Traditional Blackfeet dance at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta, Canada

Heeding the heartbeat of the earth, the Blackfeet tribe of the First Nation came to a deep understanding of bison behavior passed down for generations. This knowledge empowered the bravest among them to hunt the massive bison by stampeding them over a cliff. For thousands of years, the bison provided the peoples of North America's Great Plains with many of life's requirements: meat and fat for sustenance, hides for clothing and shelter, sinew, bone and horn for tools, and dung for fires. Yet by the nineteenth century the vast, wild herds, and a way of life, were swept away by guns, greed and short sightedness—by men who failed to heed the earth’s heartbeat.  

Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, Montana

Later that week, it was our privilege to attend Science and History Day, at Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Here modern-day scientists are taking measure of the earth’s heartbeat, and assessing its health with the latest technology. The United States and Canada cooperatively manage this amazingly diverse mosaic of natural resources. In the space of a few miles you can travel form lush old-growth cedar and hemlock forests to alpine meadows, from the wind-swept western prairies to ancient glaciers and deep lakes. 
The research projects scientists are conducting reflect this rich diversity and take measure of the pulse of the earth. Let me give two examples of fascinating projects: bat and bear monitoring.

Moose Antlers, Waterton Lake

During 2011 and 2012, 44 netting sites were set up in Glacier and Waterton parks, yielding 968 captures of nine species of bats. Netting involves using poles to extend nets with pulley systems up to 24 feet high. “This can be a challenge, getting bats out of nets, but once you get it you get it,” Lisa Bate, lead wildlife technician, said.

Alpine Meadow, Glacier National, Park, Going to the Sun Road

Anyone working with bats must be vaccinated for rabies. Captured bats are measured and examined before release, with the researchers looking for signs of Geomyces destructans, a cold-loving fungus that causes the deadly white nose syndrome, which has wiped out bats in the eastern US.Thus far, three new species have been added to Glacier’s inventory of mammals—the Yuma myotis bat, the California myotis bat and the Eastern red bat. Bates reminded the audience that bats play a key role in a healthy ecosystem, keeping the insect population under control, and pollinating and dispersing seeds. 
Going batty in Glacier
Bat Research Project
Amy MacLeod, Biological Science Technician, leads the project to monitor bear population trends for the U.S. Geological Survey. This work uses hair collection and DNA analysis methods. The object of the study is to estimate population growth rates by collecting hair at natural bear rubs along trails, roads, fences and power lines. This method provides reliable data, is efficient, cost effective, and does not interfere with the bears. 
Hair samples shed light on grizzly bears
Other fascinating projects included:
* history of the Civilian Public Service Corps in Glacier during World War II
* A true peace park during World War II - Hungry Horse News: Glacier Park
* a behind the scenes look at rehabilitation of the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Changes coming to Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road | KXLF.com | Butte, Montana
* growth of alpine vegetation near receding snowfields and glaciers, and what lake sediment cores reveal about the past 13,000 years of local environmental history.
* ecological restoration and introduced trout populations

• *complex relationships among elk, wolves, aspen, and fire

Goat Haunt, Waterton Lake, on the border between Canada and the U.S.

So what do these differing ecological studies have in common?  As I listened to the passion in the scientists’ voices, and observed the glow in their eyes, I felt their complete dedication to the work they are doing. Their projects often demand rigorous treks into wild places, followed by hours of painstaking and meticulous research back in the office and lab. These young scientists are making great contributions to the knowledge and expertise we sorely need to make wise decisions vital to the conservation of the natural heritage and health of our planet for generations to come. 
This special experience in a unique environment has renewed my dedication to doing my small part to inspire and educate young people to become wise stewards of our precious natural resources—that is why I keep on writing the Eco Mystery series, The Adventures of The Sizzling Six.

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