City of Trees -- Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho is called the “City of Trees” due to its lush, tree-lined landscape, which stands out in the otherwise arid region. Boise continues to honor its nickname by maintaining a significant number of trees throughout the city. The city even has initiatives like the “City of Trees Challenge,” aiming to plant 100,000 trees by 2030.

Boise, City of Trees

"Les Bois! (The Trees)"

French fur trappers discover Boise, City of Trees

The nickname "City of Trees" dates back to the early 19th century when French-Canadian fur trappers, after a long trek through the desert, came upon the Boise River Valley. They were so struck by the sight of the trees that they exclaimed, “Les bois! Les bois!” which means “The trees!” or "the woods" in French.

Benefits of Trees

The city of Boise and its people benefit greatly from the large tree population. Here are four great things about the City of Trees.

3 women exercise in Boise, City of Trees

  • Climate Control
    Trees act as natural coolers, reducing the urban heat island effect by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air through a process called evapotranspiration. This helps lower temperatures in the city, making it more comfortable during hot summer months.

  • High Air Quality
    Trees absorb pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, and release oxygen. This helps to clean the air, making it healthier for residents to breathe.

  • Enhanced Health
    Being around trees and green spaces has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage physical activity. This leads to better overall health and well-being for the city’s residents.

  • Flood Prevention
    Trees help manage stormwater by absorbing large amounts of rainwater through their roots. This reduces the risk of flooding and soil erosion, protecting the city’s infrastructure and natural landscapes.

    Learn more reasons our cities need trees

Where is the City of Trees?

Boise is located in the southwest of Idaho. It’s situated along the Boise River and is about 41 miles east of the Oregon border and 110 miles north of the Nevada border. The city is nestled in the Treasure Valley, which is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Flying In
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Boise Airport (BOI), also known as Boise Air Terminal or Gowen Field, is the largest commercial airport in Idaho. It’s located about three miles south of downtown Boise.

The airport is served by six airlines, offering daily flights to over 18 nonstop destinations, including major cities like Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. Learn more about the Boise Airport.

map showing the location of Boise, City of Trees

Our Guide to Boise Taprooms

Boise, Idaho has many great breweries servicing a bevy of taprooms. Find the right taproom for you by filtering based on dog-friendly, kid-friendly, patio, accessibility, and other criteria.

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Friends and family enjoy beer on a patio

A wide variety of trees

Boise has dozens of tree types in the city. Examples include the white pine, spruces, oaks, birch, willows, and many more. Learn about all the Class I, II, III and Conifer trees you can plant in Boise.

Catalpa tree in Boise

Catalpa tree

Dogwood tree in Boise


Dogwood tree

River Birch tree in Boise

River Birch

Maple tree in Boise

Maple, Rocky Mtn

Everyday is Arbor Day in Boise

The City of Trees Challenge in Boise, Idaho, is an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing the city’s green spaces and addressing climate change. Launched on Arbor Day in 2020, the challenge has set a goal to plant 100,000 trees within Boise, which is approximately one tree for every household. Additionally, the challenge aims to plant 235,000 seedlings in forests across Idaho, representing one seedling for every resident.

There are many ways you can contribute to the initiative. You can plant a tree in your own yard, join in a community planting event, adopt a tree, donate to buy trees, and more!






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GET INVOLVED

Boise's Tree Canopy is Growing

The City of Trees Challenge has been a success so far. As of August 2024, nearly 19,000 trees have been planted in Boise. But, it will be a challenge indeed to meet the goal of 100,000 new trees by 2030.

A tree grows in Boise, City of Trees

Boise's Arboretum-- a tree factory

The Boise tree nursery on Warm Springs Avenue provides trees to parks and right-of-ways.   They grow for 3 to 5 years at the arboretum before being planted in the city.  Boise TV station KTVB has a story about this, titled "How Boise continues to be the City of Trees." See the Youtube video (3:50).

Screenshot of City of Trees Video Link for Arboretum
City of Trees Marathon some runners

City of Trees Marathon

Every second Saturday of October, since 2002, the City of Trees Marathon courses through the Boise Greenbelt. Check out the options to run a 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon, as well as Volunteering options.

Get Started

Boise Activities

Be among the trees while doing a variety of outdoor, cultural, and food/bev activities.

  • Hiking and Biking: Boise has numerous trails, including the Boise River Greenbelt, which offers scenic views along the river.
  • Floating the Boise River: A favorite summer activity where you can float down the river on tubes or rafts.
  • Bogus Basin: In the winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while in the summer, there are mountain biking and hiking trails. Learn about Bogus Basin.
    Local Breweries and Restaurants: Boise has a growing food scene with many local breweries and diverse dining options. Check out the City of Trees Taproom Guide.
    Downtown Events Calendar: Check out the events calendar for various activities, including First Thursday featuring meals and entertainment specials.
    Music, Comedy, More: Check out the Totally Boise Events Calendar for happenings, updated each week.  
    Tree City Marathon: Learn about running and volunteering for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K.
Hiking in Boise, City of TreesRiver float in Boise, City of TreesFamily snowboarding in Boise, City of TreesChildren playing in water at Alive after Five, Boise
Biking in Boise, City of TreesSkiing in Boise, City of TreesFarmers Market in Boise, City of Treesthe Egyptian Theatre in Boise, City of Trees

Boise City Resources

Here are links to important Boise resources such as the fire department.

Boise Public Library:
Offers a wide range of books, digital resources, and community programs. They also provide personalized reading recommendations and educational workshops.
Boise City Government:
The official city website offers information on utility billing, public meetings, parking tickets, and city code. It’s a central hub for accessing various city services and resources.
Boise Parks and Recreation:
Manages the city’s parks, recreational facilities, and community events. They offer various programs for all ages, including sports leagues, fitness classes, and outdoor activities.
Boise Police Department:
Provides public safety services, crime prevention programs, and community policing initiatives. They also offer resources for reporting crimes and accessing victim support services.
Boise Fire Department:
Offers fire prevention, emergency response, and safety education programs. They also provide resources for fire safety inspections and permits.
Boise Human Resources Department:
Provides information on job opportunities, benefits, and city employment policies. They also support employee development and community engagement.
Community Resources:
Includes support services for mental health, crisis intervention, and victim assistance. Key resources include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline, Idaho CareLine (211), and Terry Reilly Health Services.
Boise Planning and Development Services:
Manages city planning, zoning, and building permits. They offer resources for developers, homeowners, and businesses looking to build or renovate properties.

VISIT BOISE

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Boise is beautiful to look at and has plenty to do. Visit the City of Trees. You will feel healthy and invigorated.

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Made by Matt

Matt Hanley (MH) is proud to call Boise home. He made this City of Trees site as a thank you to the city, and to provide information services. You can email him at boise@mhmakes.com or use the button to visit his website. He is open to work!

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City of Trees: Boise made by MH Makes