
Display across hillsides this. Flowering usually occurs from
(25:19):
late June through early August and can transform entire
mountainsides into a sea of white.
Don't be alarmed like we initially were when you notice
that many of these creamy white blooms have been eaten from the
main stock. It is most likely sheep, deer,
elk and goats, not bears that have been munching on them.
(25:40):
In Glacier, bear grass thrives in subalpine meadows, open
forests and along trail edges. It is especially abundant in
areas that have been shaped by wildfires.
Fire plays a significant role inthe ecology of bear grass.
The plant is fire adapted with rhizomes that can survive
(26:01):
underground and sprout again after a burn.
In fact, fires often promote widespread flowering of bear
grass in the following years by reducing competition and
allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor.
Bear Grass also plays. An important role in the
ecosystem. It's leaves are used.
(26:21):
By animals for bedding and it's flowers are a food source for
insects. Native peoples, including the
black feet and Salish, traditionally use the leaves.
Of bear grass for. Weaving baskets and mats,
appreciating the plants strengthand flexibility when dried.
Visitors to Glacier often admireBear grass for its unique beauty
(26:42):
and photogenic blooms. While not guaranteed to flower
every year, when it does, bear Grass provides A breathtaking
reminder of the intricate relationships between plants,
wildlife, fire and time in the mountain ecosystems of Glacier
National Park. Glacier is renowned for its
(27:02):
charismatic megafauna. The park is one of the few
places in the contiguous. US.
Where visitors can see grizzly bears and Gray wolves in their
natural habitat. Other mammals include mountain.
Goats, the parks official. Symbol bighorn sheep, moose,
and. Elusive predators like the.
(27:22):
Canada Lynx and Wolverine. Like the plant section of the
NPS website, the animal section is equally extensive, far too
much to cover everything we'd like to in a single episode.
There are 6 known species of amphibians and only three
confirmed species of reptiles inthe park, the common Garter
snake and western terrestrial Garter snake, sometimes called
(27:45):
the wandering Garter snake and western painted turtles.
Only a few sightings of the rubber boa have been made in the
park, none documented. They are probably present, but
nocturnal feeding habits they feed mostly on small rodents
make them difficult to locate. Aquatic life thrives in the
parks, pristine lakes and streams with native and invasive
(28:08):
fish species. I like to threaten bull trout
and cutthroat trout, calling these waters home, just to name
a few. And because there are over 270
bird species, Glacier is a bird watcher's paradise.
Before we jump into a Junior Ranger activity, let's take a
moment to talk about the park's official symbol, the mountain
(28:31):
goat. Mountain Goats the iconic
climbers of Glacier Mountain goats are among the most iconic
and visually striking animals found in North America's Alpine
regions. Known for their.
Shaggy white coats. Incredible climbing abilities
(28:54):
and calm demeanor, these animalsare perfectly adapted to life in
the steep, rugged, high country.Nowhere is this more evident
than in Glacier National Park, where mountain goats are not
only a. Beloved site for visitors but
have also. Become the official symbol of
the park. Despite their name, mountain
goats are not true goats, but are more closely related to
(29:17):
antelopes and gazelles. They are built for extreme
terrain with stocky, muscular bodies and strong legs that help
them navigate steep cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Specialized hooves with rough pads give them incredible
traction on slippery or narrow surfaces.
They're double layered coats with a woolly underlayer and
(29:40):
coarse outer hairs keep them warm in the freezing
temperatures typical of their Alpine habitats, even in the
heart of winter. Trail trivia What are male
mountain goats called? Billies Back-to-back Trail
(30:04):
trivia What are female mountain goats called?
Female mountain goats are callednannies.
Both the billies. And nannies.
Have short, black slightly. Curved horns while males are
larger, weighing up to £300. The two sexes are.
(30:25):
Often difficult to distinguish from a distance, nannies are.
Fiercely protective of their. Young called kids and will
defend them from predators, including bears and Cougars.
With. Surprising aggression and
determination. Mountain goats and glacier are
typically found at high elevations, often above the tree
line. They prefer Rocky.
(30:46):
Cliffs and ledges. Which provide both food.
And protection from predators. Their diet consists mainly of
grasses, herbs, mosses, and lichen in the summer, with bark
and twigs added in winter when snow covers the vegetation.
They are generally solitary animals, though they may gather
in small groups, especially in summer when food is plentiful.
(31:10):
Nannies and their kids tend to stay in loose herds, while
Billy's often roam alone during the breeding season.
In late fall, however, males seek out females competing with
one another in dramatic clashes.While mountain goats are
impressive in many ways, a. Few of their traits.
Stand out as especially unusual,for instance.
(31:33):
They are capable of. Climbing nearly vertical rock
faces and are often seen rustingor grazing in places that seem
inaccessible. Studies have shown that mountain
goats can leap nearly 12 feet ina single bound, an invaluable
skill for navigating treacherousAlpine terrain.
(31:53):
Another lesser known fact is that mountain goats will
sometimes descend from their lofty heights to seek out
natural mineral licks, travelinglong distances to find essential
nutrients. In Glacier, they have been known
to venture down near trails and roadsides where human activity
provides access to salt or sweatleft behind by visitors.
