Guest Column: An Unexpected, But Magical Partnership

By Chet Work

Bozeman Daily Chronicle

The movie “Field of Dreams” famously proclaimed, “If you build it, he will come.” When it comes to trails, that’s true…to an extent. For over 30 years, Gallatin Valley Land Trust has worked alongside partners (notably the City of Bozeman, U.S. Forest Service, and Gallatin County) to build and maintain the Main Street to the Mountains trail system—now totaling nearly 100 miles. These trails form one of the most popular elements of Bozeman’s quality of life and are enjoyed by thousands of residents daily. GVLT and partners work hard to encourage good trail etiquette so we can continue to enjoy them as usage increases and to make these paths welcoming and accessible to all. We know we can’t just build trails—we must actively invite people to use them.

As with all our trails and land conservation work, collaboration is key. And when it comes to introducing new people to our trails, perhaps there’s no greater example than GVLT’s partnership with Random Acts of Silliness, a local arts organization that “builds community by sparking whimsy and creativity in the young—and young at heart.”

Five years ago, Random Acts of Silliness Executive Enchantment Director Danielle Thomsen came to GVLT with a unique idea—to create a fairy village on a local trail as a way to spread creativity, entertainment, and some much-needed joy in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Thus, Bumblewood Thicket was born and the results were magical. For a few weeks in September, the fairy residents welcome us into their quiet town of homes, businesses, and play spaces crafted by local artists and nestled alongside the trail.

Each year, we have seen an increasing number of first-time trail users drawn by the fairies of Bumblewood Thicket and the event has grown to depend on many other community partners, including the City of Bozeman. Last year alone, Bumblewood Thicket welcomed 18,000 people, and 74% said the beautiful natural setting was one of their favorite parts of their visit. The magical and imaginative experience creates a new comfort out-of-doors that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Conversely, Bumblewood Thicket also exposes many frequent trail users to the arts. It’s a portal to creativity, which, like time on the trails, benefits both our physical and mental wellbeing.

Above all, outdoor art has the power to bring communities together, spark interesting conversations, and create shared experiences. In these divided times, this feels more important than ever. Plus, Bumblewood Thicket adds extra magic with its whimsy—reminding us to laugh, play, and stay curious. At GVLT, we’re thrilled to be a part of something so uplifting and inspiring. While it may seem an unlikely partnership, supporting Random Acts of Silliness enables GVLT to increase access to the trail system by creating a fun, inclusive, and welcoming trail experience for our growing community.

Now in its fifth year, Bumblewood Thicket returns to Glen Lake Rotary Park, from August 30 through September 22, and I can’t wait to see the artists’ creations. I encourage you also to take a free self-guided tour. Perhaps return for a second visit to see the fairy houses aglow, as they will be lit until 9 p.m. for the first time. And even go back a third time on a Saturday to enjoy Fairy Grove, an “enchanted evening of music, dance, and theater.” Always seeking to delight, Random Acts of Silliness doesn’t just make new trail users feel comfortable during their first visit, they keep us coming back with the promise of new nature-inspired surprises. I wonder what we’ll discover this year.

Learn more about Random Acts of Silliness and Bumblewood Thicket Fairy Village.