Great GREEN Activities in Billings, MT

Did you know that Billings is Montana’s first ever LEED Gold-Certified City? Our wide open spaces, clean waterways, and ample sustainability projects mean that Billings rates as one of America’s greenest cities. Even our local trash collection (not exactly the pinnacle of “environmental” activities) is considered one of the most sustainable systems in the region.

In the spirit of St. Paddy’s Day, you may be wondering how to get your green on. Well, if you want to make the most of this very-verdant-holiday, why not live sustainably! In this blog post, I’ll be exploring Five Ways to have a Sustainable Spring in Billings, MT.

1. Plant a plot at a local community garden

Montana is part of America’s breadbasket – producing the beef, wheat, and hops we need to fuel our hearty diets. In the tight-knit community of Billings, we are also growing healthy foods for our neighbors who don’t enjoy much in the way of food security. One of the most beautiful ways we achieve this is through our community gardens. Consider Songbird Community Garden, hosted at the Montana Audobon Center, who is still taking applications for 2023 plots. Last year their Victory Garden donated over 200 pounds of fresh-grown produce to local food pantries! Why not put your own Green Thumb to use, and do so for a healthy cause! Check out this article from the Billings Gazette to get started with more info.

2. Explore our world-class city parks

Billings has outstanding city parks, boasting 47 in all! Phipps Park, located right next to our neighborhoods on the West End, offers miles of trails and an extensive disc golf course. Dover Park offers stunning views of the Yellowstone River and one of Montana’s most interesting dog parks. Black Otter Trail and Zimmerman Park offer unbeatable views of the city, only minutes away from your office. Wherever you are located, Billings has a park to feed your nature cravings. How else to inspire your sustainable side than by enjoying the nature you are committed to preserve!

3. Donate to Yellowstone Forever

Billings is deeply connected to nearby Yellowstone National Park. We are, after all, located in the center of Yellowstone County, on the banks of the Yellowstone River, in the heart of the Yellowstone Valley! Our citizens remain deeply committed to protecting the ecological heritage which defines our magnificent home. There are few better ways to do so than by donating to Yellowstone Forever, the official non-profit partner of America’s oldest national park. Best of all, you can do so by purchasing items from their gorgeous collection of apparel and Yellowstone memorabilia!

4. Reach out in support of your favorite Montana state environmental legislation

Montanans are very defensive of our local fauna and flora. Sometimes, though, our words are not enough to protect our natural resources. Sometimes, we require the support of the law. Montana is also known to have a highly participatory democracy, and it’s important to make your voice heard when legislation is coming up in Helena. The folks at the Montana Free Press do a great job tracking the latest environmental legislation on their website. This spring, you should scope out their reports and see if there’s a sustainability initiative that catches your eye!

5. Eat Local!

One of the most important aspects of living sustainably is to eat food from local producers. Fortunately, Billings is home to some phenomenal local cuisine, much of which is sourced from our amazing local farmers and ranchers. When you’re cooking at home, it’s hard to beat shopping at Natural Grocers or the Montana Harvest Natural Food Store. Don’t forget, also, to check out the locally-sourced dinners from the Marble Table – or their newest spinoff, the Bearded Bulldog burger café – both of which are located on Montana Avenue. If you’re in an especially healthful mood, you may also consider the lunchtime salads from Last Chance Cidery and Pub. They are also conveniently located on Montana Ave, meaning you can save on emissions as you walk off your beer, instead of driving back to work!