ISU Bengal

Issue date: 4/27/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Idaho Musem of Natural History An artist rendition of what the proposed Natural History Garden might look like.

Pocatello - The grounds around the Idaho Museum of Natural History will be getting a facelift in the very near future. Thanks to another generous grant from the Ifft Foundation Fund, administered by the Idaho Community Foundation, the Museum will be creating the Idaho Natural History Garden.

The proposal was developed by David Mead, IMNH exhibits manager. Karl Holte, curator-emeritus of botany, will serve as the curator and a consultant for the project.

The result of the project will be to landscape the Museum's south entrance with an attractive garden of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses of the Intermountain West. Currently, this highly visible area is marred by a large dumpster, a transformer and other equipment.

This project will effectively camouflage those items, while also making the space inviting to ISU students, staff, faculty and visitors.

The garden will be a living exhibition, complete with interpretive signage and a written guide for visitors. The landscape design will complement the plants with geologic features and walkways. A gated enclosure will be built to hide the dumpster.

The Idaho Natural History Garden will accomplish the following goals:

1) Education and History: Visitors can see and learn about plants native to southeast Idaho. This will enhance public education regarding the natural history of this region. In addition, signage and a written guide will be developed to identify and interpret the plants.

2) Beautification and Recreation: A well-designed native landscape is colorful and attractive. Different plants leaf out and blossom as seasons come and go, so visitors can enjoy walking through a constantly changing environment.

3)Conservation and Preservation: Once established, native plants require little water or maintenance. The Museum will set an example in water conservation by xeriscaping, which is practicing environmentally sound landscaping, and preserving our native plant natural history.

4) Wildlife: Even in an urban environment, native plantings will attract wildlife, primarily birds and butterflies. Water will also be provided, whether in a simple birdbath or a small water feature.Currently, the design is almost completed and earth work will soon begin. Low berms will be created of soil and rock, separated by walkways. Planting and finish work should begin in May. Interpretation and signage will be completed by September. The Museum is still looking for a donor to cover the costs for the fence to surround the dumpster.

For more information on the Idaho Natural History Garden project, and how you can help, or updates on any of IMNH's programs, events or activities, contact the Museum at (208) 282-3317.

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