VIEWS. - Winter 2023

VIEWS.

Real Estate Guide

Outside Kind Keeping compassion in the outdoors On Fungus and Family Montana DarkStar

Astrophotographer sheds a little light on the darkness

On the cover: the soon-to-open Cameron Crossing community offers the appeal of the Gallatin Valley without the high cost of in-town living. Charming farmhousestyle, single-family homes can be customized to fit individual tastes. Visit cameron-crossing.com for pre-sales or to schedule a tour of the model home.

PHOTO RENDERING COURTESY OF CAMERON CROSSING

On the cover: Opening Soon—the new Cameron Crossing community offers everything you love about the Gallatin Valley without the skyhigh cost of in-town living. Starting at $250,000, these charming farmhouse-style, single-family homes can be customized to fit your tastes. You’ll find a host of neighborhood amenities here, including walking trails, a dog park, pickleball courts and a playground—all tied together through thoughtful landscape design. Now pre-selling; visit cameron-crossing.com to schedule a tour of our model home.

Montana Darkstar Astrophotographer Matt Jackson sheds a little light on the darkness

A skier ascends into the fog in Beehive Basin.

BY BEN MACKALL

PHOTO

BIG SKY

VIEWS.

Owned and published by Outlaw Partners in Big Sky, Montana

Read VIEWS. online!

PUBLISHER

Eric Ladd

VIEWS. PRODUCTION TEAM MANAGING EDITOR

Mira Brody

ART DIRECTOR

Brooke Benson

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Tucker Harris

HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Patrick Mahoney

MARKETING MANAGER Sophia Breyfogyle

OUTLAW PARTNERS TEAM  EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR

Jason Bacaj

STAFF WRITER

Jack Reaney

DIGITAL PRODUCER

Julia Barton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jessica Bryerly, Dr. Kaley Burns

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ME Brown

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Trista Hillman

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Ennion Williams

SALES AND OPERATIONS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Rob Smith

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Treston Wold

VP OF SALES & MARKETING Megan Paulson

VP OF EVENTS Ennion Williams

MEDIA AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Ersin Ozer

EVENTS COORDINATOR Sophie Gotwald

VIDEO DIRECTOR Michael Ruebusch

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/ARTISTS

Tom Attwater, Jared Byerly, Matt Jackson, Meg Koenig, Ben Mackall, Ethan Schumacher, Wes Urbaniak

VIEWS. Big Sky magazine is southwest Montana’s leading print and digital real estate publication; core distribution includes Big Sky, Bozeman, West Yellowstone, contracted placement in select resorts, and subscribers in all 50 states.

To advertise in VIEWS. spring 2023, contact Patrick Mahoney at patrick@theoutlawpartners.com.

OUTLAW PARTNERS & VIEWS. P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • media@outlaw.partners

© 2023 VIEWS. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Sara Sipe

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Taylor Erickson

CHIEF OF STAFF Blythe Beaubien

PROJECT MANAGER Eli Kretzmann

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Meg Koenig

WEB & DESIGN MANAGER Hiller Higman

RETAIL MANAGER Conner Clemens

REAL ESTATE COORDINATOR Ashley Keller

MANAGING BROKER - OUTLAW REALTY EJ Daws

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Riding the Lift

On Nov. 23, opening day at Big Sky Resort, I was sitting on the year-old Swift Current 6 chairlift at Big Sky Resort on my way to my second run of the season, snow still falling for a historic opening day on the 11,166-foot Lone Mountain. I watched the flurries swirl and skiers and riders below carve fresh tracks, their cries euphorious over the untracked powder, the open space and life.

“I’ve been skiing here since 1975,” the man next to me said, pulling the bar down as we settled into our 7-minute ride to the top, our behinds warmed by the heated seats. “My wife and I brought our first kid home to our little place off of East Tamarack [Street] in Bozeman. They all learned to ski here,” he said, referring to his children, now grown and moved away.

VThe resort has grown since then as well. As we climb up the side of the mountain on our high speed mechanical steed, the cement platform of what will be the new Tram dock appears surrounded by signs of halted construction, paused for the great blanket of snow that will sit until next summer. Below, the fixed grip Explorer, the last original chairlift on the mountain that greeted people for the opening season in 1973, chugs away for a last winter.

After some back and forth about housing prices and what used to be dirt roads-now-paved, the gentleman and I agreed on one thing—that no matter the change, skiing in Big Sky always makes for a good day spent.

That’s the lens through which we’d like to celebrate in this sixth issue of VIEWS. magazine—what it still means to be a good neighbor, even if there are a few more of them.

Happy reading and enjoy the VIEWS.

– Mira Brody, Managing Editor

The Lone Peak Tram glides over a beautiful sunrise at Big Sky Resort.

PHOTO BY ETHAN SCHUMACHER.

A BUILDING THAT MATTERS

INSIDE THE FIRST FLOOR of the U.S. Bank building in downtown Bozeman, Montana, you can just hear the muffled sounds of lunchtime traffic on Main Street, a gentle hum that grows as the city does. Inside, however, time has momentarily stopped.

REVITALIZING THE ‘PRIDE’ OF DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN

By MIRA BRODY

Small piles of brick and rebar litter the floor. A thick layer of dust obstructs an intricate black and white terrazzo pattern beneath our feet. Strong steel beams and Montana-quarried limestone walls reach up four more stories, stoic since the building was initially constructed over a century ago. Despite its state, the craft put into its original iteration echoes throughout the space. We are in the epicenter of Randy Scully’s latest project.

In this case, progress is moving backwards, removing the white and black stucco and tile, and dark sunscreen façade brought on by a major renovation in 1972 that obstructed much of Fred Fielding Willson’s original design.

Scully, owner of Scully Partner Group, SPG, has been taking on development and revitalization projects in the area for a decade, following a lifelong passion for preserving the spirit of the West. As he walks around the empty building, which he’s named The National, he points out his vision for the next life of the 100-year-old building.

“These guys were true craftsmen,” said Scully, eyes running over the hot-riveted steel beams that stretch up past the mezzanine and through the ceiling to the third floor. “I mean, the craftsmanship in this building is amazing; the marble for the base, terrazzo for the floors, white oak for the trim. And then the steel, as they build up, gets smaller and smaller until it pokes through the roof as if they were anticipating another addition.”

Although adding stories is not in the plan, seismic and safety-

The National slowly emerges from under a dated 1972 renovation. PHOTO BY MICHAEL RUEBUSCH

related upgrades and enhanced energy efficiency are, as well as adding another 7,500 square feet to the east side of the building. It’s clear though that much like Scully, the architect before him always seemed to have an eye turned toward the possibilities of the future.

