Borbonus Family Arboretum and Regence BlueShield of Idaho Event Lawn set the stage for a more accessible, inclusive future

Boise, ID – September 4, 2025 The Idaho Botanical Garden & Arboretum has officially broken ground on the first milestone of its expansion project. This important step begins the process of creating more space, greater accessibility, and new opportunities for the Treasure Valley community to connect with nature.

The milestone includes infrastructure improvements, expanded parking, a new event lawn made possible by Regence BlueShield of Idaho, and the future Borbonus Family Arboretum. The arboretum will support the Garden’s recent designation as a certified arboretum and will showcase diverse tree collections that reflect the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

“This expansion is for our community. It creates space for education, wellness, celebration, and connection,” said Erin Anderson, Executive Director of the Idaho Botanical Garden & Arboretum. “We are deeply grateful to the Borbonus Family Foundation and Regence BlueShield of Idaho for their leadership gifts, along with the 115 individuals, foundations, and corporations who have made lead contributions to the Community Grows Here campaign. Their support helps us take this meaningful step forward but this milestone is just the beginning. Community grows here, and everyone has a role in helping the Garden thrive for generations to come.”

“The Borbonus Family Foundation is pleased to help fund a project that will serve generations of families to come as well as reflect on those who have served our state and country, including John Borbonus, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberty,” said Gerhard Borbonus, co-founder of the Borbonus Family Foundation.

“Regence is proud to join this partnership,” said Regence BlueShield of Idaho President Mark Ruszczyk. “Idaho Botanical Garden’s expanded efforts to promote wellness and connection are a perfect fit with our legacy commitment to advance the whole-person health and well-being of all Idahoans.”

What’s Changing — and What Isn’t

While expansion work takes place behind the scenes, all current Garden spaces remain open and as beautiful as ever. Guests can continue to enjoy seasonal blooms, concerts, programs, and peaceful moments in nature.

“Whether you’re visiting for a quiet walk, a hands-on class, or a night of music, the Garden remains the sanctuary you know and love,” said Anderson.

Continued Community Support is Needed

The Garden invites community members to support the Community Grows Here campaign and help carry this momentum forward. Upcoming phases of the expansion will include:

• A Horticulture Therapy Garden
• A Teaching Vegetable Garden
• A Scholar Garden, honoring Garden founder Dr. Christopher Davidson
• An indoor visitor, education, and event center
• A permanent indoor space for the Boise Farmers Market

All spaces will be designed to improve accessibility, deepen community partnerships, and offer new educational and conservation-focused experiences for all ages.

To learn more about the expansion or to make a gift, visit Garden Expansion - Idaho Botanical Garden.

Meet Us at the Garden — where community grows.

 For media inquiries, please contact:
 Shaunalee Shipman, Marketing and Communication Director
 Phone: 385-227-7344
 Email: shaunalee@idahobotanicalgarden.org