austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Boise

Coworker making your eye twitch? Seeing some greenery might help you get through the day! Here are a few places you can get to quickly within Boise that will provide a nature reprieve.

The City Cast Boise team are fans of the MK Nature Center off of Warm Springs Avenue and near the Parkcenter Bridge. There are sturgeons and all sorts of other water creatures, but it’s perfect because the space is designed to just make you slow down for a while.

Perfect for a meditative walk and discovering new plants, the gardens are a classic, and a special space for events in Boise.

This is a 41-acre green oasis just west of Ann Morrison Park. It’s one of few places you can consistently see turtles, herons, deer, and other animals in public areas in Boise. Here’s a 

This one might be out of your way, but it’s worthwhile to give yourself a reason to check it out. The trees and water remind me of sections of the Snake River canyon in the Magic Valley, even though it’s smack in the middle of a suburb.

This feels obvious, but just the other day I found a section of the 

If you don’t know where to go on your lunch break, or just need to spend some time surrounded by plants, here are a few places you can get to quickly within Boise that will provide a nature reprieve.

Where to Find Nature Close to Boise

The Best Nature Walks in Boise

Find the best of everything that Boise has to offer.

Boise’s Best

Boise's Best

For centuries, beavers have been seen as little more than a nuisance to farmers and ranchers, with their dams causing flooding and unwanted changes to local vegetation. It was just over 75 years ago that the 

Idaho Department of Fish and Game parachuted beavers

 (yes, you read that right 🪂) into what is now the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness because they were inconveniencing the residents of McCall.

But in recent years, wildlife experts have been raising awareness about 

 in the local ecosystem. Just two states away, the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers program kicked off new research earlier this summer on Colorado beaver populations to restore the animals to areas where they’ve been eradicated in that state. County officials have also launched this 

 to teach landowners how to coexist with the critters peacefully.

Here are just some of the ecological benefits that beavers and their dams have on their surrounding habitats:

They help maintain a healthy stream flow.

Beavers typically prefer slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes surrounded by willows, aspens, cottonwoods, and alders for food and building materials.

In the wild, beavers typically live 10 to 12 years and grow to weigh anywhere from 35 to 65 pounds.

Beavers are herbivores, eating bark, leaves, and aquatic vegetation.

Beavers’ teeth are as strong as metal and never stop growing (they can grow up to 6 feet over a beaver’s lifespan!) but stay trimmed down as they constantly gnaw on wood. A thick coating of iron-fortified enamel makes their teeth appear orange.

Contrary to popular belief, beavers don’t use their tails to pat down mud. Rather, beavers use their long, flat tails as rudders while swimming in the water, as a balancing prop when carrying large loads of sticks, and to slap the water in communication with other beavers.

Beavers are monogamous. They live and work in family colonies of two to 12 members.

Beavers were such a nuisance that Idaho parachuted them into open spaces. Fortunately for beavers and Boise, we now recognize their importance to the local ecosystem. Plus, they’re adorable.

The Importance of Beavers in Boise

Get to know the natural side of Boise: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Boise Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

it’s still the most geographically isolated major U.S. city

, and that means we’re surrounded by places with incredible opportunities to behold the night sky.

To feel like a speck of dust (but in a good way), the 

 in the Sawtooths, about two hours from Boise

, is the place to be. It’s the only Dark Sky Reserve in the U.S. as designated by the 

The two next-darkest skies in Idaho can be found at the 

, is available for public use and was designated as a dark sky park last month.

Even nearer by, try the backroads (pack it in, pack it out, etc.) in the 

Galactic Center of the Milky Way is best seen

 between March and September, with the peak in July and August. A bright moon can also limit visibility — luckily for us, 

, so it won’t put off any distracting light. You’ll have the best luck between midnight and 5 a.m.

 Remember to use binoculars if you’re trying to identify planets or specific stars. And even if you’re not on official wilderness land, respectful outdoor etiquette still applies.

As much as Boise is growing, it’s still the most geographically isolated major U.S. city, and that means we’re surrounded by places with incredible opportunities to behold the night sky and Milky Way galaxy.

The Best Stargazing Around Boise

Living up to the name “City of Trees” requires quite a bit of work, especially as Boise’s population grows. To that end, the Elaine Clegg City of Trees Challenge has planted 16,869 trees in the Boise area, and almost 150,000 seedlings in nearby forests since it was started in 2020. 

 in honor of former city council president Elaine Clegg

, who is now the CEO at Valley Regional Transit.

