Montana Magic

When working for a great company like Patagonia, the benefits go far beyond wearing fantastic gear. Patagonia not only takes great pride in their products, environmental footprint, and innovative ways to lead and improve better business etiquette, but really it's their employees that make the company that bit more special. As a full-time employee with over a year under my belt, I was able to apply to work with an environmental group whose cause I support in order to help them and broaden my own experiences. For my internship, I chose a non-profit called Keystone Conservation. They are based out of a wee office in Bozeman aka Boze Angeles, in the magic mountainous state of Montana.

Keystone Conservation click here focuses on coexistence with Predators like bears, wolves and mountain lions. They want to ensure that ranchers, along with backcountry users, know they are essential partners in their work of pioneering solutions. Together with people who work, live and recreate alongside predators, they create a path to coexistence.  

Why I chose Keystone: I have a great interest in Western farm culture. Coming from Ireland and being raised on a farm, I gained an understanding of the interaction between humans and animals, and I am fortunate to have been exposed to this environment to a degree that goes beyond what most youngsters experience these days. Common Irish predators such as the Red Fox or Ferret are somewhat smaller and possess less of a dominating appearance than the Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf, or Mountain Lion. Irish predators are smaller and there's less conflict between then and farmers but it's still an issue. While I am familiar with some issues that US farmers and ranchers deal with, I haven't had any opportunity to familiarize myself with the US predators and the interaction they have with humans. Keystone appealed to me immensely as they create solutions to help people and predators coexist, and this is a chance for me to understand the Western US ecosystems beyond the level I ever experienced at home in Ireland.

 

I am on week 4 of 7. So, I may have gathered enough interesting information and photos to give you something to read when you need to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stay posted every other day for updates!

Tobacco Root Mountains