We have collected atmospheric participate matter (PM) samples during the summer over the past four years in and around Boise, Idaho. These samples tell different stories about the air we breathe as the bustling Boise metropolis is wedged in between rural foothills and mountains. Increasing air pollutant concentrations in our urban and rural areas pose a risk of future health problems as Boise is ranked fourth in Northwest region for size. Understanding the magnitude and source of PM will support control strategies for maintaining and improving human health and natural ecosystems. We present possible contributions to temporal PM variations-- population, weather events, control efforts--by examining data collected of the last four years.