This large and largely unpopulated western state with a rich history is pioneering a new future by setting aside several million acres of public and private land to serve as natural habitat for returning bison and other displaced animals.

Our resident humanities scholar in resident Clay Jenkinson spent a big chunk of his summer in Montana.

The state left a mark on him, as it does on the farmers and ranchers who live a strenuous life in Big Sky Country – echoing the harrowing journey made by Lewis and Clark.