Not only is the building a fixture of downtown’s skyline and architectural history, marking a moment of growth in what began as a Western mining town, it’s also a symbol of the city’s early financial history.

The Commercial Exchange Bank was established by stockholders on Oct. 24, 1892 and opened for business on Nov. 1, operating from $40,000 of capital stock out of a corner room on Bozeman’s Masonic Block on Main Street. It was the only bank between Helena and Billings along the Northern Pacific Railroad that survived the financial panic of 1893. In 1894, the bank expanded its services nationally, changing its name to the Commercial National Bank, merged with Bozeman National Bank in 1907 and moved into today’s building on South Black Avenue after construction was completed in September of 1920.

Toss a stone anywhere in downtown Bozeman and you have favorable odds of hitting Willson’s work. The architect was born in 1877 in Bozeman, attended the town’s public schools and Montana State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Columbia University in New York.

He traveled Europe to round out his education before returning to his hometown in January 1910, bringing with him inspiration collected from his travels. These influences are revealed in the designs of the Baxter Hotel, Emerson School, Gallatin County Courthouse and the original Armory building, to name a few. Willson is responsible for more than 400 buildings in the community including much of the city’s skyline.

For the bank, Willson teamed up with New York and Chicago-based architects Theodore Visscher and

Hoggson Brothers, emulating a Classical Revival design. It featured a granite entryway tread, limestone brick, an ornate water table, triumph arch and fanlight windows. Once completed, the structure dominated the block, making it the tallest and most modern in the city, and a source of pride to the community, as reported by the local news.

“The new building is one of the most commodious and beautiful banking structures in the state and is a credit, not only to the institution which built it, but also to Bozeman and Gallatin Valley,” wrote the Bozeman Courier. “There is scarcely a bank building in the state that can compete with it and none that are superior.”

In 1972, the building’s nearly $1 million remodel was completed, boasting a new communications center, walk up window, larger offices and “massive facelift,” the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported in an article published that January. The facelift was completed by Berg, Grabow & Partners and covered the underlying brick and windows with white aggregate stone and vertical bands of smoked glass, a style known at the time as Contemporary Modern. Large holes were bored into the brick to accommodate an

Top: The original bank building by architect Fred F. Wilson was the ‘pride’ of Bozeman. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GALLATIN HISTORY MUSEUM

Bottom: Fred F. Wilson was a Bozeman native and spent his career designing over 400 buildings in the area. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GALLATIN HISTORY MUSEUM

air system, archways were covered, pieces of the water table removed and a new entrance moved to a smaller eastern addition.

Ascending the stairway to the second floor, hints of this bygone renovation bring us to yet another era. Wood paneling encases the building’s original elevator, textured brown metal doors firmly closed. Traces of pink and lime green paint and more faux wood litter the walls in varying stages of removal.

“I think there was a desire for Bozeman to modernize,” said Rob Pertzborn, principal architect at Intrinsik Architecture. No stranger to historic renovations, he remodeled the Gallatin County Courthouse as well as the Avant Courier Building on North Tracy Ave. and has been working alongside Scully on projects for nearly a decade.

“They were very proud of that,” Pertzborn said of the sleek white and black style of the ‘70s. “There was a chance for Bozeman to step forward and be more contemporary at the time.”

Pertzborn, who works within view of The National, recalls standing across the street years ago alongside Scully, wondering to themselves if it were possible to uncover the building that lie beneath. They approached Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank back in 2015, who was not ready to sell

at the time, but eventually acquired the building after a previous sale fell through and closed in February 2021. Scully aims to finish the renovation by 2024. He calls The National one of Willson’s “Hallmark pieces” and hopes to honor that legacy.

Last month, half of the building’s scaffolding came down, revealing a beautiful creamy white brick scrubbed clean by hardworking hands and masses of 4,000-grit sandpaper. Stones to replace the pieces of the water table are set to arrive soon, as are custom windowpanes. As a part of phase two, U.S. Bank will move into the completed first two stories, and the small eastern building will be demolished, making way for a new one “more typical of Downtown Bozeman with brick facade and retail and office spaces,” explained Scully.

“I think classic architecture resonates with most folks, and this particular building on the corner matters,” Pertzborn said. “It’s a building that matters.”

As more and more scaffolding comes down, Willson’s triumph arch becomes more visible to passersby on the street, along with the words etched along the building’s front, COMMERCIAL NATIONAL BANK. Surrounded by neighboring red brick, the building feels Romanesque, a forum of Bozeman’s history being excavated as the city endures yet another period of growth.

“There’s different reasons to save things,” said Scully. “Sometimes buildings were not built to have a lifespan of 100 years like this one. Sometimes buildings have been so compromised by mother nature that you just can’t save them.”

“I know people are sensitive to it in Bozeman because Bozeman’s growing so fast and that’s why this one just feels so good for so many reasons,” he continued. “We’re saving a wonderful piece of history.”

Building owner Randy Scully is bringing The National to life, a project that will run through 2024. PHOTO BY

MICHAEL RUEBUSCH

“I THINK CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE RESONATES WITH MOST FOLKS, AND THIS PARTICULAR BUILDING ON THE CORNER MATTERS.”

— Rob Pertzborn

Delivering a Bright Future

As a company, we’re committed to providing reliable and affordable energy to our customers. As your neighbors, friends and family, we’re passionate about giving back to the communities where we live and work. Each year, we contribute millions of dollars in charitable donations, sponsorships, scholarships and economic development opportunities. We also donate our time to strengthen the organizations and projects providing meaningful and important services to our communities. It’s by working together that we’re able to deliver a bright future.

SURVIVING THE

Floodwaters

HANDMADE RED ROCKS GUITAR MAKES IT TO BRANDI CARLILE

BY MIRA BRODY

ATTWATER

Outlaw Partners raised $1450,000 for three conservation nonprofits dedicated to preserving our open spaces.

PHOTO BY TOM

ON JUNE 13, 2022, the Yellowstone River, fueled by a mixture of late-season snowpack, warming temperatures and heavy rain, crested its banks in Paradise Valley, reached historic levels. While evacuations upended communities along the river, Southwest Montana artist Wes Urbaniak was packing up his own home along the river, particularly a handmade guitar he was completing in time for the arrival of Grammywinning artist, Brandi Carlile.

When he got to his shop that day, the guitar was untouched. The wall it was hanging from had watermarks just underneath. By some unexplained force, the unique piece was saved.

“The guitar has some surface warp on the back from the moisture increase, but somehow survived surrounded by flowers and water,” said Urbaniak. “With my car stuffed full and nowhere to go with this guitar, I’m slightly stunned that it made it.”

