In about 20 years, Glacier National Park will no longer contain any glaciers. They have been in retreat since the last ice age, 15,000 years ago, and today there are only 30 individual glaciers left. That is not the only change taking place in the region. As the glaciers retreat, average annual temperatures rise and native plants and animals are forced to climb up to higher and cooler elevations. The habitat is shrinking, and the rugged landscape left behind is warmer, drier, and more prone to forest fires.

I visited the park in September 2007 to document the current state of several glaciers (Grinnell, Gem, Salamander, and Jackson) as well as to record images of some of the people and the culture of the area.

Special thanks to HMC Architects for generously funding this trip through their [x]ref program.