zoomontana botanical society
The ZooMontana Botanical Society was formed in 1994, just one year prior to ZooMontana opening its gates. This group of volunteers from local garden clubs worked together to develop the ZooMontana Botanical Park. They created beautiful gardens, often incorporating plants from their own properties.
Since then, ZooMontana has become the largest non-profit attraction in the state. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ZooMontana has been recognized as a Top 10 Zoo in the U.S. in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.
Jane Reger Sensory Garden
- Named after the visionary who established the first gardens at ZooMontana
- Designed to appeal to all of the senses
- 40,000 sf gem surrounded by mature trees
- Three seasons of beautiful blooms include roses and peonies
- Water features enhance this peaceful setting
- Memorial benches surround a grassy area
- Popular Yellowstone County wedding venue
- American Disabilities Act of 1990 compliant
Bamboo Garden
- Tucked behind the Red Panda habitat
- Raised garden bed with five bamboo species
- Varieties can endure sub-zero temperatures
- This fresh bamboo is a treat for Red Pandas
Children’s Garden
- Located on the southwest side of the Plaza near the playground
- Annuals create a center color wheel
- Perennials have fun names and attract pollinators, especially butterflies
- Children enjoy the large animal sculptures
Dottie’s Water-Wise Garden
- A living memorial for Dottie Barnett
- Xeriscaped garden contains plants that require little water
- Canyon Creek, which flows behind the garden, may be heard from shaded benches
- This sunny garden is a favorite of pollinators, especially bees
Flag Garden
- Hillside garden welcomes guests to the zoo
- Houses the flags of the US and Montana
- Red, white and blue annuals and perennials
- Maintained by gardeners who are also members of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Foster Waterfowl Refuge
- Natural fly-through space for migrating waterfowl in an urban area
- Ponds, boardwalks, raised observation deck, underwater fish viewing
- Over 1,200 native Montana plantings
- This immersive experience in wetlands conservation is the first of it’s kind in Montana
Homestead Garden
- Located west of The Barn in front of the Homestead House
- Garden heirloom and old-fashioned perennials
- Plants are mostly native to Montana
- Large trees provide shade and a home to birds
Dr Jay Kirkpatrick's Native American Medicinal Plant Garden
- Honors the founder of The Science and Conservation Center located on zoo grounds
- Perennials, shrubs and trees used by the 12 Tribal Nations of Montana
- Perennials organized by ailment or plant use
- The center Medicine Wheel plants represent the Four Directions
Plant Select® Demonstration Garden
- This trial garden features resilient, water-wise perennials
- Plants designed to thrive in high plains and intermountain regions
- Non-profit collaboration with Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens
- Visit www.plantselect.org or scan QR codes on plant markers for more information
Plaza Junction Gardens
- Four small garden areas near intersection of Plaza paths
- Plants feature “zoo colors” of purple, orange and lime green
- Annuals add pops of color to the perennials
- Come back to see this work in progress
volunteer gardeners since 1994
Today there are over 50 volunteer gardeners in the ZooMontana Botanical Society who care for over ten gardens, April through October. Most work Monday and/or Thursday mornings, when there is a snack break. Gardeners also participate in monthly meetings and group projects that often take them throughout the zoo grounds.
New volunteers welcome
As the ZooMontana Botanical Park develops new garden areas, more volunteers are needed to care for the plant. If you would like to join us in the garden and attend the required New Volunteer Orientation offered each spring, please fill out the form below.
Volunteer Gardener Benefits include:
- Free ZooMontana Membership
- Wild Side Gift Shop Discount
- Social Get-Togethers
- Animal Encounters
- Volunteer Recognition and Awards
- Fresh Air, Sunshine, Exercise, and Fun!
Since plants require attention to thrive, gardeners make commitments to volunteer on a consistent basis, with a minimum of 4 hours per month April through October. Abilities range from novice to Master Gardener.
