We teamed up to build a
demonstration garden at
Crail Ranch using native plants that are wildlife friendly,
water wise, and preserving
of the historic landscape.
inspire - educate - conserve
This demonstration garden will educate residents, students,
and visitors about sustainable gardening, showcase water savings over time and enhance the Ranch's natural heritage.
Thank you to our partners, funders, donors, and volunteers for helping us complete phase 1!
Beth MacFawn Landscape Design
Big Sky Community Organization
Big Sky Landscaping
Big Sky Owners Association
Big Sky Resort Tax
Big Sky Water & Sewer
Big Timberworks
Gallatin Canyon Women's Club
Gallatin Conservation District
Gallatin River Task Force
Gallatin Waterworks
Meadowview II LLC
Moonlight Community Foundation
Quarry Works
Rotary Club of Big Sky
Spanish Peaks Community Foundation
Westscape Nursery
Yellowstone Club Community Foundation
Donate now to help us with phase 2!
We've raised $44,665
of our $59,000 goal!
We are 3/4 the way there - help us grow wild!
Origins of the Gardens at Crail Ranch
In 2017, the caretaker of the small flower garden at Crail Ranch reached out to the Alliance for expert assistance on weed and flower identification. During the site visit, it was determined about half of the plants in the flower garden were invasive species.
Talks about revitalizing and improving the garden began, with a focus on native species. Once word spread, other local groups expressed interest in helping with the project due to similar mission and goals of sustainable land and water stewardship. The project has grown from improving one small garden, to improving the entire landscape area at Crail Ranch.
Historic Crail Ranch is a tangible reminder of the life of the earliest European settlers of the Big Sky area. This garden showcases the native species that the pioneers would have found in the landscape.
Garden Goals
The purpose of this project is to reintroduce native vegetation into the area and restore the site from invasive weeds, while providing educational opportunities for visitors and community members to embrace sustainable gardening and landscaping practices.
- Showcase water conservation
- Provide pollinator habitat
- Enhance biodiversity
- Demonstrate sustainable landscapes can be beautiful
- Enhance a historic site
- Complement the many conservation efforts already underway
The final native demonstration garden will consist of four gardens, with scattered perimeter plantings, comprised of appropriate native species well suited to the site and Big Sky environment. Two unique benches made from yellow cedar will provide beautiful rest and reflection opportunities for visitors.