Glacier National Park Holds Native Plant Nursery Open House

Date: August 24, 2009
Contact: Wade Muehlhof, 406-888-7895

WEST GLACIER, MONT. - Glacier National Park invites the public to an open house at the Native Plant Nursery, Tuesday August 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to experience the nursery’s new and improved facilities. Guests can also learn about Glacier’s Native Plant Restoration Program, see what plants are up and growing, and meet the nursery’s staff and volunteers. 

The nursery serves as the support center for the Park's Native Plant Restoration Program. By growing and revegetating with native plants, the Native Plant Restoration Program supports the National Park Mission of preserving natural resources. This work also helps to keep the larger ecosystem healthy.

The Native Plant Nursery grows plant species native to Glacier National Park. Staff members collect seeds and other plant materials from specific locations within the park and return them back to those same locations. This effort maintains biodiversity of rehabilitated sites by providing a mix of species and sizes for a more natural looking and functioning habitat. Staff members continually work to learn new methods and improve upon traditional technologies used in native plant production through research and experimentation. The nursery also educates and shares information with the public and other agencies through use of the Internet, tours, publications, cooperative agreements, and school programs.

Students from Browning, Columbia Falls and Kalispell participate in Student Stewardship activities where they collect seed, assist with plant propagation at school greenhouses and help with revegetation efforts in disturbed campgrounds throughout Glacier National Park. The nursery also has summer intern programs with Columbia Falls high school and the Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, MT.

These improvements have provided a dedicated space and tools/equipment for volunteers, improved seed storage and a much improved work space. Most of the work was completed by park carpenters. These upgrades were in large part funded by 2008 National Park Service Centennial Initiative Funds with additional matching funds provided by a generous donation from John Case, board member of the Glacier National Park Fund. 

The nursery is located behind the headquarters building in West Glacier. Refreshments will be available. Please stop at the park headquarters if you need directions or call 888-7835.


- NPS -