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.
We aim to inspire everyone to embrace sustainable landscaping practices.
The Crail Ranch gardens are intended to:
- 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
Water wise grassed areas, comprised of native Idaho fescue, complement the four gardens. Aldo Leopold style benches, made from yellow cedar, provide beautiful rest and reflection opportunities for visitors. Youngsters were not forgotten and are invited to enjoy a kid’s bench made from an invasive Russian olive tree.
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.
Thank you to our partners, funders, donors, and volunteers for helping us build our garden!
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
Cross Charitable Foundation
Gallatin Canyon Women's Club
Gallatin Conservation District
Gallatin River Task Force
Gallatin Waterworks
Great Bear Native Plants
Historic Crail Ranch
Meadowview II LLC
Moonlight Community Foundation
Quarry Works
Rotary Club of Big Sky
Spanish Peaks Community Foundation
Westscape Nursery
Yellowstone Club Community Foundation
