

A Week of Learning, Creativity, and Outdoor Exploration.
Held in early July at Crail Gardens in Big Sky, MT, this festival features expert-led educational talks, creative workshops by local artists and business owners, and guided trail experiences—all designed to deepen engagement with the natural world.​

Big Sky Wildflower Festival
July 8-12
@Big Sky, MT
We're excited to announce this year's final calendar! ​ALL events are FREE and open to all-ages.
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Please read event descriptions carefully as some require pre-registration.
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Reach out to abby@growwildmt.org if you have any questions.
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​Crail Gardens is located within Historic Crail Ranch, 2100 Spotted Elk Rd, Big Sky, MT.​​
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Support the Big Sky Wildflower Festival!
Help us celebrate and protect the vibrant native beauty of our mountain home. Your gift supports education, conservation, and community events that keep Big Sky blooming.
Donate today and grow something beautiful!​​​​​​​​​​​

Root to Rise: Morning Yoga
July 8, 8-9 am
@Crail Gardens
Join instructor, Rhonda Karl for a peaceful morning of yoga amongst the wildflowers.
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All levels of experience are welcome, you only need to bring a mat.
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*Please note that class will be held on the grass within Crail Gardens.
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Big Sky Blooms: Floral Arranging Workshop
July 8, 10-12pm
@Crail Gardens
Join Kristen Kern from the Hungry Moose for a floral arranging workshop. You'll learn techniques and use your own creativity to create a beautiful arrangement that you get to take home!
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Bring your own vase-all other supplies are provided.
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Spots are limited to 10 people - sign up now!
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A huge thanks to the Hungry Moose for donating their time and supplies for this workshop.​​
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How to Restore a Stream: A Guided Hike
July 8, 1-3pm
Middle Fork of the Gallatin
Join the Gallatin River Task Force to explore a recent stream restoration site on the Middle Fork of the West Fork. We'll discuss stream impairment standards, low-tech process-based restoration, and maybe get a little muddy in the process.
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Dress for muddy and sunny conditions.
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Location is up by Big Sky Resort at a tributary of the Gallatin River. Specific details available after registering.
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Spots are limited to 15 people - sign up now!
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Crail Gardens Open House & Native Plant Sale Pick Up
July 8, 5-7pm
at Crail Gardens
To kick-off the summer, join us for an evening in the garden. There'll be refreshments, opportunities to ask gardening questions, and the education trailer!
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We'll also be handing out July orders from our Native Plant Sale fundraiser.
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Plants are still available, purchase here!
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​Wildflowers & Weeds on the Pollinator Pathway
July 9, 9-11am
at Ousel Falls Trailhead
We celebrated the planting of the Moose Pollinator Garden last year, and now we get to see what it's been up to!
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Rendezvous at Ousel Falls Trailhead for a Wildflower & Weeds-focused hike starting at the pollinator garden. We'll be joined by Elizabeth Emeline from the Gallatin Conservation District for even more expertise!
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Hikes occur at "flower identification" pace-so all hiking paces are welcome :)
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Forestry at Home: A Guide to Urban Tree Care
July 9, 12:30-1:30pm
Meet at Crail Gardens
​You won't want to miss the chance to learn from the City of Bozeman's City Forester, Alex Nordquest.
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We'll rendezvous at Crail Gardens and head out for a short walk around the neighborhood to discuss all your urban tree-care questions.
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Capturing Big Sky's Wildflowers: A Photography Workshop
July 10, 9-10:30am
at Crail Gardens
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Join celebrated local photographer Paul Holdorf, of Singing Sky Photography, for an inspiring and hands-on photography workshop set against the stunning backdrop of the blooming native gardens at Crail Ranch.
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Whether you’re using a smartphone or digital camera, Paul brings decades of experience to help you sharpen your eye and refine your technique.
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This workshop is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners looking to improve casual shots to experienced photographers wanting to deepen their botanical storytelling.
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Bring your camera or phone, curiosity, and appreciation for wild beauty—and leave with stunning photos and new skills to take into your outdoor adventures.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Life On the Edge: Big Sky's Bighorn Sheep
July 10, 11-12pm
at Crail Gardens
Ever wondered about the lives of the bighorn sheep you see as you drive along Highway 64? Well, Julie Cunningham, a wildlife biologist with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is here to shed some light on these elusive creatures.
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Join us for an enlightening discussion on the Spanish Peaks bighorn sheep population.
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Nature Journaling Workshop
July 10, 12:30-2:30pm
at Crail Gardens
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Calling all nature lovers, journalers, and curiosity seekers!
Whether you seek creative inspiration, want to enhance your observational skills, or crave a mindful journey through the natural world, this workshop offers friendly art instruction for all artistic abilities.
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Led by Christy Howard, a naturalist, nature journal educator, and founder of the Gallatin Nature Society in Bozeman, MT. A self-proclaimed plant nerd, she loves bringing nature journaling to underserved populations in the community such as the Bozeman Senior Center and Eagle Mount. Her goal is to ensure that all of nature's wonders are open to everyone.​
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Spots are limited to 20 people - register here now!​​​​

Coffee @ Crail: Alpenscapes Open House
July 11, 9-11am
at Crail Gardens
What's better than free coffee, free pastries, or free landscaping advice? How about all 3!
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Join Alpenscapes—a collaboration between Grow Wild, the Gallatin River Task Force, Big Sky SNO, and the Big Sky Fire Department for an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about this collaborative effort. Bonus points if you bring your own mug!
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Wildflowers & Watercolor Workshop
July 11, 12-2pm
at Crail Gardens
Another crowd favorite—our annual watercolor workshop. Join Jesine Munson from the Arts Council of Big Sky for a relaxing and creatively stimulating afternoon of watercolor painting.
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All artistic abilities are encouraged! Spots are limited to 10 people - sign up now!
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A huge thank you to Jesine and the Arts Council for donating their time and supplies to this event.
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We believe art and nature are for everyone, so for an added layer of fun, we'll be joined by a few friendly faces from Eagle Mount!​​​​​
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High Country Birding with the Sacajawea Audubon Society
July 12, 8-11am
Location TBD-Big Sky
Belted kingfisher, Western tanager, rosy finch—no, these aren't cool alt-indie band names...they're examples of the some of the birds you might encounter on this guided bird walk!
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This hike is graciously led by John Parker from the Sacajawea Audubon Society. A lifelong resident of the Bozeman area, John has been birding for over 40 years. He retired from leading backcountry trail crews for Yellowstone National Park and now serves as the Field Trip Coordinator for the SAS.
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Extra binoculars are limited, so please bring your own and any extra you're willing to share. No prior birding experience necessary. Spots are limited to 10 people - sign up now!​
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The Forest in Focus: A Guided Hike
July 12, 12-2pm
Lone Mountain Ranch
Our forestry hike last year was such a hit, we're bringing it back for round two. Led by a forestry expert, you'll learn the ins-and-outs of a forested ecosystem.
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Hiking occurs at "plant-identification" pace. But bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and all your tree questions.
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Registration required: limited to 10 people. Sign up now!
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