6,695 × 2,790 pixels Canon EOS 5D mkiv Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM 1/125 sec, f/5, ISO 320

Image by David Lennard

I arrived at J-Bar-L in early June 2019, catching the final dusting of snow as I drove up to my home for the next few weeks. This was my second visit to the 7,000 acre ranch. I'd already fallen in love with the Montana big skies, the staggering beauty of the landscape and the solitude in 2018, when I took a six week sabbatical at the property to contemplate my Purpose in life.

Little did I know when I first booked the cabins that its owner and fourth generation Rockefeller, Peggy Dulany, had spent 20 years tirelessly restoring the land to its indigenous flora and fauna, and had been raising cattle using traditional methods indigenous tribes used to graze bison in the area during the summer months. In working with the Nature Conservancy and other ranchers, Peggy’s contribution to restoring one of North America’s most important migratory routes will have a lasting impact on the health of The Centennial’s ecosystem.

For the Tezos4Nature Collection, I have selected a series of ten images that I hope will give you a sense of the magnificence of this very special place.

Excerpt From the Nature Conservancy:

“The Centennial stretches out just beyond the western border of Yellowstone National Park, protecting the headwaters of the Missouri river as well as critical migration routes for wildlife throughout the Northern Rockies. This area, in combination with the High Divide Headwaters and Big Hole, maintains the links between the protected wild-lands of Yellowstone, Central Idaho, the Crown of the Continent, and Canada. The Centennial’s expansive wetlands are home to hundreds of bird species, and Red Rock River system is one of the last places where rare Arctic grayling survive. It supports grizzlies, wolves, elk, deer, and the other magnificent wildlife that draws millions of visitors to Yellowstone.

The valley contains the highest nest density in the West for trumpeter swans, and lies along one of only two primary swan migration corridors. The Centennial also hosts the densest population of peregrine falcons and ferruginous hawks in Montana, and a healthy population of bald eagles and osprey.

Most of the 100,000 acres of private land in the valley is large ranches, owned by about 15 multi-generational ranch families. The Conservancy and these families share the common goals: Preserve the integrity of the land in a way that benefits both ranching and wildlife.

Partnership and stewardship are the foundation of our success in the Centennial. Most of the Centennial landowners are committed to working with the Conservancy and the federal agencies in the region to keep the valley whole and healthy for both livestock and wildlife. This collaboration has also resulted in miles of stream restoration, an all-out assault on invasive weeds, the use of prescribed fire and sustainable grazing plans to restore and maintain the integrity of this spectacular place.”