Above: A handmade guitar hangs safely just above the waterline of the Yellowstone River’s historic flooding. PHOTO BY

WES URBANIAK

Indeed, the guitar made it, in fact, it made it all the way to the hands of its rightful owner, Brandi Carlile, exactly two months later on Aug. 13 just before she took the stage for the Wildlands Festival in Big Sky, Montana.

Left: Brandi Carlile receives the Red Rocks bench guitar backstage before Wildlands Festival. PHOTO BY

MEG KOENIG

Below: Brandi Carlile plays at the Big Sky Events Arena for Wildlands Festival on Aug. 13. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER

While the festival itself was a celebration of open spaces—raising $145,000 for local conservation partners—Big Sky Community Organization, Gallatin River Task Force and Gallatin Valley Land Trust—the guitar’s components are not stranger to weathering storms. Its wood is salvaged from the benches of Colorado’s infamous Red Rocks Amphitheater installed back in the late 1930s. The guitar is seat 17, to be exact, where for decades music lovers from all over the country sat to enjoy the power of live music.

Urbaniak has been building handcrafted instruments for two decades. Much like when he first opened Brandi Carlile’s book “Broken Horses,” Urbaniak wasn’t quite sure what he was looking at when he received the row of retired benches a friend passed along to him years ago. Despite initial misgivings, he dug into both projects and they turned into something beautiful.

From the benches there was enough material to build his own band, Wes Urbaniak and the Mountain Folk, new instruments: Two guitars, a Ukulolo (8-string ukulele), and an upright bass, plus, enough to build around 10 extra guitars, one

Wildlands Festival

MORE THAN JUST MUSIC

With 11,166-foot Lone Mountain as a backdrop, the landscape that surrounds the Big Sky Events Arena is hard to ignore. It’s a stark reminder that Wildlands Festival is more than just a music festival— it’s a celebration of our open spaces in Southwest Montana. This year, through ticket sales, a raffle and donations, Outlaw Partners raised more than $145,000 for three important partner nonprofits: Big Sky Community Organization, Gallatin Valley Land Trust and Gallatin River Task Force. These three nonprofits work tirelessly to preserve our open lands, build trail systems, negotiate property easements, manage land trusts, advocate for our waterways, and much more. It’s why life here is so special.

Wildlands Festival continues this legacy at the Big Sky Events Arena this summer on Aug. 4-5, 2023. Stay tuned for the full lineup at wildlandsfestival.com

of which is now Carlile’s.

“When you see the guitars I build, they don’t feel like a guitar in a store in any way except being able to play them,” Urbaniak said. “It takes a different kind of energy to build them. It’s really giving a piece of the self to create that.”

That self he felt compelled him to give the guitar to Carlile as he finished her book and felt his bond to the fellow musician grow. You see, as he was building those instruments, Red Rocks seemed to seep into his life—sometimes a casual mention, a bumper sticker on a golf cart—then there, right in “Broken Horses,” Carlile writes about one of her stops while touring: the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Urbaniak felt a calling to create a guitar for this person he felt a deep artistic connection with.

“There’s this really good attitude about not giving up or not diving into the bullshit of how things are supposed to be, and I really live in that sphere,” Urbaniak said. “I’m not very moved by very many people and the connection for me was an interesting calling. I’m not sure why I felt called to do that, but … It is meant for her; it is built with her in mind.”

The guitar Urbaniak has built for Carlile is made from old-growth, clear heart Redwood. Urbaniak crafts these instruments on the Yellowstone River where he lives and works, surrounded by the undulating and powerful river that almost destroyed the instrument.

“This is one of the most beautiful guitars I’ve seen in my life,” Carlile told Outlaw Partners, producer of Wildlands Festival, in a thank you video to Urbaniak on Aug. 13. “I think my favorite parts are like, all this detail … and the significance to Red Rocks. Since you read my book you know how important that venue is to me.”

The friend who gifted Urbaniak seat 17 unfortunately lost a majority of his collection of salvaged Red Rocks bench wood. Urbaniak has about five rows left, with which he plans to craft 10 more guitars. Thinking back to the flood, when he walked into his shop to see the guitar surrounded by six inches of water, yet unscathed, Urbaniak says it’s a reminder of what’s good.

“These instruments can never happen again,” Urbaniak said. “And there will be very few of them when they occur.”

Winter Beyond the Mountain

Your guide to Big Sky’s best cold-weather activities

BY TUCKER HARRIS

As the snow flies, the first thing on all Big Sky locals’ and visitor’ minds is carving out fresh powder laps on Lone Mountain. As much as our little town’s tourism and die-hard skiers would hate for me to say it, there is more to Big Sky than tram laps, Swifty runs and park days.

On this thread, we’d like to present alternative options for what to do on those cold winter days when the air chills your cheeks pink and you’re looking beyond resort skiing.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH

Lone Mountain Ranch Cross Country Ski Day + Sleigh Ride Dinner

With 85 kilometers of carefully maintained woodland trails over phenomenal mountain terrain, it’s no wonder Lone Mountain Ranch has been voted Cross Country Skier magazine’s No. 1 Nordic ski destination in North America. LMR has professional ski instructors who can teach all experience levels, provide guided tours as well as rental gear. Season passes and day tickets are available. After a full day on the trails enjoy a Big Sky winter tradition and book a classic sleigh ride dinner. Meander through the woods under a starlit sky to the historic North Fork Cabin for an unforgettable cowboy dinner.

Visit lonemountainranch.com for more information.

Ice Skating in Town Center

The Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association is a local nonprofit dedicated to bringing ice sports to the big sky community. From hockey and ice skating, to curling and broomball, the newly named Marty Pavelich Ice Rink is right in the heart of the Big Sky Town Center in Len Hill Park. Rent skates from Grizzly Outfitters or East Slope Outdoors.

Visit bssha.org/rink-schedule/ for the rink schedule and more information.

Something unique: Dogsledding

Let an experienced husky dog team pull you through a winter wonderland. These furry, yet well-trained athletes will take you through a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Big Sky country that you will never forget. Cozy up and enjoy the view.

Visit huskypower.com/ or yellowstonedogsledadventures.com/ to book and for more information.

Snowshoeing adventure

Explore on your own or travel with a guide to learn more about

winter wildlife around Big Sky in a tranquil environment. Snowshoe rentals and trail information are available at many local outdoor retailers. You can forge your own trail or stick to Lone Mountain Ranch’s robust trail system—either experience will offer solitude in the winter backcountry.

Keep warm and entertained at a WMPAC Show

Embrace your passion for the arts at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. WMPAC hosts a wide collection of performances from musicals, to local theater shows, and acclaimed award-winning acts.

