The Rocky Mountain Gardens and Exploration Center: A place to Grow

Published: 2022
By Jean Jenkins

Missoula County Weed District and MSU Extension, Missoula Conservation District and Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium are leveraging the unique synergy of their programs by creating the premier destination for scientific and community-centered learning in the Rocky Mountain West. The new facility will be located in the heart of Missoula on the newly-revitalized Fairgrounds. The project has received an enthusiastic welcome from the Missoula Community, and construction is well underway. Healthy Acres Healthy Communities Foundation is now focusing fundraising efforts on 2.5 acres of education gardens. An October garden event hosted 130 active corporate partners and individuals, raising more than $100,000 for garden installation and programs. In Spring 2022, Molly Anton, Garden Coordinator, joined the Weed District/MSU Extension team. She has expanded the garden planning committee and is creating designs along with garden sponsors/donors/staff to meet the program's needs. She is building a volunteer force and sourcing materials (plants and tools) to install the gardens beginning in the early Summer of 2023. Interpretive signage is in the plan too, and we can’t wait to share this amazing place to grow.