Boise State’s Intermountain Bird Observatory Plans New Water Conservation Project
Boise State has announced a new clean water project along the Boise River at the Intermountain Bird Observatory’s Diane Moore Nature Center, known as IBO on the River.
Construction will begin fall 2021 and is expected to last 4-6 months.
With engineering support and funding from locally-based tech leader Micron Technology, a new river side-channel will improve water quality, reduce water temperature, recharge groundwater, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and mitigate flooding.
“This incredible gift from Micron will create a lasting legacy for the Treasure Valley that will serve its residents for generations to come, and be the focus of IBO’s education and outreach activities,” said Gregory Kaltenecker, Diane and Winston Moore Family Endowed Director for IBO. “The site will become a place to enjoy, learn about, respect and cherish the Boise River.”
The Boise State IBO on the River includes more than 20 acres of riparian and upland habitat adjacent to the Boise River near Highway 21 in east Boise. It provides safe, easy access to outdoor learning, with plans for future interpretive trails, boardwalks, wildlife viewing structures and educational signage.
“Micron is proud to partner with Boise State University on its water conservation project to improve wildlife and reduce shared community water challenges,” said Linda Somerville, corporate vice president of technology development at Micron. “The project aligns with Micron’s sustainability goals to conserve water through efficiency, reuse and restoration and reflects Micron’s commitment to supporting our educational partners and STEM programs.”
Micron has a long history of collaborating with Boise State University through funding from the Micron Foundation, supporting engineering education and expanding campus infrastructure. The new Micron Center for Materials Research building will provide science researchers and students materials and laboratory space to continue building expertise using nanomaterials on an industrial scale.
“The growth and unique trajectory of Boise State University is due, in part, to the generosity of Micron Technology,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, president. “Higher education is key to helping communities thrive, and Micron’s support, particularly for our research endeavors, has helped position Boise State to lead in ways that positively impact our state, our region and beyond. We are truly grateful for this lasting partnership.”
Private, corporate and municipal support for the IBO is providing much of the infrastructure development for the center. Longtime Boise developer Winston Moore is an IBO benefactor, and the center was named last year after his late wife, Diane. The City of Boise provided a $440,270 grant to build trails and boardwalks on the property. Fundraising for other infrastructure is ongoing.
“The generosity of gifts to Boise State from donors like Micron and the Winston Moore family help provide the needed funding for us to ensure we have educational programs and spaces that contribute toward the benefit of the entire community,” said Vice President for University Advancement Matthew Ewing.
A City Legacy Outdoors
A new city park is proposed directly adjacent to the site. Shared features between the two areas, such as bus parking, restrooms, and covered teaching space, will also benefit IBO’s outreach work. The City of Boise and IBO are committed to collaboration so that community members can share both spaces: a special park dedicated to healthy outdoor activity and a natural open space dedicated to outdoor learning. IBO and the City will work together to manage these properties in a complimentary way, ensuring a city legacy outdoors — for years to come.
Support the Diane Moore Nature Center
Let’s make the Diane Moore Nature Center a top priority for our children and community. Join others who are committed to ensuring that our city has a new legacy space outdoors — now and into the future.