Come Help the M K Nature Center Celebrate its 20th Anniversary

The Morrison Knudsen Nature Center celebrates 20 years of service this July. The Nature Center is best known for the one-of-a-kind Face-to-Fish encounters it provides; hence the local references to "the Fish Park." The 550-foot streamwalk is the "heart and soul" of the Center's mini-ecosystem. The natural landscaping on 4.6 acres of a former landfill and later a baseball "stadium" now serves as an attractant for a variety of wildlife, including, mink, beaver, herons, foxes, mule deer and hordes of song birds; these residents and visitors create incredible wildlife (and plant) viewing opportunities in the heart of Boise, "on the greenbelt." Opened to the public in 1990, the center was designed to provide wildlife enjoyment and education for all visitors. Our "walk-on" visitation of about 200,000 annually, includes people from all over the world. In addition, Nature Center staff provides top-notch educational programs for 10,000 children, teachers and parents each year. The focus is on getting children outside and connected to the natural world. Admission to public is free, and the programs are one of the best educational values in the valley. The Nature Center plays host to several special events each year, but the signature event, which is a collaborative effort between private, government and tribal entities, is Idaho Salmon and Steelhead Days each September. Now in its 15th year, this three-day event schools almost 2,000 fifth-graders a year in the ways of salmon and steelhead. The Nature Center will begin the 20th anniversary celebration with Face-To-Fish Days, July 8 through 10. July 8 is a media day dedicated to recognizing the Center as a valuable community commodity. On July 9 and 10, the Nature Center will open its doors to the public to give them a taste of what the Center offers children from schools, scouts, daycares, camps, and churches. And from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 9, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10 the public is invited to experience gyotaku ( fish painting), our streamside tour, Class in the Creek, and a surprise fishy craft. Concessions will be available during the event from Mustards Grill, including rootbeer floats, from 4 to 5 p.m. on Friday and 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. This family event is free to the public.