Find the season’s full schedule and purchase tickets at warrenmillerpac.org.

Snowmobiling through the mountains

Head out into the canyon and take in the spectacular views as you cruise through miles of open powder fields or groomed trails on a snowmobile. Buck Creek Ridge provides views of the Spanish Peaks, the Taylor Hilgards, Lone and Sphinx Mountains as you take in the thrill of snowmobiling.

Visit snowmobilemontana.com/ f or more information.

Yellowstone National Park Snowcoach Tours

Adventure to West Yellowstone to travel to places closed to vehicle traffic for the majority of the winter—it’s a solitude you won’t forget with just you, open spaces and wildlife. Spot bison, wolves and bobcats, and take in the magic of Yellowstone National Park with a variety of local outfitters.

Visit adventuretoursofyellowstone. com or yellowstonevacations.com/guidedtours/two-top-snowmobile-tours for more information.

Catch a movie at the local theater

Take a break from the cold and catch a movie at the local theater

The Independent. They host new Hollywood films in their large 90-seat theater and, depending on the night, you can enjoy live music, trivia, an array of independent films and special events. Be sure to enjoy a healthy Mediterranean meal from Perch paired with a unique cocktail—available to eat anywhere in the theater.

Visit theindependentmt.com/ for the full event schedule and Perch menu.

Lone Mountain Ranch has a multitude of different winter activities from Cross Country Skiing, hiking, sleigh rides and delicious dinner and drinks by a toasty fireplace.

GRIZZLY RESTORING HABITAT

IN THE NORTHWEST

BY TUCKER HARRIS

Hey Bear partners with Vital Ground Foundation

50 years ago there were less than 1,000 grizzlies in the Lower 48. Today, there are more than 2,000, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Vital Ground Foundation and Hey Bear are helping protect bear habitat.

“It’s really a conservation success story,” Kevin Rhoades, Vital Ground’s recurring donation program director said. “But, the thing is, that land between the recovery zones determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service back in 1993, there hasn’t really been an effort to conserve those lands until the last 20 to 30 years.”

Vital Ground Foundation’s mission is just that: to protect and restore North America’s grizzly populations for future generations by conserving wildlife habitat and by supporting programs that reduce conflicts between bears and humans.

Hey Bear is a quality accessory and apparel brand helping support organizations with aligning missions: to provide awareness, education and resources for humans to better coexist with bears. Each year, a portion of Hey Bear’s revenue goes to a chosen organization. This year’s partnership is with Vital Ground.

“Conservation has always been a part of my backbone since I was young,” Rhoades said. “And I’ve always had that ethic to conserve—whether it’s grizzly bears or even things like the gray wolf, that’s always been something I’ve been into.”

However, conservation efforts aren’t cheap.

“Land is expensive,” he said. “So we have all these different sources of income to help provide for the work we do on the ground.”

That’s where Hey Bear comes in. As a business partner to Vital Ground, Hey Bear has raised more than $1,000 since June of this year to give back to Vital Ground.

“Vital Ground is an exceptional organization to work with,” Conner Clemens, Hey Bear’s brand manager said. “We work well together because Hey Bear is the educational resource for information about bear safety, and Vital Ground is out in the field making sure that the bears and humans are able to coexist.”

Two of Hey Bear’s mission pillars match with Vital Ground’s: Awareness and Coexistence.

A “jewel of a meadow up North in Idaho,” Bismark Meadows is a key land project Vital Ground Foundation worked on for nearly 20 years to conserve and protect. PHOTO COURTESY OF VITAL GROUND

“It’s good synergy,” Rhoades said. “I would say we probably match more with our alignment with what we’re trying to do than any other business partners we have.”

One particular land conservation project Hey Bear is proud to help support through their partnership with Vital Ground is Bismark Meadows.

“Bismark Meadows is this wonderful jewel of a meadow in Idaho’s Panhandle,” Rhoades said. “When we first got our eyes on that land 20 years ago, it was multiple parcels owned by different landowners.”

Vital Ground has slowly completed deal after deal to finally close on the project almost 20 years later this past Spring. At 1,000 acres of meadows and wetlands, Bismark Meadows is a key grizzly habitat for building a connection from southwestern Canada to Montana’s Cabinet Mountains, to Washington’s North Cascades, and to Idaho’s Bitterroot Ecosystem.

Habitat loss is certainly the largest threat for any animal, Rhoades said, but particularly for the grizzly bear as they’re already somewhat isolated in Yellowstone, Glacier National Park and Montana’s Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem.

“When you’ve got people moving here in droves, and people who want a piece of paradise, they buy a big lot,” Rhoades said. “From garbage problems, to hobby chickens, to leaving dog food on the porch, just all those sorts of potential for conflicts increases with more people moving in. That’s why it’s so important that groups like [Vital Ground] are conserving these big chunks of land.”

We can’t stop people from moving to this paradise, but we can help conserve land with nonprofits such as Vital Ground and help raise awareness and educate those in bear country. Hey Bear is a great educational resource for new land and homeowners, providing resources for how to store trash, protect your pets and stay aware.

“We are so proud that our Hey Bear sales are able to help fund the

efforts for Vital Ground to continue their work for long lasting bear biodiversity,” Clemens said.

Bears are not inherently migratory by nature, Rhoades said. However, as the grizzly population has continued to grow, some bears are getting displaced, and younger adolescent grizzlies are starting to venture out and explore due to reaching capacity populations on isolated land.

“The hope,” Rhoades said, “is that there’s enough protection of private lands in between: Whenever they cross highways and such, that they can get there safely with opportunities to connect with other bears.”

Hey Bear invests in orga-

nizations like Vital Ground to support their long-term mission of connecting ecosystems. When you support, shop and shout “Hey Bear!” you’re also giving back to a nonprofit who makes a positive impact on the great bruins in our backyard.

Visit VitalGround.org or heybear.com to learn more.

Vital Ground Foundation’s overarching vision is to protect wildlife habitat and prevent conflicts in the most critical locations across the Northern Rockies and Inland Northwest. GRAPHIC COURESY OF VITAL GROUND FOUNDATION

Kevin Rhodes from Vital Ground Foundation joined Hey Bear at the Big Sky Community Day event in July of 2022. PHOTO BY TUCKER HARRIS

(406) 219-2900 | www.shoretosummitwm.com

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Outside Kind

Keeping compassion in the outdoors

BY MIRA BRODY

As the area grows, so does traffic on our local trail systems. Outside Kind aims to keep these interactions friendly and respectful. PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTSIDE KIND

here’s something different about the trails in southwest Montana.

