2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Recreation Management Vertically Integrated Project at the Intermountain Bird Observatory's Diane Moore Nature Center

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Greg Kaltenecker

Abstract

At the Diane Moore Nature Center, Boise State University is working to improve native habitats, provide public access, and conduct community outreach and education about the Boise River and its wildlife. At the nature center, a historic riverside channel was restored to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Due to the addition of dams in this system and flood control efforts, natural side channels are now limited on the Boise River, and these habitats are important. The side channel at the Diane Moore Nature Center has come back, allowing for the area to be healthier and thrive again, resulting in many species returning. While birds, fish and reptiles have come back to the area, humans have also followed. Many hikers, bird watchers, and fishermen visit to enjoy the environment and the wildlife, and it is important to manage recreation to protect sensitive habitats. Over the Spring 2026 semester, a group of students has worked on several projects that allow people to enjoy the area while continually improving habitat for wildlife, including the construction of fences, the improvement of trails, and interpretive signage. We have installed split rail fences to concentrate recreation activities, letting people enjoy the area while excluding them from active restoration sites. We also widened trails, controlled poison ivy, and installed interpretive signage urging users to stay on main trails rather than forge new social trails. We are already seeing favorable results from these efforts.

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