The landform of Glacier National Park is a monumentto the power of moving ice. This view from StoneyIndian Pass is startlingly differentfrom the scene of a million years ago, when the glaciersof the Pleistocene were sculpturing the land. Only thehigher peaks would then have been visible above theblanket of ice that flowed like a slow-moving riverdown into the Mokowanis Valley and out into theGreat Plains beyond.

About This Book

This natural history of the mountainwilderness called Glacier National Parkis not a guidebook, but provides an overviewof the ecology of the region. At thesame time, it is a personal statement,revealing one individual’s response to thisrugged, delicate land.

For their consistent cooperation andhelpfulness, I wish especially to thankChief Naturalist Ed Rothfuss and hiscapable staff. Technical and field assistancecame from many; for specialthanks, I would like to single out ArtSedlack, Francis Singer, Bert Gildart,Walt Martin, Craig Kuchel, and DannyOn. The manuscript profited greatly fromthe criticism of Douglas Chadwick, towhom I am deeply grateful.

—G.B.

The National Park Service Division ofPublications gratefully acknowledges thefinancial support given this book projectby the Glacier Natural History Association,Inc., West Glacier, Mont.

Contents

Song of the High Peaks 1

Cycles and Seasons 5

Bedrock: The First Story 6

The Rising of the Sun and the Running of the Deer: A Glacier Year 39

Plant-and-Animal Communities 43

Over Going-to-the-Sun Road 44

Groves and Grasslands: The Prairie Sea 46

The Forest 70

...