Aside from there being so many to choose from, the access of open spaces from your neighborhood and the wildness that remains so close to where we’ve chosen to live, there’s a friendliness that comes with recreating here. And while the Bozeman and Big Sky area grows, that’s something Outside Kind, a grassroots Bozemanbased nonprofit, is looking to maintain.

“They’re really simple things we’ve been surprised that newcomers don’t know, or old timers forget or sometimes don’t know,” said Laura Huggins, one of the founding minds of Outside Kind and avid trail user. “The bigger picture is that we’re losing some of that kindness and warmth that we all find on the trails that

was so attractive when we moved here.”

Outside Kind was founded two years ago from a collection of shared passion—to keep the outdoors friendly. The Winter Wildlands Alliance had begun a campaign called Ski Kind; an employee of Outside Alliance started a campaign called Recreate Responsibly; Gallatin Valley Land Trust were having conversations with One Montana about the influx of trail usage due to the pandemic; the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association wanted to start a Ride Kind campaign.

So, in an effort to raise the volume on their message and consolidate marketing, the minds behind these many efforts joined forces.

Today, Outside Kind is a resource for trail etiquette for all types of trail users—from horseback riding, skiing, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and even dog walking.

“It’s pretty awesome to see how that’s grown here in the Gallatin Valley and it’s also taking off in Whitefish and Big Sky,” said Hillary Eisen, policy director for the Winter Wildlands Alliance. “Yes, it’s about being nice, but there’s a little bit more to it. Like, don’t assume your dog poop is going to disappear in the snow, learn the avalanche forecast so you’re not putting others in danger, be aware of where your activity is allowed and not allowed.”

Today, Outside Kind consists of a growing list of local nonprofits such as Bridger Ski Foundation, Run Dog Run, Big Sky Community Organization and Friends of Hyalite. Through their own work in the community, these nonprofits help spread Outside Kind messaging: Hike Kind, Ride Kind, Ski Kind, Wag Kind, Hunt Kind, Fish Kind, Trot Kind and Run Kind. Their messaging comes in the form of stickers and hats

for supporters to tout their sport of choice, as well as signage at local high-trafficked trailheads reminding people of common rules. The power is in its simplicity, repetition and also widespread support.

“It’s really amazing if some citizens can get together and raise the public awareness,” said Peter Bennett, president of the nonprofit Friends of Hyalite. No stranger to the power of grassroots efforts, Bennett has lived in Bozeman since 1988 and joined the Concerned Citizens of Cottonwood, a group of neighbors hoping to save a portion of land in South Cottonwood Canyon from development.

“It really does make a difference and that’s really something that Outside Kind has done,” he said.

Conflicts come in many forms— abandoned dog poop on trails, hikers trampling groomed Nordic ski trails or an unyielding bike rider. Most recently, the pandemic and area growth has increased recreation use exponentially, putting more pressure on trails that have never before seen this volume of traffic.

“I think a lot of it can be fixed with just education,” said Huggins.

“People are new to the area,” adds Bennett. “They’re really excited to get out and enjoy the scenery but they aren’t experienced enough to know that there are other people to be aware of.”

And that’s what Outside Kind aims to do—educate those unfamiliar with recreating in

southwest Montana’s spacious lands how to do so while keeping others in mind. Because at the end of the day, a shared love for the outdoors is what connects us all. Just like getting outside, breathing fresh air and exercising, kindness, too, is a part of the experience.

“I think in general this is a pretty friendly place,” said Eisen. “We say ‘hi’ to each other on the trails, we wave to each other on dirt roads. A lot of what Outside Kind is about is preserving that as our community grows; this is a value that our community cares about. We’re not starting from scratch here.”

How to Ski Kind

With winter recreation in full swing, Outside Kind brings you some helpful Ski Kind tips. Whether you’re taking advantage of Big Sky Community Organization’s local groomed trails in Big Sky, Bridger Ski Foundation’s groomed trails in Gallatin Valley, or heading into the backcountry, remember to not only be safe, but also be your best self on the trail.

Leave only tracks

Never leave dog poop, snack wrappers or any garbage on the trails you use.

Know your trail types

Know what kind of trail you are on and the rules that apply. Foot traffic is not permitted on groomed trails at Highland Glen, Sunset Hills and Bridger Creek Golf Course. On shared use trails, foot traffic should stay to the side, but not in Nordic tracks.

Safety first

Check the avalanche report before heading out if you plan to go into backcountry terrain. Slow down when approaching a congested area. Announce yourself when approaching fellow trail users.

Welcome others

Everyone has different abilities, but the trails belong to all. Respectfully slow down while passing another user and communicate which side you will be approaching from.

Be Outside Kind

Most positive encounters start with a friendly “hello.” Be kind to those sharing the trail and respectfully share knowledge with newcomers.

Part of Outside Kinds initiatives is trailside education, including friendly reminders as you head out on skis or foot. PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTSIDE KIND

Get involved

Visit outsidekind.org , shop gear and take the pledge!

“It’s pretty awesome to see how that’s grown here in the Gallatin Valley and it’s also taking off in Whitefish and Big Sky,”

Hillary Eisen, policy director for the Winter Wildlands Alliance

Unconditional Advice.

SPOREATTIC FOUNDER BENJAMIN DEULING TALKS FUNGUS AND FAMILY

SPOREATTIC FOUNDER BENJAMIN DEULING TALKS FUNGUS AND FAMILY

BY JESSICA BYERLY

Along with help from Three Hearts Farm, Benjamin Deuling put his scientific savvy to work when constructing and outfitting his custom mushroom grow facility to suit in Bozeman, Montana.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOREATTIC

Dotted with several raw wood buildings that blend seamlessly with the surrounding grassland and an expanse of greenhouses opaque with condensation, Three Hearts’ acreage spills forth life in abundance. And SporeAttic, its newest tenant and the booming fungus-inspired brainchild of microbiology misfit Ben Deuling, is no exception.

When Deuling moved to Bozeman in 2017, his intentions were clear: he would enter the Ph.D. program in microbiology at Montana State University and all would be as it should be. But, after two and a half years of study, with his coursework and student teaching nearly complete, Deuling finally accepted that a doctorate wouldn’t open any doors he would be happy to walk through. It was then, in January of 2019, that he had an interesting conversation with one of his students who had moved to Bozeman on a G.I. Bill with the intention of starting a new iteration of his Mississippi mushroom growing business.

“Something just felt right in my gut,” Deuling said. “I liked science and I wanted to grow food—I knew we had to talk.”

At not quite noon, it’s already pushing 80 degrees as I pull up to Three Hearts Farm, located at the northwest edge of Bozeman.