Plant an urban tree for every household in the city

, and a seedling in Idaho’s forests for every Boisean by 2030. If it’s successful, it’ll double Boise’s canopy coverage.

 have led this initiative through surveys, 

, and sometimes even offering free trees.

This challenge is a key part of the city’s climate action plan. The city estimates that planting 100,000 trees by 2030 will sequester almost 40 million pounds of carbon, remove 312,000 pounds of air pollutants, and conserve nearly 50 million kilowatt hours of energy by 2050.

With 83,000 trees left to plant before 2030, most of the focus is being directed toward places with fewer trees.

The coolest areas of Boise, like the North End and Bench, are up to 13 degrees cooler than areas with fewer trees, like downtown.

Homeowners in Boise can register a tree with the challenge, and it's the perfect time to do it, post-frost and pre-summer heat. As that summer heat keeps breaking records, we’re going to need to keep growing our urban canopy.

Boise’s Urban Canopy Goals

What Boiseans have been wondering. We break down why things in Boise are the way they are and how they work.


Boise, Explained

We're getting closer to daily-highs-stay-below-freezing-territory, which is a terrible place for humans and even worse for bees. So how do they, and especially 

our native bumblebees, survive the winter

? The short answer is that if they don’t store enough honey, they die.

, slowing and cooling down. In some species, though, only the queens survive the winter, and reemerge in the spring to begin new colonies. Worker bees also use their body heat and friction from their movements to keep their queen, larvae, and eggs warm through the winter. 

With large hives of thousands of bees, the internal temperature of such clusters can reach 93°. They also often line nests with fur for insulation — which makes abandoned rodent homes a perfect underground colony location.

The Xerces Society, a nonprofit that focuses on the preservation of invertebrates, has a lot of recommendations for how 

Don’t get rid of leaves and other ground cover

 is a campaign that advocate for letting mulch, leaves, and other organic matter leftover from warmer months to stay on the ground. This provides crucial food and cover for pollinators in the winter.

 Over 80% of all native bees nest in the ground, so digging up soil for garden projects deeper than six inches could destroy nests.

Check under logs and rocks before moving them.

 You never know who could be living there!

How Native Bees Survive Idaho Winters

What Bees do to Survive During Winter

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is working to contain the latest threat from 

that were detected in the Snake River near Centennial Waterfront Park by Twin Falls on Sept. 19. Lab results have confirmed the presence of its free-floating larvae.

 Quagga mussels are one of the most aggressive invasive species in the U.S. for their ability to damage infrastructure and clog irrigation pipes, drinking water intakes, and dams. Their destruction would also be expensive — potentially costing the state $100 million in repairs. Quaggas reproduce at faster rates than native mussels, so they are very difficult to eliminate after they’ve set up shop.

Idaho has spent millions since 2009 to keep the invasive mussels out, and 

, the Columbia River Basin was the only major river system in the U.S. without the presence of quaggas or the similarly invasive zebra mussels.

Gov. Brad Little called their discovery a 

 and the window to mitigate the spread is narrow.

, a chemical substance developed specifically for destroying mollusks. The product will be released in the Snake River and split up into two 96-hour periods to kill parts of the ecosystem in affected areas.

ISDA is asking the public to stay out of the water on either side of the Perrine Bridge and to call them to decontaminate your boat, kayak, paddleboard, or fishing equipment if it’s been in the Snake River within the past 30 days.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is working to contain the latest threat from invasive quagga mussels that were detected in Idaho’s Snake River. This is a major problem, which could cost the state millions in repairs.

Invasive Quagga Mussels, and Why They're a Problem

As you plan making the most of your fall, I’m bringing back this topic from a year ago, when City Cast Boise had an 

. The City Cast Boise team are veterans, so if you’re new to using our incredible springs, listen up.

Which includes the rocks, soil, and plants around it.

Look for small, off-the-beaten path spots if you want a more natural experience (and will take care of the place).

Assume that everyone else is trying to have a peaceful time; 

“Complete Guide to Idaho Hot Springs” by Doug Roloff

unique and special these natural springs are

, and how lucky we are to live so close to them! 

It can totally change the temperature and ecology of the hot spring.

If you’ve been there for an hour or so and others are waiting patiently to use it, move along!

Similarly: Don’t assume folks want you to hop in a rustic pool with them. 

If a pool is occupied, ask if you can join

 — and maybe try another nearby pool if the vibe feels off. Again: don’t trash the place.

