In 1984, The Idaho Botanical Garden was established on a 32-acre site of old prison grounds leased from the Idaho State Historical Society and the State of Idaho. Local botanist Dr. Christopher Davidson assembled the first board of directors, comprised of 17 civic leaders and professionals. The Garden founders and board built an irrigation system and nature trails and planted two acres, including the Meditation, Rose, and Herb Gardens.
Since then, the Garden has gradually expanded to become the awe-inspiring destination it is today.
At the Garden, we are committed to being a force for positive, actionable change to protect and co-exist within nature, knowing our role will have a long-lasting impact on future generations.
Our vision is to be our region’s preferred space for gathering and experiencing nature and to encourage advocacy in environmental stewardship.
The Garden’s offerings empower guests to become knowledgeable stewards of the environment and active supporters of our rapidly growing community.
The Garden is a 501(c)(3) organization; gifts are tax deductible. We receive no general city, state, or federal funding.
We offer a variety of ways to support the Garden. Learn more and get involved today!