Home Ground

The grizzly bear is Montana’s state mammal, famous for its size, strength and intelligence. Grizzlies have been hunted for centuries by first peoples to obtain mythic power and by farmers and ranchers to protect livestock. In large swaths of the U.S., market hunters exterminated the great bear for its fur. With the grizzly off the endangered species list, should Montana allow trophy hunting? Dan Vermillion, chair of Montana's Fish & Wildlife Commission, joins us to discus on this episode of "Home Ground Radio."

In parts of the world wracked by violence, like Syria and Palestine, we often see images of destruction. But Samantha Robinson, founder and executive producer of Awareness & Prevention Through Art (aptART), is working to change that. She believes visual aesthetics play a significant role in psychological health, and by collaborating with communities to create bold murals, art can stimulate dialog and healing.

When Penelope Pierce drove through Montana's Paradise Valley in '85, she knew she was home. Now, as the Executive Director of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, she has supported numerous conservation easements to protect large landscapes. Pierce believes that conservation has to make financial sense to people, and through cooperation and education, this type of model can prove successful.

For centuries, durable work clothes have been designed for men, but Sarah Calhoun, founder and owner of Red Ants Pants, is working to change that. This week on "Home Ground", we learn how White Sulfur Springs became the international headquarters of the first company dedicated to work-wear for women. It's also the home of the annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival, an event that supports rural families and communities across the state. 

Last week we talked with Bob Ream who's had an outstanding career in ecology, academics, and politics. This week we're talking about the politics. Bob Ream joins us for part two on this episode of "Home Ground".