Youth Education
Still have questions about educational opportunities at the Garden? Drop us a line and we will get back to you soon!
STEAM Camps
with IBG
Camps with IBG feature hands-on STEAM-focused (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) programming that supports creativity, problem solving, and fostering a passion for the natural world. Participants in STEAM Camps with IBG will form a community of learners that conduct experiments like scientists, discover the Treasure Valley’s complex ecology, and explore our outdoor classroom and living museum. New this summer we have two exciting partnership camps in collaboration with The Discovery Center and Zoo Boise.
See you next summer!
Education Trunks
Bring the natural world into your education programs with the help of the Idaho Botanical Garden. Each of our education trunks contains a selection of books, a themed activity packet, and associated supplies. Trunk contents and activities are designed to align with Idaho Content Standards.
Education trunks are FREE and may be borrowed for up to 2 weeks between the months of September – May. Borrowers can pick up and return trunks at the Garden during regular operating hours.
Contact the Youth Education Coordinator to reserve a trunk today: wendy@idahobotanicalgarden.org (208) 275-8612
Amazing Arthropods (Grades K-3)
An arthropod is an invertebrate such as a grasshopper, spider, or crab. Many arthropods serve important ecosystem functions as pollinators, predators, and detritivores. Complete a monarch butterfly migration challenge, learn about bug mouthparts with an insect picnic activity, search for camouflaged “caterpillars,” and make a ladybug metamorphosis craft.
Critter Litter (Grades K-2)
Wild animals can be shy, but we can learn about them from the “litter” they leave behind, such as scat and tracks. This trunk includes an Animal Tracks Twister Game, a Plaster Tracks activity (rubber track molds and Plaster of Paris included), rubber scat, and educational activities paired with the Gruffalo book series.
Slimy Scaly (Grades K-4)
Explore the world of slimy, scaly fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Conduct an ectotherm experiment using thermometers, make some mucous (ingredients included) and learn about slimy-skinned critters, practice the art of Gyotaku (fish printing), set up a salmon migration obstacle course, and use a compass to navigate like a salmon.
Available trunks
Building a community that notices, appreciates, and cares for the natural world.
"Grandkids looked forward to going to camp each day. Loved the hands on experiences."
“Our group had a wonderful time, thank you so much for making this experience possible!”
"This was our first year with IBG camps. I was really happy with our camp experience, and wish we had done more sessions."
Master Naturalists
The Idaho Master Naturalist Program aims to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to actively work toward the stewardship of Idaho’s natural environment. Any adult who enjoys nature and is interested in learning more can become a certified Master Naturalist by joining the Sagebrush-steppe Chapter. Classes are taught in collaboration with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, MK Nature Center, the Golden Eagle Audubon.
The 2022 Master Naturalist session is full. To join the 2023 waitlist, please contact sara.focht@idfg.idaho.gov.
Garden On the Road
When plants in the Garden are dormant, in January to March educators bring the Garden on the Road program to local classrooms. This program engages students through lively audio/visual presentations, role-playing, and hands-on craft activity. Programming is currently geared towards Kindergarten and 4th students.
Program on hiatus in 2023. Check back for exciting changes in the fall!
Field Trips
Fall Field Trips are currently full. Field trip requests for spring will open on January 15th!
These outdoor, interactive experiences at the Garden are designed to supplement school science curricula and align with Idaho Content Standards. They run from April through October and last approximately 90 minutes.
Learn with the Garden
Our all-ages community education programming empowers guests to become knowledgeable environmental stewards and life-long learners! We offer hands-on STEAM (science, technology, education, art, and math) education experiences year-round to serve the needs of all learners our community.
Lunaria Grant Program
The Garden's Lunaria Grant Program supports projects within the State of Idaho that offer educational opportunities in horticulture and botany. We encourage organizations and schools that are passionate about bringing environmental education to their community to apply.
Applications are closed. More information coming soon!
Classes & Workshops
Idaho Botanical Garden offers classes and workshops designed to meet the needs of lifelong curious learners. Over 30 classes and workshops are held annually on a wide variety of topics. Some past class topics have included how to grow vegetables, support local pollinators, backyard compost, low water-use gardening, and basic landscaping techniques, as well as hands-on workshops.
Pre-registration is required for all classes and workshops.
100 Plants Project
The Idaho Botanical Garden would like to thank the Idaho Women’s Charitable Fund for awarding IBG funds in 2019 that allowed us to curate this “100 Plants Project” resource. The goal of this initiative was to showcase plants that thrive in the Treasure Valley and are approved by our amazing and knowledgeable Horticulture Staff here at IBG. Many of these plants are also visible growing in our Garden, check out Garden Explorer to see where so you can experience them in person on your next visit!