Beginners and people who want a pool experience should check out:

Keep in mind that hot springs are fragile ecosystems that are being 

. They’re part of what makes Idaho great — but they won’t for much longer if we don’t take care of them.

As you plan to make the most of your fall, let's discuss Idaho’s hot springs. The City Cast Boise team are veterans, so if you’re new to using our incredible springs, study up.

Get to Know Idaho's Hot Springs (and Etiquette)

Everything to know about Boise neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Boise Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Boiseans really love their dogs, and will do pretty much anything to keep them safe. Most dog owners have at least one story of their pup eating something suspicious and spending the day worried about their wellbeing. While things like chocolate are known toxins, here are a few other things that are bad for your pooch.

 around Southwest Idaho, especially in the hotter summer months when blooms are more likely to pop up.

Hemlock: It blooms prolifically in the summer and is also 

: Not toxic on its own, but if your pup is running through the foothills this summer, they may get a cheat stuck in their paw or ear. It can be extremely painful for your dog and expensive to remove, so best to avoid cheatgrass.

 can be painful for our pup’s paws! Try to keep your dogs away from goathead plants where possible.

Mushrooms: There are a select few that are safe, but why take a chance?

Boise may be a city, but there are plenty of critters to be aware of as a pet parent.

Snakes: This one’s particularly important during hikes in the Boise foothills. There are lots of local dog trainers who can help with serpent-related issues like 

Wildlife: It might look cute on TikTok, but avoid a harmful situation or passage of disease by keeping your pets away from wild animals. Coyotes have been known to have 

 with pets around Boise so consider keeping your dog on a leash during hikes, especially 

They’re out in bigger numbers than usual

Just because you like it doesn’t mean they will.

Avocado: Great for tacos, terrible for dogs.

Grapes: Even in their raisin form and especially in their wine form. Find a different drinking partner.

Milk: They can’t process lactose and will likely cause diarrhea.

What to Do When a Dog Comes Into Contact with One of These

Firstly, do not panic. Make sure to bookmark the 

 and use it as a reference if you believe your dog has ingested or come into contact with something toxic. The next best thing to do is to call your veterinarian and ask questions — they will be the best resource for useful information and will help you decide if your pup needs medical assistance.

. These can be expensive, so it’s best utilized as a last resort.

Did you know of one that we missed? Help out your fellow dog-lovers and share it with us.

Share Something That's Toxic to Dogs

While things like chocolate are known toxins, here are a few other things that are bad for your pooch.

Toxic Threats to Boise Dogs

Have a Dog, Boise? Watch Out for These Toxic Threats

Boise *loves* dogs. But how dog-friendly are we really? We’re finding out during our Dog Days of Boise series. 

Dog Days of Boise

Boise loves our parks, and we love our dogs — and those things have combined to make us one of, if not 

LawnStarter recently evaluated and ranked

 almost 100 of the biggest U.S. cities based on their dog parks, and Boise came in first overall. Among those rankings, the most important criteria was access (most dog parks per 100,000 residents), followed by quality and climate.

While Boise ranked 37th for climate, we pulled in at sixth for quality, and first for access, which is how we earned that overall first place ranking for dog parks. It’s hard to know how much stock to put in these rankings. But it's a fact that we have the most dog parks per capita out of any major city, according to the 

We know Boiseans love their dogs, so you might already have your favorite dog park. But even if you do, think of this as a prompt to visit one you haven’t considered yet — you never know what your dog might love out of our abundance of dog parks!

Ann Morrison Park, Together Treasure Valley Dog Island

This little island paradise kind of has it all: Almost five-and-a-half acres for running and roaming, areas for swimming, and opportunities for socializing. Plus, during the winter, all of Ann Morrison Park’s 153 acres are off-leash. City Cast Boise host Emma Arnold’s dog Bev loves to run in a pack of other pups at this park, so this one comes with her (difficult-to-earn) seal of approval.

Located in the Columbia Village area, Bowler has a 1.25-acre fenced off-leash dog park, along with a shy dog area. This is right next to the Oregon Trail Historic Preserve and a few blocks away from the Greenbelt, so it’s a great stop to include in a longer walk.

This is another of the biggest off-leash areas in town. Located just west of Broadway Ave. in South Boise Village, the northern half of the 11-acre park is available for dogs to be off-leash between sunrise and 10 a.m., and then again from 4 p.m. to sunset.

