Idahoans love our public lands, and while they and the people who keep them clean and safe are being targeted right now, recreationists will have to pick up the slack this summer season. We can all appreciate the labor of love that keeps our public lands in public use, and if you want to contribute there are many wonderful ways to do so.
Rehabilitate Native Plants in Fire Areas
The Treasure Valley was choked with smoke from the Valley and Paddock Fires last summer (in southeast Boise and north of Emmett, respectively), and this spring is a key window for habitat recovery. Cheat grass and other invasive species can move in rapidly, outcompeting slower-growing native plants — but with a helping hand from humans, native plants have a better shot at taking root.
Idaho Fish & Game is offering signups for habitat restoration on Saturdays through early April. My dad spent four hours on a Saturday in January doing this in the Paddock Fire area, and loved it! (Your challenge, if you choose to accept it: Beat the three buckets of seedlings he spread over 3.02 miles.)
Volunteer for Boise Parks & Recreation
Help take care of one of the best things about our cities: our parks. There are lots of ways to get involved, like:
- Put your science cap on and record weeds, bees, or dragonflies to help keep accurate habitat counts in Boise parks. This data can play a significant role in decisions down the line, and even impact things like grant funding.
- Spruce up local parks, pull invasive weeds, maintain playground equipment, and pick up trash — it’s these little things that keep our parks beautiful.
- If you have a spare Tuesday morning, join the Pollinator Posse. It’s a group that meets from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. to improve and maintain pollinator habitat around the city.
Pick your adventure! (Quickly, they’re fill up fast.) (Idaho Trails Association / Google Maps)
Maintain Trails Around the State
Want to spend a day on Hum and Duck Lakes in the Payette National Forest? What about a week in mid-July on the gorgeous St. Joe River up north? You can do that while cleaning up trails with the Idaho Trails Association (ITA), which trains hundreds of volunteers on trips every year. If you’re an ITA member, you have early signup access right now until Friday. Starting Saturday, March 15, all members of the public can sign up for trips.
