Hands-on Urban Agriculture Experiences in the Heart of Boise
Hands-on Urban Agriculture Experiences in the Heart of Boise
Since 2020, University of Idaho Extension has been working with the City of Boise on an educational partnership that will utilize the Spaulding Ranch park property for classes, workshops and demonstrations related to local food systems, small farms and the agricultural history of the site. An MOU is in place to accommodate this collaboration in cooperation with Boise Parks and Recreation.
Spaulding Ranch is located at 3805 N. Cole Road in Boise, Idaho.
In summer 2025, we began pilot programs that engage the neighborhood and general public in diverse, seasonal class series engaging learners of all ages with hands-on training and experiences in local food, small farm production, agricultural history and natural resources conservation encompassing a range of Extension program areas and utilizing the talents of multiple Extension Educators.
New for summer 2026, we have secured funding to launch our Harvest Heroes training program for Military Veterans and their families on site. Harvest Heroes is a season-long, immersive experience sharing the operation of a community market garden for self-sufficiency or for a future entrepreneurial enterprise, with the potential to graduate to managing their own plots as Farmers in Residence.
This site is still under development, check back often for updates as we "grow!"
UI Extension research & education focus on five primary areas:
Understand and preserve soil, water and wildlife
Learn to tend fruit trees from pruning to harvest
Establish sustainable cropping systems that feed the community
Come together to gather, cook, preserve and share the harvest
Inviting Military Veterans and their families to join our immersive training program on site summer 2026, funded by a generous USDA 2501 Grant.
Take a look at our event calendar, send an email by clicking the "What Interests You" link below, or learn about our partner organizations.
Key Program Partners