A small amount of the reserve’s 734 acres are designated as off-leash. If you’ve been to the reserve but haven’t seen the dog park, it looks quite a bit like a big corral. From the park, make sure you know 

City Cast Boise lead producer Frankie Barnhill’s mutt Daphne loves this park the most, especially because of the obstacle course and ample areas for digging. If you insist on further information, it’s an enclosed 1-acre off-leash park with a separate area for small dogs on the southern end of the Morris Hill Cemetery on the Depot Bench. Be warned though: On hot summer days, the mulch-covered running area can get dusty!

Largely dedicated to football and soccer fields, this 51-acre park in Northwest Boise is off-leash, except in the fall and spring months because of sports (Sep. 1 - Oct. 31, March 1 - May 31). So during the summer and winter, this is a go-to spot for dogs that need to run, without the possibility of getting too close to roadways.

Boise loves our parks, and we love our dogs — and those things have combined to make us one of, if not the best dog park city in the U.S.

Boise's Best Dog Parks

Why Boise’s the Best Dog Park City

This article was written by City Cast Newsletter Editor Natalia Aldana.

, and our doggos aren’t slowing down anytime soon. As the mom of an energetic hound, I know how challenging the stifling summer heat can be for my girl who really just wants to have fun (queue Cyndi Lauper, please). But rising temperatures and smoky air make it difficult for our furry family members to be safe and happy in the summer heat.

So since controlling the weather or healing Mother Nature tomorrow aren’t viable options, what’s a pup parent to do? Here are some tips and tricks for navigating the Boise summatime with your best pal.

The day or night before your next walk, check the weather for what period will be hottest and plan your dog’s walks for before and after. Keep a chart or guide handy to help you assess 

. On these hot days, limit exercise and walk in areas with plenty of shade. And, how long is too long to keep them outdoors? 

Different breeds have different capacities

Cement and hot asphalt can be painful and discomforting for their paws. If you have to go out, do a quick spot check by placing your hand on the cement. This also applies to any other surface they’re on, from dirt to sand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for theirs. Try to get them to shaded paths. You can also apply a 

🙅 Never, Ever, Leave Your Dog in the Car

Temperatures in a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, and your 

pet can quickly suffer a range of issues from brain damage to suffocation.

cracking a window doesn’t keep dogs safe.

 was rewritten with clearer definitions of animal cruelty in 2021. Led by former city councilmember TJ Thomson, the ordinance includes a 

 The clause allows bystanders to break a car window to rescue an overheating animal without the risk of liability if they first call 911 and check if the car is unlocked.

Most breeds are built to conserve heat rather than dissipate. Heat strokes are a common problem for pets in warm weather, especially for brachycephalic dogs (those with short noses and snouts), dogs that are overweight, have thick coats, or have respiratory problems.

One of the best ways to avoid this is to always have fresh water on hand. Bring a water bottle with you, ideally one that insulates and keeps water chilled. 

Some other great supplies to have on hand

 include battery-operated fans, spray bottles, frozen chew toys, cooling vests or wet towels, dog-safe sunscreen, and unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution or coconut water. You can also 

Your local parks are also a great resource. Research which 

parks in the Boise area have water fountains

water play areas to help your dog stay cool and hydrated.

 Play their favorite game inside, practice new tricks or commands, schedule a playdate with another pup, and even consider a stroll through your local pet store (the City Cast Boise crew recommends 

Even with your best efforts, dogs can still become dehydrated which can lead to heatstroke. Some of the common symptoms include panting, dry nose and gums, thick saliva, lethargy, and sunken eyes. Here’s a great explainer of 

If a summer storm or wildfire could take out the power in your home, 

create a disaster plan to keep your pets safe.

Here are some tips and tricks for navigating the Boise summatime with your best pal.

nature

The Best Nature Walks in Boise

The Importance of Beavers in Boise

The Best Stargazing Around Boise

Latest articles

The Best Nature Walks in Boise

The Importance of Beavers in Boise

The Best Stargazing Around Boise

Boise’s Urban Canopy Goals

What Bees do to Survive During Winter

Invasive Quagga Mussels, and Why They're a Problem

Get to Know Idaho's Hot Springs (and Etiquette)

Latest articles

Boise’s Urban Canopy Goals

What Bees do to Survive During Winter

Invasive Quagga Mussels, and Why They're a Problem

Get to Know Idaho's Hot Springs (and Etiquette)

Have a Dog, Boise? Watch Out for These Toxic Threats

Why Boise’s the Best Dog Park City

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Boise Heat