Welcome to the Gardens!
The gardens at ZooMontana offers the community a wonderful destination for solitude and beauty. Nine gardens, large and small, dot the landscape at ZooMontana, all connected by an extensive trail system that winds through the natural beauty of the zoo grounds. The gardens are a compliment to the zoo environment welcoming people, young and old, to enjoy the color and awaken the senses!
"We Believe"
It is important to promote understanding, conservation and enjoyment of gardens, plants, and the natural world through educational programs and hands on participation in diverse activities.
People live better, healthier and more satisfying lives when they know how to create, care for and enjoy gardens. Community involvement through volunteer participation is key to the success of our organization.
Mission Statement
The Botanical Society at ZooMontana's mission is to preserve, protect, enhance and assist in funding the botanical gardens and natural environments of ZooMontana, to provide education in botany, ecology and conservation, and to provide a beautiful environment for the enhancement of the mental and physical health of our community.
Volunteer
We're Looking for a Few Good People
The garden areas at Zoo Montana are maintained by the Botanical Society at Zoo Montana, a volunteer group. There is currently no one on staff that works or maintains the gardens. The volunteers work together every Monday morning from 8:00 am to 12 pm and any other times that individual scheduled allow. The work begins in March and slows down in November with the first snowfall and onslaught of cold temperatures although working during warm winter days is not out of the question. Be sure to take a look at our weather page.
By the Numbers
The average number of work weeks is 36. There are 10-15 volunteers who work regularly in the gardens and we would like you to be one of them. One volunteer working only on Mondays puts in an average of 142 volunteer hours. Most volunteers eagerly surpass that number of hours. We work closely with the Yellowstone County Master Gardeners to assure those members have access to the gardens to gather the hours they need for certification. Current sources of funding for the gardens and Arboretum is from Zoo Montana.
It's Fun
If your passion is gardening and like to be outdoors while helping a worthwhile society, then becoming a volunteer at the gardens may be a rewarding experience. It can be hard work, true, and our Montana weather may not always be "perfect" but nevertheless you will know that you're helping a great cause to be enjoyed by everyone!
Become a Volunteer
If you or your organization would like to support this wonderful cause please fill out the contact form to the right. This information will get to us and we can contact you about future efforts. You can also find us on the Contact Page. We are anxious to hear from you!
How's it Work?
Be sure to visit our Gardener's Workshop page and find out. Once you've landed, take a look at the process and expectations of volunteering. It's simple, it's easy and most of all it's fun !