Great Bear Restoration of Hamilton, Montana – The Native Plant People

Although not many people in the valley may know about Great Bear Restoration http://www.great-bear.biz/, the results of their work can be seen growing all over the western United States, from Yosemite Valley in California to the banks of the Bitterroot River. From dogwood to cactus, native plants growing in these areas may very well have been cultivated at the company’s greenhouses south of Hamilton.

Founded in 2006, the company specializes in restoring damaged lands with native vegetation. It works with state highway departments, mines, Superfund sites and private individuals.

"Some customers are required to do it, and some people just think it’s the right thing to do," said restoration ecologist Tim Meikle. "Native plants are becoming popular because they reduce the cost of maintaining the landscape. With native plants, there is no or very little irrigation required. They lower the need for herbicides, and they provide wildlife habitat. If plants provide food for songbirds and other animals, people love that."

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