The WaterShed

10/15/2026

The WaterShed received the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) national Public Communication & Outreach Program Award for its work to engage and educate our community about water-related issues!

The award recognizes our efforts to make water science accessible, engaging and relevant through hands-on exhibits, educational programs and community outreach. The recognition highlights the work to help people understand the importance of protecting local water resources, particularly the Boise River.

10/14/2026

Congratulations to the first place winners of our "Imagine a Day Without Water" art contest!
Ages 4-8: Paige Mortensen, 8, of Boise (color drawing)
Ages 9-12: Liam Stewart, 11, of Boise (black and white)
Young artists were asked to imagine what Idaho would be like without water, and they delivered. Their artwork is thoughtful, vivid, and a powerful reminder that every drop matters. Thank you to everyone who entered. The first, second and third place entries are on display at The WaterShed and will be featured this Saturday at our Fall Festival.

10/12/2026

Snake River Seed Co-op will have a table at the upcoming Fall Festival at the WaterShed! We’d love to see you there! Here’s a snippet from their website to describe the event:

Let’s celebrate Fall at The WaterShed!

Let the beautiful fall colors inspire you as you create Fall-themed art, decorate a pumpkin, explore the Exhibit Hall and meet some live reptiles in the classroom with Idaho Reptile Zoo! Enjoy some yummy treats while you stroll around the River Campus and complete a scavenger hunt. Finally, learn about our local foodshed and participate in activities from BUGS and other community partners!

Free; no pre-registration required.

In our commitment to engaging everyone, the City of Boise is actively removing barriers to participation, including for our residents with disabilities and those who prefer a language other than English. If you need an accommodation to access City of Boise’s services, programs, or activities, please contact us at your earliest convenience at [email protected] or 208-608-7300 (TTY 711).

10/08/2026

Fall Festival is coming to The WaterShed on Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Spend a fall day exploring, creating and discovering with something for everyone. Create seasonal art, decorate a pumpkin, meet live reptiles with Idaho Reptile Zoo, explore the exhibit hall, enjoy tasty treats, take on a scavenger hunt around the river campus, learn about our local foodshed, and join activities with BUGS and other community partners.
It's free and open to everyone. Come celebrate the season with us!

09/26/2026

📢 ART CONTEST!
What would Idaho be like without water? We want to see what you imagine!
We’re hosting an "Imagine a Day Without Water" children’s art contest, and we invite artists ages 4–12 in Ada, Boise and Canyon counties to create an original artwork inspired by the theme “Imagine Idaho Without Water.”
There are two age categories: 4-8 and 9-12. First-place winners will receive four tickets to Zoo Boise in the 4-8 age category, and four tickets to the Discovery Center of Idaho in the 9-12 age category.
The deadline to enter is Monday, October 12 at 4:30 p.m. Click the link for an official entry form and contest rules.
boisewatershed.org/art-contest

09/21/2026

The WaterShed has been recognized by the Water Environment Federation for our work to promote public awareness and understanding of water environment issues. We’re proud to be a finalist for this award and recognized alongside other organizations making a difference in how people connect with water!

09/17/2026

Today, more than 450 Treasure Valley students took part in the 18th Annual Watershed Watch community science event to study the health of the Boise River. From Boise to Parma, students waded into the river and worked alongside water quality professionals to observe, sample and test the river. A big thank-you to our partnering organizations, water quality professionals, educators and students who made this year’s event a success!

09/17/2026

SIGN UP! 1-credit class begins in October.
Learn how to teach upper elementary students about Idaho ecosystems using hands-on lessons from Projects WILD, Learning Tree, and WET. Leave with terrific materials and plans for using them. It's virtual, it's interactive, it's award-winning, and fun!

➡Sign up at idahoforests.org/plt

09/17/2026

Hey teachers! Join us for a fun in-person event designed just for educators and homeschool providers. Join the Boise Museum Association’s Educator Open House for a fun, hands-on evening full of learning and museum resources!
Thursday, September 24th, 4-7 pm

Explore the latest exhibits, connect with fellow educators, and discover awesome resources to bring back to your classroom. It’s a once-a-year opportunity to meet more than 10 local museums and learn about what they offer educators and students. Light appetizers will be served. Enter the free raffle for a chance to win classroom resources provided by the participating museums. Drop in anytime between 4:00-7:00 pm.

An optional P.D. credit is available through the Albion Center at ISU. Attend this Open House and complete additional requirements asynchronously to earn one credit. More info is available at this event.

Grab a friend and check out what the Boise Museum Association has in store for you! This is a free event with registration at the link below!

Join the Boise Museum Association’s Educator Open House for a fun, hands-on evening full of learning and museum resources!