Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center

3188 Sunset Peak Road, Boise

The Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center (JHFLC) is situated in the heart of the Boise foothills, surrounded by native sagebrush steppe ecosystem and a diverse assortment of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and amphibians.

Annually, the Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center serves over 10,000 students and community members, offering environmental education programs designed to ignite interest in natural resources, science, and Idaho's cultural and ecological heritage.

In addition to education programs, JHFLC houses the City of Boise's Foothills Open Space Division and the Ridge to Rivers Program. Together, all of these programs are working to protect our foothills and keep them accessible to the community.

The JHFLC site offers a Native Plant Garden, self-led story trail and a picnic area, while the building has two classrooms used for field trips, community programs and facility rentals.

Boise Outdoor Preschool

Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center (FLC) is a great place to connect with nature and immerse your preschooler in the outdoors. Explore all of our options for ages 2-5.

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Lessons & Tours

Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center provides environmental lessons and programs to schools and groups of all ages. The unique lessons and learning experiences can be utilized by schools and community groups.

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Activity Registration

We offer seasonally themed classes for youth, families and adults all year. Register for upcoming classes and activities may be completed online, over the phone at (208) 608-7680 or in-person at Fort Boise Community Center, 700 Robbins Road.

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Special Events + Upcoming Classes

Explore Nature Adult/Child

Saturday, June 14 and Saturday, July 19 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Ages 2-5 + Adult
Foothills Learning Center
Cost: $9 (includes adult + child)

Foster an appreciation of the natural world and increased family connections! We provide an hour of themed activities and stories with time for explorations of our facility and foothills environment. Children should dress for the weather and be accompanied by an adult. Fee includes adult and child.

Boise Birding

July 7 field trip to Bogus Basin, 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. Meet at the upper lodge at Bogus Basin at 7 a.m.

Bird activity typically slows down greatly around Boise by the end of June. We’ll meet at the upper lodge at Bogus Basin at 7 a.m. where, due to its elevation, there will be several species still at higher levels of activity. The trail is gently rising and uneven, so good footwear is necessary. The trip will officially end at 12 p.m., but participants are welcome to stay longer if they like. Water and sunscreen are advised.

Group hiking in the boise foothills on a fall day

Tour of the Reserves

Get to know your backyard as the Foothills Learning Center and Idaho Conservation League team up to offer short hiking “tours” of the city-owned natural reserves.

June 26: Military Reserve

July 17: Hillside to Hollow Reserve