(32:17):
While this behavior creates incredible photo opportunities,
it's also a reminder of the importance of keeping wildlife
wild, not encouraging close encounters and the Leave No
Trace principles. And pack it in.
Pack it out. For visitors.
Lucky enough to spot a mountain goat during their travels, it's
(32:38):
often a. Highlight of the trip, like it
was for us while we were there. Watching these sure footed
climbers navigate. Their vertical world offers a.
Profound sense of respect for the.
Wildlife that calls Glacier. Home and reinforces the parks
mission to preserve these extraordinary creatures and
their habitat for generations tocome.
(32:58):
Now a Junior Ranger activity in regards to the Junior Ranger
program. Glaciers NPS website is more
extensive than any we have covered to date.
On the website, there are pages that link to booklets for 12
individual programs, including Park explorer, Wildland
Firefighter, Railroad Explorer, Sounds Explorer, Space Flight
(33:24):
Explorer, Angler, Cave Scientist, Night Skies Explorer,
Archaeologist, Underwater explorer, paleontologist, and
Underground Railroad Explorer. These are part of the National
THEMES Junior Ranger program in addition to Junior Ranger
(33:46):
Program. Specific to their site.
Many parks also offer these additional booklets.
These activity booklets help. Kids connect to topics that are
important to many places across the National Park Service.
Kids, families and the young at heart are invited to become
Junior Rangers. People of all abilities are
welcome. Glacier National Park does not
(34:09):
appear to have a dedicated online Junior Ranger program of
their own as of this recording. Instead, they offer the links to
these theme programs. However, they do offer on site
Junior Ranger programs and Ranger LED activities.
Robin and I live in a state where wildfire awareness is
important and the same awareness, education and
(34:32):
preparedness applies to Glacier.I've drawn inspiration from the
Wildland Firefighter Junior Ranger Handbook to create an
activity. One important thing to have
prepared when in a high fire danger area at the peak of fire
season is a go bag. This is a bag that is always
ready to grab and go in a moment's notice.
(34:54):
When preparing your go bag, whatare the essential items you
would pack? An ideal go bag is more than
just one bag. Here's.
A list of the. Recommended emergency evacuation
items to have ready to go at a moment's notice Water and food,
sleeping bags, a warm waterprooflayer map and evacuation routes,
(35:16):
Medications, change of clothes, eyeglasses or contact lenses.
First Aid. Kit sanitation supplies like
toilet paper and other sanitary items, flashlight and extra
batteries if applicable. Important documents like.
Copies of birth certificates. Passports insurance information.
Extra car keys, credit cards or cash.
(35:39):
Pet food and water carriers and leashes.
Any small irreplaceable items. Portable cell phone charger,
notepad, pen, pencil. If you could only take 10 items
with you. What would you choose?
Pause the podcast. Or wait until the episode ends
and think about the things you truly couldn't live without.
What would make it into your bag?
(36:02):
As Smokey Bear says, only you can prevent wildfires.
And it's true. About 90% of wildfires are
caused by humans. With proper care and attention,
nearly all wildfires can be prevented.
Normally, this is the part of the episode where we share our
(36:22):
personal experiences and tips for accessing and exploring the
park. However, because we could talk
about Glacier for hours, we're wrapping up this portion of our
Glacier episode here and continuing it in our Trail
Lovers episode at the end of themonth.
If you're curious to hear about our wildlife.
(36:43):
Encounters including a grizzly bear, moose, mountain goats and
bighorn sheep be sure to tune into.
Our Trail Lovers episode which will follow our.
Upcoming trail trivia episode featuring all things Glacier.
July and August are the best months to visit.
Glacier. So what better way to celebrate
our favorite park? And one of the.
(37:05):
Most breathtaking places. We've ever been then by
dedicating the entire after month of July here on the
podcast to Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park is a testament to nature's grandeur
and resilience. From its towering peaks and
ancient glaciers to its diverse flora, fauna, and rich cultural
(37:27):
history, the park continues to inspire awe and reverence.
Whether driving the going to theSun Rd., hiking its rugged
trails, or simply gazing at its star filled skies, Glacier
offers countless ways to connectwith the natural world.
As the crown of the continent, it serves as a reminder of the
(37:47):
importance of preserving our planet's most cherished places
for generations to come. If you haven't visited.
Glacier yet? We hope.
This inspired you? To add it to your bucket list.
If you. Enjoyed this episode?
Make sure to like, share, and follow us for more outdoor
adventures. And to all you Junior Rangers
(38:08):
out there, good luck on earning your badge.
And hey, if you've earned a Junior Ranger badge recently,
send us a. Picture.
We'd love to see it. And if you want, feel free to
share your latest story from your time in a National Park
unit. Who knows, maybe we will mention
it in one of our upcoming episodes.
Be sure to include in the e-mailthat you grant us permission to
Share your story. I will include our e-mail
(38:30):
address npjrpodcast@gmail.com inour show notes and feel free to
follow us on our adventures on Instagram at NPJR podcast.
Until next time, happy trails and remember, the Earth is ours
to explore and protect. So let's get out there and do
it. Explore, learn and protect.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com