Inspired, Deuling spent the following year outfitting his laundry room into a makeshift grow lab and making connections in the farming industry. In October 2019, he met Ali Moxley, who shared his fascination with fungi, and partnered with him in a pitch to MSU’s Big Idea Challenge. That night, the pair put together materials for a business pitch competition due that next day. Out of the 42 teams that applied, 12 were accepted, and SporeAttic, LLC took first place.

“That was the day of ‘holy cow, this is real,’ maybe I’m not just growing mushrooms in my basement,” Deuling said. “They saw something even I didn’t.”

Next, came the State Growth Through Agriculture grant, a competitive grant and loan

program, intended “to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural industry.” Moxley and Deuling decided to tackle them both simultaneously, and spent the following seven sleepless days planning and securing all facets of the business.

“We submitted the grant that Friday at 8 a.m., fueled by coffee, La Croix and a dream,” Deuling laughed.

When he arrived at the lab that morning for the first time in over a week, Deuling pulled his advisors aside, handed them each a copy of his business plan and told them he’d been working on something. Despite initial concerns, by Monday they encouraged him to get out of the doctorate program, to chase his dreams and to never settle for

anything that made him unhappy. Deuling has been living that ethos ever since. He completed one last semester to wrap up a master’s in microbiology, which included an intriguing professional paper on the purported neuroprotective cognitive benefits of lion’s mane mushroom. He bootstrapped SporeAttic’s initial startup through a number of grants, odd jobs and “sweat equity.” With design and logistics expertise from Josh Hicks, owner of Hicks Woodworking and co-owner of Three Hearts Farm, Deuling built the 940-square-foot SporeAttic facility to spec.

“We make use of every square foot of this place to pump out over 400 pounds of mushrooms a week,” Deuling said.

SporeAttic officially launched on Halloween of 2020, with a costumed Deuling working a Bozeman farmers market booth, and three local restaurants committed to regular deliveries. For the first six months, Deuling put some effort into growth, but those days are long past—now, they’re seeking him.

The SporeAttic team—(left to right) Rebecca Allard, Benjamin Deuling and Laura Thompson—may have come together over a shared passion for ‘shrooms, but their care for one another transcends the typical office environs. They’re family in all the ways that matter. PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOREATTIC

—BENJAMIN DEULING

to experiment and play. Currently, SporeAttic grows 12 different kinds of mushrooms, including four types of lion’s mane, black pearls, chestnuts and six different oyster varieties.

“We have a lot of freedom to grow whatever we want, and Bozeman has really embraced us,” Deuling said. “We sell everything we grow.”

His team has likewise grown since they first opened two years ago, tripling in size, and “scratching a lifelong itch” to become a leader and teacher, to employ lessons learned from decades in cross-country and track in the support of others. But Deuling’s not interested in growth for growth’s sake.

“I don’t want to ever prioritize financial gains over all the other things that are important to me, like producing the highest quality product, building a team of people I love and care about and

being a part of the community,” Deuling said. “All of these things can get washed away as business gets too big.”

It is, perhaps, in this that Deuling shares the true nature of himself and what he has been cultivating all along.

“My goal with this business was to become an integral member of the Bozeman community,” Deuling said. “I want to know everyone. I want to have a family in Bozeman, a community in Bozeman.”

With energy like an electric undercurrent—that constant hum in the background noticed only when the power is out—frenetic and expressive, Deuling is a passionate force intent on changing the paradigm of employment, business, intention and community, one happy little mushroom at a time.

Ten-pound boxes to two dozen restaurants, grocery stores, private chefs and catering companies in Bozeman and Big Sky account for about 85 percent of business. Each of Bozeman’s weekly summer farmer’s markets demands another 50 to 75 pounds. Deuling just launched his website, sporeattic.com, as well, which ships dried mushrooms and a growing number of related products—from spice blends to lion’s mane cocoa— nationwide.

SporeAttic has proven to be the perfect platform to achieve what Deuling wants in life and, ironically, it has nothing to do with mushrooms.

“I don’t hardly ever talk about mushrooms,” Deuling joked. “They’re interesting, but I’m not particularly passionate about them.”

Growing mushrooms has been more of a conduit, allowing Deuling to put his lab experience to use and to provide ample opportunity

BYERLY

“My goal with this business was to become an integral member of the Bozeman community,” Deuling said. “I want to know everyone. I want to have a family in Bozeman, a community in Bozeman.”

Deuling and his team inspect mushrooms and medium daily—noting any changes, abnormalities and loss in detailed journals—to ensure consistently quality product.

PHOTO BY JARED

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Montage Winter

SEASON BIG SKY

TTREAT YOURSELF TO A LUXURIOUS MOUNTAIN GETAWAY at Montage Big Sky. The new Montage, nestled on the east side of Lone Mountain and in view of the sweeping Spanish Peaks, has a full lineup of winter happenings for both their guests and the Big Sky community to take advantage of.

From s’mores and hot chocolate, a Veuve Cliquot themed après scene and tubing under the lights, all of these activities Montage offers are open to the public are a must-try this winter season—and, most are free! VIEWS. is excited to bring you a complete guide to winter activities at Montage Big Sky.

APRÈS AT BACKCAST

12-5 pm daily, Backcast

Montage’s newest outdoor dining and champagne bar just opened this winter season and they’re celebrating ski season in style! Just steps from the ski hill, Backcast will host their elevated après every afternoon from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring the first global activation from La Grande Dame by Veuve Cliquot. Paola Paronetto Creations, an Italian ceramic artist has designed the packaging of the La Grande Dame 2015 in beautiful pastel colors. Enjoy the ultimate après experience and pair your champagne with caviar, pumpkin fondue and Montana bison chili—this is an experience you do not want to miss.

PHOTO BY TUCKER HARRIS

S’MORES AND HOT CHOCOLATE

FREE, 5-7 pm , Alpenglow Firepit

Cozy up by the fire and indulge in a sweet treat for the whole family. This is not just your regular s’more however—Montage offers a full platter of s’more toppings and they even have an attendant available to help you create the perfect golden brown marshmallow.

GUIDED SNOWSHOE OR CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

8 am -6 pm , Compass Sports

Explore a winter wonderland with guided snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Take in the beautiful views and get your heart pumping on secluded tree-lined paths and groomed trails set against the Spanish Peaks. Complimentary for resort guests, stop into Compass Sports to get your gear for guided snowshoeing offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays or cross country skiing Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

TUBING UNDER THE LIGHTS

3:30-6:30 pm , Montage Tubing Hill

A fun activity for the whole family, take a thrilling ride on Montage’s tubing hill. Steps away from the Alpenglow Firepit, you can warm up with hot chocolate in-between runs. This activity is complimentary for resort guests.

