The times, they are changing: Summer fades, autumn looms

As the summer paints its final palette of colors in the sky, cooler mornings telegraph the coming of fall. For many, their favorite season. Sure, it is not easy to let go of the hot days and cool swims at the lakes, the barbecues, vacations and the summer socializing scene.

But in the natural world’s scheme of inevitable change, there is something very alluring about the coming of autumn. Perhaps, it’s the relief from the heat, or in remembering that fall colors are impressive in their own way, too. Maybe there’s something in the excitement of gearing up for the coming busy times, the wood gathering, the anticipation of hunting season.

Whatever it is exactly, and that means for each of us, it certainly is natural. It is a part of our world that we cannot change. Humble acceptance and appreciation of these changes may be part of the secrets of life. The secrets that the living creatures of the wetlands know.

Instinctively, the diverse wildlife of the bogs, wet meadows, swamps, fen’s and riparian areas are becoming more active, and it is a great time to get out and explore them. Think about it; fewer bugs, less heat, water is not too high, or too low. The animals are gearing up, too, and may be more visible. Here is the Montana State definition of wetlands, adapted from Keddy 2000.

“ A wetland is a transitional ecosystem between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that arises when inundation (or saturation) by water produces soils dominated by anaerobic processes and forces the plants and animals to exhibit adaptations to tolerate flooding. Wetlands generally include marshes, beaver ponds, potholes, wet meadows, floodplain wetlands and other similar areas.”

Well folks, we’re surrounded by them. Our wetlands aid in ground water recharge and help to replenish aquifers, as well as being vitally important and unbelievably diverse wildlife habitat. The abundance of insect life feeds the fish and bird life. Adaptive plants, sedges, shrubs and trees help support aquatic mammals, as so do the fish populations in the riparian areas. 

Interesting amphibians and reptiles abound, too. Deer, elk, moose and bear utilize these areas more than often thought.

If you’re interested in learning more about wetlands, we can help. There are two upcoming hikes, focusing on vegetation; wetland ecology; and species including: blue heron, muskrats, beaver, mink, osprey, bald eagles, long-toed salamanders, spotted frogs and western painted turtles, and or whatever we may find.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, Friends of Scotchman Peaks will sponsor “Wetland Wanderings,” and please register at sandy@scotchmanpeaks.org or call 208-290-1281. 

On Saturday, Sept. 21, Montana Wilderness Association will sponsor “ Wetland Wanderings and Wonders,” a day of examining the world of wetlands with accents on vegetation, bird life, mammals and reptiles/amphibians near the Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge. 

This outing is a road tour with short hikes. We will meet at 9 a.m. at Treasure Mountain Restaurant. Please contact Amy at arobinson@wildmontana.org or call (406) 730-2006 or 406 291-2154 to register. 

These are “hands-on, boots-on- the-ground “ programs, so come prepared for the day with proper gear and lunch. These two professionally guided hikes are free to the public, so please register early. We’ll have fun.

On a personal note, yep, humble acceptance and appreciation of seasons and changes are probably part of the secrets of life. In the lessons that nature gives us, perhaps, it means appreciation of good human beings, too. 

Folks such as Libby’s Al Corda, who established a sivicultural stand forestry data base, worked countless hours on the Libby Rod & Gun Club projects and taught numerous kids and adults to shoot trap. A good all-around guy, Al is an excellent marksman, elk hunter and friend. A guy with a firm handshake and look in the eye, a guy all the community can be proud of. So, let’s appreciate it all folks, and have a great autumn.

(Brian Baxter is an outdoorsman and naturalist.)