Field Trips

Boise Conference, March 14, 2008

Boise Conference Field Trips

1.         Boise National Forest

The Boise National Forest is located north and east of the city of Boise. Elevations range from 2,600 to 9,800 feet, and major waterways include the Boise River, Payette River, and south and middle fork drainages of the Salmon River.  Conifer forest covers most of the Boise National Forest, including ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, grand fir, subalpine fir, western larch, and whitebark pine. The Forest contains large expanses of summer range for big game species like mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk. Trout are native to most streams and lakes, and oceangoing salmon and steelhead inhabit tributaries of the Salmon River. This field trip will include discussions of forest, wildlife, and fire management issues.

2.         Green Development/Foothills Environmental Learning Center

This tour will focus on the trend toward green development in Boise, with a particular focus on the Banner Bank building (one of the greenest in the northwest) and the Foothills Environmental Learning Center. The tour begins at the Banner Bank, with a viewing of a short documentary of the building, after which it will progress to the Foothills reserve. The Boise Foothills reserve is a model for smart-design and energy-efficient construction. This part of the tour will include a discussion of the center, its mission, and the history and contemporary issues of the Boise Foothills. Could include hike on the Hulls Gulch Trail.

3.         Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area has the greatest concentration of raptors in North America. It covers more than 600,000 acres along 81 miles of the Snake River. This trip will provide an opportunity for birding and discussion of species and habitat management issues.

4.         Arrowrock Dam, Bureau of Reclamation

When it was constructed in 1915, this was the tallest concrete structure in the world. Arrowrock serves as the cornerstone of the area’s irrigation and flood control system, and provides an excellent opportunity to discuss river development and management issues within the larger context of arid land water management in the West.

5.         Boise Basin Mining History

In 1862, gold was discovered in the Boise Basin, bringing more than 6,000 people to the area.  This field trip will visit Idaho City, its mines, and nearby mining sites, such as Placerville and Pioneerville.  The tour will discuss mining, miners, (including the large number of Chinese who settled in the area), and the industry’s legacy for Idaho.

6.         Boise River Green Belt Walking Tour

Boise State professor Todd Shallat will lead a walking tour of the Boise River Green Belt and downtown area. He will provide discussion of the park’s history and its connection to downtown development. The tour will end at a local brew pub.

7.    Bogus Basin Ski Trip (Tentative). Check back this fall for more info.