YELLOWSTONE ARBORETUM
" Stewards of the Natural Environment "
Billings, Montana @ ZooMontana
Yellowstone Arboretum
Quarterly Newsletter - Summer Edition
Native Wood's Rose
Throughout the arboretum
Summer at the Arboretum
"Free Shade Available"
Yellowhorn - Sensory Garden
Northern Catalpa
New Hawthornes Planted
Look for two of our favorite late spring/early summer bloomers, the Catalpas, one located in front of the Homestead Barn and the other on the south hill of the Sensory Garden. The south hill tree can be seen from almost anywhere in the Foster Refuge, a real treat when you don't expect it ! It's also a great time to look for the native Wood's Roses. You can find them along Chickadee Trail, in front of the Lynx viewing windows, the Foster Refuge and recently planted on the front islands of the parking lot along with new Hawthorns and Mountain Ashes. More about the parking lot landscaping below. Enjoy summertime in the arboretum !
Parking Lot Landscaping
The arboretum crew has been busy planting new trees and shrubs as part of the recent parking lot restoration. Courtesy of grants from the Arbor Day Foundation and Montana Department of Natural Resource and Conservation we've been able to make some nice additions to the arboretum collection. As part of this year's trial species program, the Maple, you can find new "State Street Maples" and a "Royal Red Maple" located on the north end. Up front there are new Hawthorns and Mountain Ashes and Wood's Roses. On the far northeast berm are new Black Hills Spruces, a European Bird Cherry and a collection of Artemisia, Rabbit Brush and Russian Sage. Finally our most unique addition is a small gleaning project on the east side which includes four new apple trees and, in the Homestead Collection, three new nut producing trees !
Meet the Interns
We want to take this opportunity to introduce you to the arboretum's latest interns from Montana State University-Billings environmental studies program. This program is in its second year at the arboretum showing students the value of tree and shrub care and maintenance and the workings of an arboretum. With this opportunity they gain valuable hands-on experience for their chosen future career
paths. Later this summer they will be performing soil testing in different parts of the arboretum and begin new observations in dendrochronology. Fall will bring specimen collecting for the arboretum's herbarium and the winterization of trees. The arboretum has a like program with Rocky Mountain College. Two members of that program participated in 2024.
If you are on the grounds be sure to stop and say hello to Nicholas W. from the 2024 program and Carey B. with this year's program. Both shown here after planting one of the arboretum's new and uniquely rare weeping poplars next to the rain garden in the "Old Pond" collection.
The Practice of Holistic Horticulture
Holistic horticulture is a gardening approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the garden ecosystem, prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and the well-being of the gardener and the environment. It focuses on fostering a thriving natural system rather than simply growing individual plants. The arboretum practices holistic horticulture in its everyday tree and shrub maintenance. Just two examples include addressing a tree before pruning and watering the entire tree instead of at its base.
Here's a breakdown of key principles and practices:
1. Soil Health and Regeneration:
Composting and mulching: These practices enrich the soil with nutrients and improve its structure.
Avoiding synthetic chemicals: This promotes a healthy, living soil ecosystem.
2. Biodiversity and Companion Planting:
Planting a variety of species: This supports the entire ecosystem and encourages beneficial insects.
Companion planting: Certain plants benefit each other, creating a natural defense against pests.
3. Organic and Natural Methods:
Using natural fertilizers and pest control: This reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Promoting biodiversity: This helps support a natural balance of beneficial insects and wildlife.
4. Water Conservation:
Rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and xeriscaping: These techniques minimize water waste.
5. Ecosystem Balance:
Supporting local wildlife: This involves creating habitats and food sources for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial creatures.
Introducing native plants: These are best adapted to the local climate and require less maintenance.
Benefits of Holistic Horticulture:
No reliance on chemical inputs: This protects the environment, human and animal health.
Enhanced soil health and soil testing: This supports plant growth and overall ecosystem resilience.
Increased biodiversity: This creates a more vibrant and balanced garden.
Aesthetic appeal and therapeutic benefits: Gardening can be a relaxing and rewarding experience.
WATCH
VIDEO
Tree of the Season
By popular demand we've brought back our "Tree of the Season" feature. This season we are spotlighting Viburnums. They come in many shapes and forms from Viburnum lentago to the common snowball bush. The Viburnum has proven to be a healthy plant for our Montana climate. Late spring and early summer are the best viewing seasons as Viburnums are in full bloom and highly endorsed by pollinators of all types. They grow in abundance at the Sensory Garden both on the west and north berms. Look for the American Cranberry viburnum at the entrance to the Sensory Garden and as a vine at the sensory waterfall. The most interesting specimens are a volunteer that has taken up residence at the base of the Eagle Bridge and the most odiferous Manchurian Viburnum in the Asian Garden !
Viburnum - Multiple species
Plant Conservation Work and Urban Forestry Work Continues.....
Volunteer curator Scott has been involved since last summer with several programs through the efforts of the Morten Arboretum of Lisle, Illinois and BGCI. The first was a national training program, Arborversity, that was being developed through the Morten unfortunately had government funding frozen but hopes to return. Two other programs are up and running with a working focus group including Conservation Planning and UCF-Urban and Community Forestry nursery and tree resources including workforce development.
Seed Sharing.....
Through the arboretum's collaboration with BGCI the arboretum has secured seeds from the Denver Botanical Garden for the propagation of Psgan Creek Yellowhorn, a cultivar developed by the Plant Select Program almost 25 years ago. It will be a compliment to the arboretum's current Yellowhorn specimen and two new seedlings started last year. See top of newsletter for photo.
Yellowstone Arboretum Partners
COMINGS & GOINGS
New Feature !
"Ask the Tree Guy"
Have a question about trees? What tree to plant and where, how do I plant a tree, how to water my tree, bugs and other things I found in my tree ? Here's a great opportunity to let your own tree guru answer any question you may have. Just use the email link below with your questions. Photos are also welcomed !
Summer Events
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE !
The following group has scheduled a work date for the 2025 season.
06/26 United Way 200 people
If your organization or business would like to volunteer, please feel free to contact our volunteer coordinator, Loran :
(406) 652-8100
The city of Billings will be host to the 2025 National Extension Agents Convention
June 29 - July 3.
Organizers have already requested and booked tours of the native plants in the Foster Waterfowl Refuge and the trees of the Yellowstone Arboretum !
Protect our signs....
We've experienced a rash of damaged and stolen tree signs during the last year so be prepared to see some new ones installed this summer along the pathways and gardens. We will also be identifying the different collections for historical and cultural values. Remember, these signs cost ZooMontana money. Please be respectful of the efforts of the Zoo and volunteers to bring you a quality arboretum.
Seeking Volunteers !
Are you looking for a great volunteer opportunity that gets you outdoors, where you can meet new people, help a worthy cause and enjoy nature ? If so, consider volunteering at the Yellowstone Arboretum. We perform all facets of tree maintenance on some of the coolest trees in Montana. Work at your own pace and schedule and the pay is priceless.
or
email: billingsbotanical1@gmail.com
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OUR MISSION STATEMENT
"The mission of the Yellowstone Arboretum is to cultivate arboreta appreciation and understanding of our local heritage through public education, organic preservation and stewardship of our natural environment."
