Community invited to July 8 launch party
EBS STAFF
Alpenscapes is a new partnership formed by four existing Big Sky organizations—Big Sky Fire Department, Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization (SNO), Gallatin River Task Force and Grow Wild—which came together to create a one-stop resource in Big Sky for encouraging alpine-appropriate landscapes that are collectively appealing, fire-safe, water-wise and ecosystem-friendly.
On Monday, July 8, from 4 to 7 p.m., Alpenscapes will host a launch party at Big Sky’s historic Crail Ranch Gardens.
According to the Alpenscapes website, Big Sky is at greater risk for wildfire than 93% of communities in the U.S. In addition, water demand in Big Sky increases by 160% from July to September due to outdoor water use, making irrigation the highest user of community water in the summertime. As a part of the bigger picture, Big Sky is a critical piece of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, therefore the landscaping in the community has impacts that go beyond its boundaries.
“Having an Alpenscape-d yard does not mean going without a traditional lawn, but it does mean being smarter about what type of landscaping practices are used and taking into consideration the greater ecosystem,” explained the website. “Using the Alpenscapes approach allows for more curb appeal, less maintenance, more functionality, less cost, more wildfire mitigation, and less water usage.”
Attendees to Monday’s event can learn more about this new community resource and enjoy specialty cocktails, refreshments, light fare, lawn games, and giveaways including wildflower and native grass seed packets. There will also be a chance to sign up for free site visits, available to community members’ residential or commercial properties to assess their landscapes. The event is free and open to all.
Those unable to make it can learn more at Alpenscapes.org, which offers general info, design, installation and maintenance tips for friendly landscaping.
