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Inside the Big Sky
Published
8 years agoon
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Outlaw PartnersWhat is the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem?
By Derek Lennon EBS Contributor
With Yellowstone National Park at its center, the definition of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is beautifully vague—there is no exact boundary to this incredible and inspirational natural zone. What we do know is that Big Sky, Montana, is a part of this magical and wild place.
Diverse wildlife, impressive hydrothermal features, thick vegetation, stunning lakes, and geologic wonders are all a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It is a sanctuary for the largest concentration of wildlife in the Lower 48 states. Bison, grizzly bears, wolverines, lynx, elk, moose, and other animals live in natural harmony in this vast region. There is no place else like this on Earth.
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is home to jagged peaks, vast tundra, lush forests, raging rivers, wild valleys, spewing geysers, and stunning natural landscapes. It’s the definition of what nature looks like. It’s wild.
This area includes more than 11 mountain ranges such as the Tetons, Wyoming Range, Salt River Range, Wind Rivers, Absarokas, Beartooths, Gallatins, Madison, Tobacco Roots, Gravellys and Centennials. It’s a massive area with very few people, which makes it distinctly unique and it’s the ideal outdoor playground.
Local, state, federal, and tribal governments along with private individuals manage and conserve this vast and wild region of the Lower 48. Spread throughout Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, the loose boundaries of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem include state lands, national parks, wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, national forests, BLM lands, private property, and tribal lands such as:
• Yellowstone National Park• Grand Teton National Park
• John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
• Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
• Custer Gallatin National Forest
• Shoshone National Forest
• Caribou-Targhee National Forest
• Bridger-Teton National Forest
• Camas National Wildlife Refuge
• Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge
• National Elk Refuge
Naturally, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem has become a focal point for both tourism and conservation. There’s a lifetime of adventures to be had in the GYE: hiking, backpacking, hunting, camping, climbing, rafting, kayaking, snowmobiling, skiing, wildlife spotting, and more.
This wild land is Big Sky’s backyard, so please explore it responsibly. When you come for a visit, you are a guest here too. Treat this world with the respect that it deserves. Let’s work together to protect one of the last great places.
This is wild America and in Big Sky, Montana, we’re proud to be a part of it.
Derek Lennon is a skier and writer who lives, works, and plays in the mountains of the world. He is based in Big Sky, Montana, where he lives with his wife Mia and two dogs.
A version of this story was originally published on the Visit Big Sky blog at visitbigskymt.com/greater-yellowstone-ecosystem/. Read more interesting content about the area on Visit Big Sky’s blog at visitbigskymt.com/category/blog/.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd