community Engagement on National Public Lands Day
From the Boise foothills to the Frank Church Wilderness, Idaho is home to over 33 million acres of public lands that offer endless recreational opportunities and serve as essential fish and wildlife habitats. Last Saturday, September 28th, we celebrated National Public Lands Day. The day featured a volunteer restoration event on the brand-new winter trail “Ida Belle,” a party with 20+ local land management agencies and conservation groups, a free Guided Nature Program, and more! Keep reading, and learn all about National Public Lands Day at Bogus Basin 2024!
Community Restoration Volunteer Day
When we disturb soils through recreation and development, invasive species like Spotted Knapweed and Cheatgrass can move in and take root. These noxious weeds can reduce the amount of native forage available to our animals, increase the risk of fire and erosion, and drastically decrease native pollinator habitat. Both species are extremely aggressive, so planting native plants immediately following soil disturbance is vital to restoring our public lands.
To celebrate the National Parks Service’s annual National Public Lands Day 2024, the Sustainability and Stewardship team hosted a free Community Restoration Day, bringing together 68 amazing volunteers! Together, they planted three species of native plant seedlings — grown from seeds collected on the mountain last fall and sown at Lucky Peak Nursery. Learn more about our work with Lucky Peak Nursery here.
- Seedlings Planted
- 600
- CommunityVolunteers
- 68
- ParticipatingOrganizations
- 21
Native Species planted on National Public Lands Day:
Bottlebrush Squirrel Tail is a native grass at Bogus Basin and surrounding areas. It is favorable for planting in disturbed areas because it establishes quickly into its environment and has shown that it competes well against invasive weed species. The Bottlebrush Squirrel Tail has a deep root system that helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion while providing a vital food source for local wildlife. This resilient grass is an essential part of our diverse mountain ecosystem.
Common Yarrow is a resilient, native wildflower found at Bogus Basin. Known for its feathery, fern-like leaves and small white or pinkish flower clusters, this wildflower blooms throughout summer and early fall. Yarrow adapts well to a new environment, thriving in exposed, sunny areas and playing a role in supporting native pollinators like bees and butterflies. It is also used as a traditional medicine with hundreds of healing properties. Learn more about Yarrow and other native plant species in a free Guided Nature Program!
Sticky cinquefoil is a vibrant native wildflower with striking yellow flowers and sticky, round leaves. This wildflower supports local wildlife and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its resilience and adaptability make it a cheerful addition to the mountain ecosystem. This beautiful wildflower blooms in the spring and early summer – watch for it on your next summer mountain adventure!
“We had a lot of construction on the Coach’s Corner and new Ida Belle runs this year, so it is super important that we put plants in the ground to help control erosion and keep out invasive plants.”
Nate Collins, Sustainability & Stewardship Coordinator
In addition to the considerable community effort on National Public Lands Day 2024, the Sustainability and Stewardship team plans to seed the new runs with a mix of native grass and flower seeds this fall.
National Public Lands Day Party 2024
The National Public Lands Day party began following Community Volunteer Day! 21 local community organizations, including The National Forest Foundation, Idaho Fish and Game, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and many more, set up interactive activities on the lawn in front of the J.R. Simplot Lodge. Activities included an animal fur quiz with the team at the MK Nature Center booth, and a Crosscut saw demo by the Idaho Trails Association and Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation. The Bogus Basin tent featured engaging art projects, including posters made with real tree cookies!
Participants who visited every booth were entered into a raffle to win fun prizes like winter lift tickets, Bogus Basin swag bags, and a throwback replica Bogus Basin Recreation Area sign donated by Chisel Custom Decor!
Participating Organizations:
- Bureau of Land Management
- Chisel Custom Decor
- Idaho Forest Products Commission
- Wild Hearts Idaho
- MK Nature Center (Idaho Fish and Game)
- Idaho Trails Association
- Idaho Conservation Corps
- Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
- US Forest Service, Boise National Forest
- Ada Soil & Water Conservation District
- Land Trust of the Treasure Valley
- Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation
- Idaho Conservation League
- Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking Association (SWIMBA)
- Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
- Idaho Business for the Outdoors
- National Forest Foundation
- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
- Foothills Learning Center
- Upper Snake River Tribes Foundation
- Brundage Mountain Resort
National Public Lands Day Participating Organization
“Bogus Basin does so much more than run chair lifts. It was a good reminder about Bogus Basin’s investments into the land and how that ties nicely with recreation opportunities.”
Free Guided Nature Program
The day included a free, hour-long Guided Nature Program with Ray Vizgirdas, retired Wildlife Biologist, lifelong Naturalist, and author. Ray guided a group of 15 participants along the Bogus Creek Trail at a leisurely pace to explore the fascinating characteristics of Yellow Pines, Lodgepole Pines, Mountain Maple, Aspen Trees, and much more!
Did you know that the Environmental Education team hosts FREE Guided Nature Programs year-round? Check out our events calendar for more information!
About Bogus Basin Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to engaging the community to provide accessible, affordable, and fun year-round mountain recreation and education. Opened in 1942, Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres of daytime skiable terrain and 200 acres for night skiing, seven chairlifts and three people-mover carpets, and an 800-foot tubing hill. The Nordic Center offers 37 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Environmental education and community outreach programs, primarily youth, serve over 20,000 individuals annually. Summer activities include The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, The Mine Shaft Challenge Course, mountain biking, events, hiking and chairlift service for hike and bike transport. Bogus Basin is located 16.5 miles north of Boise, Idaho, and operates under a special use permit with the Boise National Forest. www.bogusbasin.org
