Local Links for Biodiversity—Boise, Idaho

Museums and Nature Centers:

Boise National Forest
1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 20
Boise, ID 83709
Phone: 563-344-4169
www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise/
Boise National Forest encompasses about 2,612,000 acres of National Forest System land north and east of the city of Boise. Within the Forest are 348,000 acres owned or administered by private citizens or corporations, the State of Idaho, and other federal agencies.

Cassia Park
4600 W. Camas St.
Boise, ID 89705
Phone: 208-384-4228
www.cityofboise.org/parks/parks_facilities/parks/cassia_park_facts.shtml
Cassia Park is approximately 14 acres and was developed through matching funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The park offers recreational games, arts, crafts, environmental education, hands-on science projects, field trips, and swimming.

Eagle Island State Park
2691 Mace Road
Eagle, ID 83616
Phone: 208-939-0704 (winter), 208-939-0696 (summer)
www.idahoparks.org/parks/eagleisland.html
Eagle Island State Park is a 545-acre day-use park that provides nature trails, hard paths, and equestrian trails to its visitors.

Idaho Botanical Gardens
2355 N. Penitentiary Rd.
Boise, ID 83616
Phone: 208-343-8649
www.idahobotanicalgarden.org
A non-profit organization, The Idaho Botanical Garden has 12 expansive specialty gardens on 50 acres of land. A haven for garden lovers, school tours, and horticultural education, the Botanical Garden features The Children's Garden, planted by Idaho students; The Nature Trail, a 3/4 mile trail featuring native vegetation of Idaho; The Historical Iris Garden; The Jane Falk Oppenheimer Heirloom Rose Garden, a rose collection in an old fashion perennial garden; The Butterfly/Hummingbird Garden; and The Herb Garden. The garden also has a Bell Tower, a geothermal well used to water the gardens, and a Plaza fountain.

Kathryn Albertson Park
1001 Americana Blvd.
Boise, ID 83701
Phone: 208-384-4228
www.cityofboise.org/parks/reservations/Kathryn_Albertson_Park.shtml
The Kathryn Albertson Park is a passive-use nature area. Most of the park is a restored riparian habitat with lengthy interpretive walking paths along lagoons and dense undergrowth.

Morrison Knudsen Nature Center
600 South Walnut
P.O. Box 25
Boise, Idaho 83707
Phone: 208-334-2225
www.rbff-education.org
The Morrison Knudsen Nature Center is a 4.6-acre site situated along the Boise River Greenbelt near downtown Boise. The Nature Center's outdoor nature walk and indoor visitor center prominently display the many landscapes and abundant wildlife of the area. Activities include a series of underwater viewing windows along the Center’s stream walk. Local educational events also feature habitat demonstration areas that focus on how people can attract and enjoy wildlife in their community by providing adequate, diverse habitats.

The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA)
3948 Development Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83705
Phone: 208-384-3334
www.id.blm.gov/bopnca/
The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area constitutes a valuable national biological and educational resource, as it is one of the few balanced ecosystems remaining in the area. The park's main purpose is to protect raptor populations and their habitats as well as provide interpretive and educational programs. The NCA staff is believes that informing the public about the important role of raptors and human activities’ effects on their habitat will ensure the raptors’ continued survival.

The Velma Morrison Interpretive Center
3948 Development Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83705
Phone: 208-384-3300
www.id.blm.gov/bopnca/worldctr.htm
Complete with multi-media exhibits, live bird presentations, and interactive displays, the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center at the World Center provides valuable information about birds of prey. Information sessions also focus on how The Peregrine Fund breeds endangered birds in captivity to reintroduce them into the wild.

Zoo Boise
355 N. Julia Davis Drive
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-384-4060
www.cityofboise.org/parks/zoo
Zoo Boise, an open-air zoo, is home to some 235 animals from around the world. Exhibits such as Boulevard of Cats and Wild Animals contain 100 different types of animals on a 10-acre property. Featuring otters, zebras and a variety of native Idaho animals, the zoo offers a unique opportunity to experience exotic animals within its various exhibits.