Greenough Park

Greenough Park
Map
LocationMissoula, Montana, United States
Coordinates46°52′37.6″N 113°58′35.8″W / 46.877111°N 113.976611°W / 46.877111; -113.976611
Area42 acres (17 ha)
Established1902

Greenough Park is a natural park in Missoula, Montana, dedicated to the city by the Greenough family.[1] Donated in 1902, it is Missoula's first park. Rattlesnake Creek flows through the boundaries, creating a riparian habitat.[2]

Man-made features

Greenough park hosts a pavilion, horseshoe pits, trails, a bathroom facility, and picnic tables.[3] The main trail is one mile long, paved for bicycle and pedestrian travel [4] The Greenough Family's mansion was previously in the area, before being moved to make way for Interstate 90; on the park Greenough is quoted as saying, "a comfortable retreat... to which the people of Missoula may during the heated days of summer, the beautiful days of autumn, and the balmy days of spring, find a comfortable, romantic, and poetic retreat."[5]

Flora and fauna

Fauna

Despite its close proximity to Downtown Missoula, Greenough Park is visited by a rich diversity of bird species, including the great horned owl, American dipper, pileated woodpecker, and cedar waxwing.[6] Mammals which frequent the park include white-tailed deer and American black bear.[7]

White-tailed deer at Greenough Park, Missoula

Flora

Greenough Park is heavily vegetated, with tree species including Populus trichocarpa,[8] invasive Norway maple, ponderosa pine, and douglas fir[9]

Events

The annual Missoula Tweed Ride passes through the park and stops for tea, raising funds for Free Cycles community bike shop.[10] In the Tweed Ride, contestants dress in vintage clothing and bike at a leisurely pace along a five-mile loop.[11]

References

  1. ^ Greenough, [1] City of Missoula
  2. ^ Mathews, Allan James, A Guide To Historic Missoula, page 151, Montana Historical Society, 2002.
  3. ^ Greenough, [2] City of Missoula
  4. ^ Rattlesnake Valley- Greenough Park Trails, Missoulian, [3], Your Guide to Trails In and Around Missoula.
  5. ^ Mathews, Allan James, Guide to Historic Missoula, Montana Historical Society, page 110, 2002.
  6. ^ Greenough Park, [4] Five Valleys Audubon Society, 2012
  7. ^ Fischer, Carol and Hank, Greenough Park, Montana Wildlife Viewing Guide, page 33, Globe Pequot, 1995
  8. ^ Coulter, John Merle, Botanical Gazette Volume 74, page 186, University of Chicago Press, 1922
  9. ^ Greenough Park, [5], Montana Birding and Nature Trail.
  10. ^ Missoula Tweed Ride, [6] 2015
  11. ^ Madison, Erin, Missoula Tweed Ride Celebrates Bicycles and Civilities, [7] Great Falls Tribune, October 6, 2015