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. Use the search below to find lessons and tours that may be of interest to your group. Please use the contact information provided with the lesson to inquire and schedule.

Group size: Lessons are designed for groups of 10 to 30 students. Groups larger than 30 students will require multiple time slots. For field trips, we require at least one chaperone for every ten students.

Reservation window: Lessons are booked on a first come, first served basis dependent on staff availability. Requests at least 2 weeks in advance are more likely to be filled.

Field trip times: Lessons are typically scheduled for one hour but may be customized as needed.

Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center Logo

Steps to schedule a field trip with us:

1. Choose your lesson from the options listed below. (JHFLC = Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center; Your Place = outreach to your school)

2. Click on the lesson title to go to a Microsoft Bookings page to request a time for your lesson. Note: multiple lessons and tours can be requested in one visit. Most lessons and tours are one hour in length.

3. Submit your request with your contact information, the group size and grade, specific lesson requested, and any other details you’d like to share.

You’ll hear from Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center staff within a few days. Field trips can be customized to meet your needs. We look forward to your visit – thank you for your interest!

Lessons

Animal Adaptations Students will learn how different animals adapt to best suit their unique habitats and environments. We will compare and contrast different adaptations and their usage. JHFLC

Birding in the Foothills Foothills students will learn the basics of birding through hands-on explorations of birding tools and outdoor hikes. JHFLC

Birds of Prey Students will learn about the lifecycle and characteristics of an owl before participating in a birding hike in the foothills. JHFLC

Boise Foothills Food Chains Students learn how organisms interact to form a community and how energy moves through an ecosystem. Using our foothills plants and animals, students will create food chains and understand the interdependence inherent in a food web. They will understand the cycling of energy and nutrients and the role of producers, consumers and decomposers in the process. JHFLC

Ecology Story and Hike We'll walk the FLC Story Trail to read a story relating to the natural resources found in Boise. Students will then get to do an associated activity and explore our other offerings. JHFLC

Ecology Hike Explore the two ecosystems found in the Boise Foothills: Sagebrush Steppe and Riparian. Take a guided hike to learn about common animals and plants as well as why there may be different organisms depending upon the ecosystem. JHFLC

Fire Ecology Students will understand the effects wildfire can have on the local ecosystem and how fire has shaped our Idaho landscape. Through interactive activities and a hike, students will explore fire’s role in nature, noxious weed invasion and the challenges of the urban/wild land interface in our Boise foothills. JHFLC

Geology of the Foothills Students will see real examples of how the landscape is affected by water, ice, and wind over time. During a hike in the foothills, we will explore erosion, weathering, and deposition. JHFLC or Your Place

Home School Foothills Field Trip Perfect for getting groups of many grades/ages outside to experience the foothills environment! We will lead your group on trails accessible to all ages and abilities to see the seasonal offerings on display.

Junior Weed Warriors: Students will work together to restore habitats within the Foothills Learning Center grounds. Participation can be done on a schedule that works for you! Whether its once-a-year visits or quarterly visits, we want to encourage service-learning and stewardship from an early age! Email us to get involved!

Plants and Trees of the Foothills Students will explore the variety of plant life found in the foothills, from wildflowers and native grasses to sagebrush and cottonwood trees. JHFLC

Pollinator Science Students will learn the basics of pollination and how animals play a role in this plant process. We will review the many native pollinators and their habitats in our area. JHFLC or Your Place

Recycling and Stewardship Students learn the importance of “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle and Rethink” alternatives to throwing things away. Students will gain an understanding of both the impact humans have on the environment, and the difference we can each make in taking care of the Earth. Available for grades PreK-8th.  JHFLC or Your Place

Snow School Pre-Lesson: Winter Wildlife Adaptations Students will learn about different strategies that Idaho wildlife use to adjust to winter—hibernation, migration, acclimation and adaptation—and the importance of our open space and foothills habitat to winter wildlife. This lesson is offered as a pre-lesson for classes going up to the Bogus Basin Snow School. JHFLC or Your Place

Wildlife of the Foothills Students will learn about the common animal life found in the foothills, the habitats they rely on, and the adaptations they exhibit to survive and reproduce in the Boise foothills environment. JHFLC or Your Place

© 2026 City of Boise. All rights reserved.

Message Sent Successfully!

Message Failed To Send.

Send a Message to Parks and Rec

For other after hours park related emergencies (i.e. irrigation issues, restrooms), please call (208) 489-6640.