Looking for an adventure - visit one of Idaho's nature areas

Looking for something to do during your spring break? Why not make a quick escape to nature at one of Idaho's nature centers or natural areas. Five facilities offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a bit of wild Idaho close to home. These areas include the WaterLife Discovery Center near Sandpoint, the Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area in Lewiston, the IDFG Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center in Boise, the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello and the Salmon Outdoor Classroom in Salmon. The MK Nature Center is the flagship facility, opening its doors in 1990. With the input and hard work of a number of Fish and Game employees and support from then- director Jerry Conley, the 4.6 acre former landfill and baseball field was transformed into the vibrant wildlife habitat it is today. Local businesses, individuals and foundations, including the Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation, all contributed to this amazing transformation. Today, the nature center receives 150,000 annual visitors along with approximately 10,000 school students participating in field trips. The visitor's center, walking paths, underwater viewing windows, stream and ponds provide casual visitors and students with ample wildlife watching opportunities. From native fishes in the water to mule deer, fox, mink and many bird species, the MK Nature Center is an oasis for wildlife right in the middle of our capital city. Equally unique, Fish and Game's other natural areas also feature walking paths for wildlife viewing, photography or a place to just enjoy the outdoors. Interpretive signage at some sites can help you learn about the unique wildlife and habitats of the area. These sites also act as outdoor classrooms. Students get a chance to spend a day outdoors engaged in hands-on education projects or learning new skills such as fishing. Nature centers and natural areas are perfect close-to-home places to let families connect with the outdoors.