Trees galore & plenty more at Norris Hot Springs!
As the calendar flips into a new decade, Norris Hot Springs continues to commit to providing a unique, iconic Montana experience for locals and those adventurers lucky enough to come across this special geothermal gem, the oasis that is the island of Norris.
In the depths of the winter, owner Holly Heinzmann pours over tree lists and a map of the property. The staff will add even more trees to the boundary edges this coming spring, helping to provide shade and additional windbreak for those, let’s face it, upcoming weather events, as well as adding to the biodiversity and complexity of the ecosystem for the benefit of all the beings and creatures that call this wetland home.
The team at Norris has planted over 1000 trees in the past 15 years. Yes, that’s a lot and all of them haven’t survived, but they keep after it. The Montana Conservation District offers small trees at very affordable prices and is a highly recommended source. They have an online catalog along with a nursery that provides local or regional stock. Their mandate is to help landowners create food and habitat for birds and wildlife, prevent erosion, and provide windbreak and shade. But keep in mind, trees also create more oxygen for the planet and help to fight climate change. Trees breathe carbon dioxide in the way that we breathe in oxygen. When a tree breathes, it inhales carbon dioxide and exhales oxygen – the exact opposite of humans. As a tree matures, it can consume 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year as well as other greenhouse gases. That’ll make you a believer, plus who doesn’t love the shade in the summer, and windbreak year around.
Most of the trees planted on the Norris property were bare root trees from the MT Conservation District. Little poplar sticks barely bigger than a chopstick are now over 20 feet tall, gracefully lining the driveways and providing shade from the south in the RV campground. The evergreen with the highest survival rate on this windy little island, beyond the very indigenous juniper, is the white pine. Tiny starts less than 10 inches are now very healthy, bushy, 8-foot trees. A few are big enough now that they can be seen from the pool. They stand between early evening soakers and the hottest of the long sunsets in July and August.
The tent camping sites have been improved this year with privacy fences and picnic tables for each spot. Because of the hard-packed soil there, this has been the most difficult area to grow trees quickly, although an occasional larch has survived. Next time you’re there, check for the largest larch on the property. It’s a beautiful feathery conifer though they are actually deciduous, and shed their green gone golden needles in autumn.
Norris Hot Springs’ land stewardship mission goes well beyond the day to day operation. So take a look at the landscape with new a perspective while soaking and enjoying all that Norris Springs offer.
The 50-Mile Snack Bar serves delicious, local, organic food options during all hours of operation, as well as offering any of it to go. The No Loose Dogs Saloon pours local, craft beers along with a lovely selection of wine, and hot-mulled cider. Non-alcoholic beverages and house-made chai are available, too!
Norris Hot Springs continues with the tradition of “Live from the Dome” music every Friday, Saturday Sunday night from 7–9:30pm, featuring renowned and new acoustic talent.
A fresh face to Norris, Montana Sunshine premieres on the Poolside Stage Friday, January 3rd. A solo performer, Jessica Hegg plays older rock and country in the style of Stevie Nicks along with heartfelt originals. Hegg is a Bozeman native and excellent performer!
Fellow Bozeman artist Katie Hall follows on Saturday, January 4th. She performs country and folk music featuring acoustic guitar as well as some a capella numbers.
On Sunday, January 5th, enjoy the musical stylings of Neil Filo Beddow. He plays original folk rock for the soul, and describes his guitar style as the “West Dakota stutter.” His lyrically scrambled iambic pentameter can be politically bent, spiritually seeking, and tongue-in-cheek humorous with just a twist of serious.
Highly acclaimed, Raven Roshi opens the weekend of the January 10th on Friday night. Original songs are written and performed by Charles Wolf Drimal on Spanish guitar, resonator guitar, harmonica and foot tambourine. He’s accompanied by Chris Jenkins on lead electric guitar and occasionally other supreme musicians.
Saturday, January 11th brings Rod Morrison to the springs. Half of roots rock duo Acoustic Roll, he performs guitar-based classic tunes sung with feeling.
Todd Green entertains on Sunday, January 12th. Known for his acoustic light rock musical style and passion for vinyl records, Green has lived in the area for more than thirty years. Expect to hear 60s–80s rock classics including favorites from America, The Eagles to David Bowie, Pink Floyd and everything in between.
Let Norris be part of your 2020. Relax in the warmth of the artesian waters in this beautiful, unique Montana landscape, replete with food, drink and live music. For operating hours, menus and the complete music calendar, visit www.norrishotsprings.com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram (@NorrisHotSprings). •