B on 33: Beautifying Our Byway with Native Wildflowers

There’s a new bloom on the horizon in Teton Valley.  B on 33: Beautifying Our Byway, a nonprofit initiative committed to transforming the scenic Highway 33 corridor between Victor and Driggs, Idaho, into a vibrant tapestry of native wildflowers. This 8-mile stretch—roughly 100 acres of roadside land—will soon become not only more beautiful, but also a vital habitat for native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Why Wildflowers?

The idea is simple: beauty and biodiversity go hand in hand.

Native wildflowers are more than eye-catching—they play a crucial ecological role. These species have evolved alongside local pollinators, providing essential food and habitat that exotic or ornamental plants often can’t. With pollinator populations in decline nationwide, projects like this make a real difference. Plus, who wouldn’t love a highway lined with blooming colors from spring through fall?

What We’ve Accomplished So Far

Though B on 33 is a relatively new nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, we’ve already laid important groundwork:

• 🌼 Test Plots Planted: In November 2024, we planted 11 small test plots along the byway to study soil compatibility, bloom timing, and species performance in real roadside conditions.
  
• 🌸 Demonstration Garden Designed: A native wildflower demonstration garden will be planted in Victor.. This space will serve as a public showcase of what native plants can do—visually and ecologically – and include educational signs. 
  
• 🚜 Phase One Site Prep Underway: We’ve started site preparation for the first large-scale plantings, which will begin in summer 2025. These initial zones will be the model for expanding the project in the years to come.

Collaborating and Creating Resources for the Community:  We’re working with the Teton County, the Cities of Victor and Driggs, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and other agencies to ensure that this project is successful and sustainable.  We are also curating a truly native-to-Teton Valley plant list and seed supply for local homeowners who want to embrace the return to native landscaping. 

What’s Next

This summer marks the start of Phase One—our first major planting effort. By gradually restoring roadside acreage with carefully selected native species, we hope to establish a resilient, self-sustaining wildflower corridor. As the project grows, so will its impact: supporting pollinators, enriching the local ecosystem, and giving residents and visitors yet another reason to love the drive or bike ride between Victor and Driggs.

How You Can Get Involved

B on 33 thrives on community involvement. Whether you’re a local landowner, a native plant enthusiast, or someone who appreciates natural beauty, there are many ways to support our work:

• Volunteer with planting or maintenance including trash clean ups, weeding, and stewardship.
  
• Donate to help fund seeds, prep, and outreach.  Tin Cup is our biggest fundraiser. The Challenger match will stretch your dollars even further!
  
• Consider native landscaping in your own yard to help support pollinators throughout Teton County.
  

Together, we can make our byway bloom—one wildflower at a time.

Follow our journey and stay up-to-date on planting days, volunteer opportunities, and wildflower spotlights at Bon33tv.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@bon33tv).

B on 33—Where Beauty Meets Biodiversity