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC

7-10 pm , Alpenglow Firepit

Settle in for a handcrafted cocktail or an alpine-inspired beer at the Alpenglow lobby bar and enjoy live music from local musicians. With a new custom-built stage and a variety of local genres, the music will set the mood for both pre-dinner cocktails and your evening nightcap.

FINE DINING AT CORTINA

Breakfast 7-11 am , Lunch 12-3 pm , Dinner 5-10 pm

Northern Italian cuisine meets the Mountain West. Cortina offers elegant seasonal and locally sourced meals including a breakfast buffet and à la carte options, a lunch buffet spread and dinner. From fresh handmade pasta and an open-hearth wood-fire oven to the extensive wine list, Rachel Wiener and her team offer fresh amazing meals for everyone.

WILDFLOWER MARKET

6 am -6 pm , Montage Lobby

Fuel up for a day in the mountains with coffee and tea, grab and go meals and delectable pastries made by renowned Executive Pastry Chef Jeremy Vitou. The Wildflower Market also offers picnic baskets for all your outdoor adventures.

BEARTOOTH PUB & REC

4-10 pm

The Beartooth pub is the perfect way to escape the cold and find entertainment for everyone. Reserve

a lane and shoot for a strike at the bowling alley, then grab some woodfired pizzas and satisfy your sweet tooth with extravagant ice cream sundaes and milkshakes (with the option to make it boozy). Throwing darts and vintage arcade games will keep everyone having fun while you wait.

RIVALRY ROOM

4 pm -9 pm , Monday-Friday, 9 am -12 am , Saturday

8 am -9 pm , Sunday

Montage’s premier sports bar has games for everyone. Enjoy top-shelf tequila and bourbon as you try out the exclusive state-ofthe-art golf simulator bays and an array of other on-screen sports games. Rivalry will offer special events for larger sports matches such as the Super Bowl on the big screens for everyone to cheer on their favorite team.

PHOTO BY TUCKER HARRIS

PHOTO BY TUCKER HARRIS

Visit Montage Big Sky this winter.

An elevated Alpine getaway set in the stunning Spanish Peaks Mountains in Big Sky, Montana. Perfectly located as your basecamp to Yellowstone National Park, a big Montana adventure and skiing at Big Sky Resort.

Whether you are staying with us, dining in one of our six restaurants or joining us for our popular complementary s’mores each night from 5-7pm, we are delighted to welcome you.

ADDRESSING THE STRESSES OF HIGH ALTITUDE LIVING

Tips from Big Sky Natural Health

By Dr. Kaley Burns

ALTHOUGH SOME

people thrive in a more challenging climate and geography, there’s no arguing that at higher elevations, you start taking in less oxygen per breath. Altitude sickness is actually a type of stress on the body and can be a big concern for travelers, and in addition, we also know there are physiological effects from living at these higher elevations.

People with underlying health issues, especially related to the lungs and heart, may find their conditions exacerbated by altitude. The available data indicate that residency at higher altitudes are associated with lower mortality from cardiovascular diseases, stroke and certain types of cancer. In contrast, mortality from COPD and lower respiratory tract infections may be greater.

It has been clinically documented that many women who move to the higher elevations, experience changes in their menstrual cycles in the first few months of living at altitude. Often, women experience increased intensity and frequency of hot flashes as well as imbalances in fluid retention.

While research in this area is still limited, data monitoring the effects of altitude on stress, thyroid, adrenal and reproductive hormone axes, suggests that hormone profiles of estrogens, testosterone and progesterone all change at high altitude when compared to sea level. We have seen that, particularly in regards to progesterone levels, there is possibility of long-lasting changes in these hormone axes.

The holistic team at Big Sky Natural Health encourages an approach to healthcare that involves a comprehensive focus on the physical, emotional and mental pieces of an individual’s health through all phases of life. Optimizing a healthy balance allows for full involvement in all of the activities and elevations we search for in mountain living, which is why we’re happy to offer these tips for optimizing your wellness at altitude so you can get back to doing what you love.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY NATURAL HEALTH

Tips to Optimize Wellness at Altitude

1. Keep up hydration with electrolytes

Electrolytes play a role in mood regulation, sleep, brain function and energy levels. Currently, our favorite electrolyte on the market is LMNT. Add a packet to your 40-ounce water bottle once or twice per day to keep your muscles happy and allow you to enjoy the mountain to the fullest. Water intake is advised to be half of your bodyweight in ounces. If you are physically active, it’s vital to add roughly 8-ounces for every 15 minutes of activity.

a. Start early—Consume 24-ounces of water within the first 30 minutes of waking. Your body dehydrates overnight.

b. IV nutrient and hydration therapy—If you know you are sensitive to hydration changes, we suggest getting a nutrient intravenous drop (IV treatment) once every four to six weeks.

2. Get adequate amounts of sleep

Sleep disturbances are common at higher elevations. If you are struggling to sleep, check your caffeine intake and try improving sleep hygiene with a dark room, white noise or calming essential oils such as lavender.

a. Magnesium is great for helping promote optimal sleep. Current research shows that magnesium can help the body relax to help improve disruption and even insomnia. Magnesium supports hormone synthesis and helps to normalize the action of progesterone on the central nervous system.

3. Boost your nutrient intake

More oxidative stress requires more antioxidants, found in items such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, artichokes, cabbage, asparagus, radish, sweet potatoes, squash, berries and kale. Foods such as bananas, avocados, spinach, greek yogurt and kale are all high in potassium which can help mitigate some of the effects of altitude.

a. Another favorite way to support your nutrition and help with hydration levels is consuming bone broth. Full of amino acids, this helps the body to produce and process hormones to keep a healthy balance.

4. Recruit quality supplementation as needed

Iron is one of the most intricate nutrients to check when living and recreating at higher altitudes. It also plays a role in estrogen metabolism. Adding vitamin C increases iron absorption and helps to balance adrenal hormones to make us more resilient to stressors.

a. Nitric Oxide/Beets: I recommend utilizing NEO40 or SuperBeets supplements to support nitric oxide production. Research has found that optimal nitric oxide levels are key to improving high altitude function.

b. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC): An amazing addition that supports liver health (to process hormones), immune function, hormone balance, acts as an antioxidant, is anti-inflammatory, and supports regular circulation.

5. Go lower or seek support if necessary Don’t wait too long to seek medical attention if your health is struggling as you adapt and live at altitude. If needed, make arrangements to sleep at a lower elevation.This has been found to help the body adjust more optimally and can allow you to still enjoy life in the mountains!

