Rooted in Community: Branch Out Bozeman at Family Promise

A newly planted Branch Out Bozeman Tree, planted at Family Promise.

In June, GWC sent out tree vouchers as part of the Branch Out Bozeman (BOB) program, which we facilitate with the City of Bozeman to plant trees in urban areas with limited canopy and resources. This summer, the effort took root at Family Promise, a local non-profit organization in Bozeman that assists families of the Gallatin Valley who are experiencing housing insecurity. Family Promise also has a daycare, Rising Stars, which serves up to 90 children every day. 

"Throughout the past months, the children have been learning about plants and trees and how they grow and benefit our world," said Adam Sandberg, Facilities and Maintenance Manager at Family Promise. The children will get to watch the trees grow up with them.   

“Branch out Bozeman greatly helped us in getting the children involved by allowing us to acquire trees to plant in our playground area. These trees not only allow the students to observe them grow throughout the seasons, but also will provide us with more shade in the coming years.” 

Family Promise selected two Sensation Boxelder Maples and one Cottonless Cottonwood, for their smaller size, lack of berries, and amount of shade they produce as the canopy fills in. “The folks at Cashman’s Nursery were very helpful and discussed many options with me before helping me decide,” Adam added. 

Branch Out Bozeman is making a ripple in our community, reminding us of the impact we can have when we contribute to our community’s health, together. By planting trees in our waters, parks, playgrounds, and other shared spaces everyone benefits. Every tree planted has a ripple effect by intercepting rainfall, cooling down hot days, reducing stormwater runoff, and helping to purify our water and air. 

We are grateful to be able to create opportunities like this for our community to be involved in stewardship, and can’t wait to share more stories like this. 

One tree, one classroom, and one yard at a time, help us Branch Out Bozeman!

The two BOB trees planted on the Family Promise playground

Written by Ingrid Peters

A special thanks to Adam Sandberg for collaborating with the Gallatin Watershed Council to plant community roots at Family Promise!