Habitat Improvement Program update

In 2023, we were awarded a NEEF grant to plan a series of seed collecting and planting days, with the aim of restoring a 1200-acre area of shrub-steppe habitat within the Orchard Combat Training Center and NCA that was recently impacted by fire. We’ve held quite a few of these events so far, and have some incredible updates to share

Progress so far

  • At our Cassia Park planting day, we collectively planted: 1862 sage, 785 winterfat, 1176 globe mallow and 1176 penstemons, giving a grant total of 4,999 in just one day!

  • We have plans to continue these project activities (seed collecting, tray planting, plant install) for the next several seasons.

  • We currently have over 11,000 plants in BOPP's new shade structure!

  • We've had great germination rates for all three species planted at Deer Flat NWR on 3/16 -  pics coming soon!

  • We had a great turn out at both events!

  • Made great/new connections with the Master Naturalist from the Boise and Deef Flat Chapters - we'll continue working with these two groups which will help them get the hours needed to earn/maintain their Master Naturalist status.

What’s next?

  • Finish fencing and running irrigation system to the shade tent.

  • Host several "up-potting parties" to transplant the seedlings from the tiny germination cells into the larger containers where the plants will grow out until plantings this fall and next spring. We will need lots of volunteer help for these events, so watch this space!

  • Details on timing/location TBD, but we rescheduled the Hidden Springs planting day (#2) to an up-potting party at the Hidden Springs Community Barn on April 27th.

  • Continue to learn a ton about plant propagation as we try to keep all these little baby plants alive and thriving through the spring in summer.

This fall:

  • We'll host plant installations and seed collections to celebrate National Public Lands Days and continue our Habitat Improvement Program.

Next spring:

  • Host plantings for the forb species we planted this month (forbs sometimes take longer to establish strong root systems before fall plantings - many will likely over-winter in our shade tent and be ready for planting next spring). 

  • Host more seed tray plantings to continue the cycle. 

If you’d like to learn more about our Habitat Improvement Program, click here.

If you’re interested in attending one of our planting days, we announce them regularly on our social media Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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