The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.

Photo by Audrey Hall

Interior Design by Abby Hetherington Architecture by Miller Roodell

MONTANA DARKSTAR

Astrophotographer

sheds a little light on the darkness

BY JESSICA BYERLY

Matt Jackson

THE YOUNGEST CHILD OF TWO ORNITHOLOGY PROFESSORS

, Montana DarkStar

Matt Jackson has been defined by his connection with nature as far back as he can remember. Whether through early morning birding, late evening herping (catching frogs) or the range of adventures in between, Jackson recalls an acute awareness of his relationship with the landscape and his responsibility to the delicate ecosystems reliant on that awareness for survival.

“Dancing Lights on Lake McDonald”

Northern Lights with star trails over Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.

Part of Jackson’s childhood adventuring involved capturing that ethos with a camera. In fact, he received his first interchangeable lens film camera—an old Minolta—when he was just five years old. At age seven, Jackson completed his father’s university photography course, “Phototechniques in Biology,” learning how to frame shots and develop film in a dark room. In second grade, he won a photo contest for a picture he took of a pig with that same camera.

Interceding years found Jackson’s interests returning to biology, conservation and navigating environmental damage—so much so that he completed his doctorate in environmental engineering last year. He found himself back behind the lens a few years ago, rediscovering his first love and cultivating that infatuation with a bright new vision of the dark side.

To learn a little more, I sat down with Jackson to talk about DarkStar, the business of astrophotography and shedding light on the dark.

Founder

PHOTO BY MATT JACKSON

Jessica Byerly: How have your educational pursuits informed your photography and vice versa?

Matt Jackson: When I started college, my interests were largely focused on conservation biology, but, after working in the Everglades for several months, I began to understand that the environmental issues we were facing were largely due to population growth and progress. As a result, I obtained a second bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering; began researching algae biotechnology after an intriguing undergraduate internship with a biofuel company; and finally, completed a Ph.D. at Montana State University in 2021. Feeling anxious and overwhelmed is common when working on an advanced degree. To escape those feelings, I began going out at night to capture the stars while winding down after a long day in the lab. It was a place where I was in control, and the things I created were completely mine.

I can’t imagine a future where I’m not still exploring the darkness and capturing the stars. For me, science and astrophotography are synergistic. When I’m out in the middle of nowhere capturing the cosmos, my mind is calm. I’m able to think clearly and creatively both about my process and the engineering challenges I am facing. Conversely, when I am working on engineering tasks, I am more grounded and able to organize my existence better. Astrophotography gives me the freedom to lose myself in the darkness; engineering keeps me tethered to reality.

J.B.: Why photography, and astrophotography in particular?

M.J.: In many ways, photography is more of a science than most other visual art forms. Astrophotography is essentially learning how changing input parameters (camera settings) impacts and alters the way light is captured, then using this information to efficiently capture the trace amounts of light present at night. The artistic part is being able to do this and produce visually stimulating images.

“The Lone Mountain” in Big Sky, Montana. PHOTO BY MATT JACKSON

“Bridging Paradise” Bridge over Yellowstone River with lights from passing cars captured at Carters Bridge fishing access site. PHOTO BY MATT JACKSON

I was fascinated with astrophotography after my first clear image of the night sky–when I saw it pop up on the back of the camera, something clicked. I was instantly obsessed. In a single frame, I fell more in love with astrophotography than I had ever been with any other type.

J.B.: What makes astrophotography so compelling?

M.J.: Astrophotography is very different from other styles of photography, most notably in that there is no “auto” mode. Many photographers, including myself, say that good photography is 90 percent composition and, while that’s still important with astrophotography, understanding how to capture light is even more so.

J.B.: What is your most memorable photographic project?

M.J.: I have been to 37 states in the last two years and, while each shoot is unique, the most memorable have been those where I had a breakthrough. Photographing the Northern Lights for the first time is certainly high on my list, but so is the first successful image I ever captured of the night sky. If I had to choose, it would be the image I captured of Old Faithful on an exquisitely clear wintry night in 2019: Old Faithful and Beehive erupted in a perfect closing duet to my long, solitary wait.

J.B.: Where is your favorite place to shoot?

M.J.: Montana. Though I wasn’t born here, I’ve been here for nearly a decade and a big part of the person that I am is a direct result of my experiences here.

J.B.: What excites you about photography in the dark? Does the seclusion ever get to you?

M.J.: I’m actually terrified of the dark. I think, in many ways, my passion is motivated by this fear: I’m driven to conquer it by bringing light to the darkness. I also love watching the stars. The grandeur of the universe helps me put my relatively insignificant challenges into perspective.

J.B.: What mark do you hope to leave on the photographic community, if any?

M.J.: My art brings me back to the beginning: to the environmental ethos

my parents instilled in me; to my goal to leave the world a better place than it was when I entered it; and to my belief that we, as a species, can do better. Many incredible photographers have captured breathtaking images of the natural world during the day, fostering an appreciation and level of connection in the viewer with places on our planet that they may never visit in person. I want to help people to build a similar connection with the natural world at night. My hope is that, through sharing my images, I can give people a reason to care about the places I capture, a deep recognition of the vastness of our universe and the fragility of our small home in that vastness, a place called Earth.

“Cosmic Roads” Milky Way over Livingston Peak, captured near Livingston, Montana. PHOTO BY MATT JACKSON

Beehive Basin | Big Sky, MT

$4,500,000 | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath +/- 6,705 sqft. | +/- 20 Acres | MLS# 366377

• Spectacular Views of Lone Peak and Gallatin Range

• Multiple Decks, 2 Fireplaces & Sauna

• Easy Access to Biking, Hiking, Back Country Skiing & Forest Service

• Close Proximity to Big Sky Resort

68 CRAIL RANCH CONDOMINIUM

Meadow Village | Big Sky, MT

$2,150,000 | 3 Bed | 4 Bath +/- 2,740 Sqft | MLS# 373487

• Spotted Elk Road

• Vaulted Ceiling

• Rock wood burning fireplace and wet bar

• Private deck access

• Large den/bonus room

• Adjacent to the historic Crail Ranch Museum

• 2-Car Garage

2495 LITTLE COYOTE ROAD

Meadow Village | Big Sky, MT

$1,890,000 | 3 Bed | 3 Bath +/- 2,520 Sqft | MLS# 376274

• Convenient Meadow Village

• Propane rock fireplace

• Hot tub room

• Low HOA dues

• Southern exposure

• Easy to Maintain

• Golf and Cross Country ski trails near by

• 2-Car Garage