Boise River Research Station

Please read these instructions carefully!

Our banding station at IBO’s Diane Moore Nature Center is located near the intersection of Warm Springs Avenue and the Highway 21 bridge, starting near the Diversion Dam and continuing over 1 mile downstream. The parking area is located here on google maps . The banding station is located on the south end of the nature center property just upstream of the highway 21 bridge (banding station here on google maps).

Approaching from Warm Springs Ave: From where Warm Springs Ave makes a T with Highway 21, drive straight across highway 21 (heading southwest) onto the gravel access road. Drive down toward the greenbelt (past chain link fenced area and “no access” signs) to reach the parking area.

Approaching from Highway 21:
From the west (Federal Way): Follow Highway 21 and cross the tall bridge over the Boise River. Immediately after the bridge, turn right onto the gravel access road and down toward the greenbelt (past chain link fenced area and “no access” signs) to reach the parking area.

Both School buses and cars may park in the gravel parking area by the old dam turbine (red star on the map). Walk across the greenbelt and around the gates (there will be a “bird banding today” sign).

Follow the access road (orange on the map) down to the banding station (marked in purple). If parking is full, use the overflow parking area off of Warm Springs Ave. marked in green. Walk down the greenbelt to the orange access road.

You can click here to download a printable version of the Boise River Map to send to field trip participants.

Teachers! We offer field trips to students from Kindergarten through University. Habitat and research field trips are available from April to October. Banding field trips are available in September and October. Find banding dates on our events page.

Contact us for more information on field trip options, and lesson plans to pair with your visit. Email HeidiWare@boisestate.edu

Find our volunteer interest form here.

Who can visit?

Everyone is welcome to visit our site! In the past, we have welcomed families, school field trips (pre-k through university), scout troops, church groups, birding and nature groups, university students, businesses and many more.

How much does it cost?

It is completely free to visit!  We never want price to hold someone back from what we feel is the life-changing experience of being face-to-face with wild birds. If you enjoy your visit, please make a donation to help us continue our work: Our river project is funded entirely from donations and volunteer support!

Is there a bathroom on site?

There are no restrooms on site. The nearest facilities are a 4 minute drive from the site, at Discovery State Park. We recommend a visit to Discovery before you come to see us :)

When should I arrive?

You should plan to arrive before 10am, and plan to stay at least 1.5 hours to see a few net checks. This will ensure you have the best chance of seeing some birds.

On public banding dates we band for about 5 hours, and times will be posted on the event page. Drop in any time!

Group field trips will choose a morning time slot after registration.

Do I need to schedule my visit?

It depends. If you are a group of 15+, you can register for a field trip. For smaller groups, banding dates that are open to drop-in visitors will be posted on our Events Page. Months available for field trips are: April – October. Contact HeidiWare@boisestate.edu for more information.

When should I schedule?

ASAP! You should schedule with us as soon as you begin planning your trip. Our field trip schedule fills up fast, and we have had to turn away groups!

What should I bring?

All visitors should bring water, snacks, necessary meals, and appropriate outdoor clothing. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hats, binoculars, cameras, and field guides. Plan for lows in the 30’s in the spring or fall: bring a jacket and long pants. Visitors planning to go on net runs to see how we capture the birds should wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.

• NOTE: There is POISON IVY at this location!

Do you offer guided field trips or activities?

Yes! Our crews are trained for public outreach and education, and we have an on-site education coordinator available to give an overview of our projects and to answer any questions.

We offer various pre-trip classroom presentations or lessons, and games and activities for groups, targeted for the ages of your group. Contact Heidi in advance for more information and to schedule activities. Topics include: migration, habitat, ecosystems, and bird adaptations. We have presentations in a variety of lengths for ages pre-k through adult.

Is there any way to get to the station besides driving?

Yes! The Boise River Greenbelt passes our site.

Can I bring my dog?

We ask that visitors please not bring their dogs to the banding station or net lanes because of bird safety issues. Even the most well behaved dog can get caught in the songbird nets, and most dogs will get frustrated since they will need to be leashed away from the banding area or left inside a car. Dogs are allowed on trails at the Diane Moore Nature Center if they are on leash.

Someone in my group has limited mobility. Would we enjoy a visit to your site?

Yes! Please contact us if you need any help accessing the site. You should get ahold of us in advance to make sure the layout of our site will accommodate your particular situation. The road leading to the banding station is gated to prevent motor vehicle access, but on special request we can open the gate to allow driving access to those with limited mobility. The ground near the banding area is covered in deep gravel, allowing access to some walkers and wheelchairs with assistance. You may bring your own chair to get close to the banding action.

Please contact us if you need any help accessing the site. You should get ahold of us in advance to make sure the layout of our site will accommodate your particular needs. The road leading to the banding station is gated to prevent motor vehicle access, but on special request we can open the gate to allow driving access to those with limited mobility.

The ground near the banding area is covered in deep gravel, allowing access to some (but not all) walkers and wheelchairs with assistance. We have plywood boards near the banding station to help with mobility devices that cannot traverse gravel.

You may bring your own chair to get close to the banding action.