Kathryn Albertson Park Russian Olive Tree Removal Project

Project Background

Kathryn Albertson Park is a beloved urban wildlife refuge. The wetland habitats therein are home to a variety of plants and wildlife, some of which are invasive and problematic like the Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). To enhance the quality of wildlife habitat in the area, Boise Parks and Recreation is completing projects to conserve the water and revegetate with native plants.

In December 2025/January 2026, 5-acres of invasive, non-native Russian olive trees were removed from northwest side of the park. Russian Olive trees can drink 75 to 150 gallons of water a day. Although pretty, these invasive trees offer little-to-no benefit to local flora and fauna. In fact, they are detrimental to many native species and will out-compete them.

The removal project may seem aggressive, leaving areas of sparse vegetation. This temporary phase is a very important step in improving the entirety of the ecosystem.

Questions and Comments
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Kathryn Albertson Park Russian Olive Tree Removal Project Map

Restoration Plan

The goals for the restoration project are as follows:

Improve wetland habitat and water quality.
Expand existing wetlands to provide more habitat for wildlife.
Increase biodiversity.

Upland Broadcast Seeding – January 2026

Broadcasting seed is an effective, inexpensive, and fast way to re-establish native grasses for erosion control, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and soil health. It helps restore ecological function after disturbance caused by Russian olive removal.

Seed will be applied as dormant seeding. A firm, packed, weed-free seedbed will be prepared on the upland sites. Seed is to broadcast on the soil surface at a rate of ~25 lbs/acre and then lightly raked into the soil to ensure seed/soil contact.

38% Great Basin Wildrye
15% Sandberg Bluegrass
23% Thickspike Wheatgrass
12% Bluebunch Wheatgrass
8% Prairie Junegrass
4% Tufted Hairgrass

Seed will be broadcast on banks with slopes > 2:1 or areas not appropriate for mats where wetland meadow communities are the goal. Seed will be broadcast by hand and applied as a dormant seeding (January 2026).

20% Tufted Hairgrass
15% Big Bluestem
15% Switchgrass
15% Indian Grass
5% Baltic Rush
2.5% Spikerush
2.5% Alkali Sacaton

Upland Seeding Map

Installation of wetland sod — Photo Credit: https://www.northforknativeplants.com/

Bank Stabilization – March through April 2026

Wetland Sod is an instant way to establish native vegetation on shorelines and stream banks. 40 wetland sod mats (20 Woolly Sedge, Beaked Sedge, Arctic Rush and 20 Panicled Bullrush) be installed on canal and pond banks with slopes no steeper than 2:1. Sod mats will be applied along the high-water line with 50% of mat above and below the water line. Wooden stakes will secure mat to soil and ensure roots and underside of mat is in direct contact with the soil.

Willows provide important wildlife habitat, as cover for nesting birds, and forage for other herbivores. Willows can grow rapidly and provide effective soil stabilization along stream banks or in other highly erodible areas. Crews will harvest willow stems locally where vigorous and abundant willow stands are present during the dormant season (between leaf fall and bud break). Willow stakes will be installed along banks where appropriate. Learn about using live stakes for bank restoration here.

Bank stabilization map

Shrub and Tree Planting – March 2026

Planting trees and shrubs in riparian (streamside) areas stabilizes banks, reduces erosion, filters pollutants (like excess nutrients) from runoff, and provides crucial food and habitat for wildlife, making riparian areas healthier and more resilient to climate change.

Native shrub/tree seedlings (20 cubic inch size) will be in installed in March 2026. Seedling species include 50 each cottonwood, coyote willow, syringa, golden currant, woods rose, and red osier dogwood. Plant protectors and mulch treatments will shield small plants from pests, frost, wind and sun.

Larger trees include 40 10-gallon (species TBD), 20 5-gallon cottonwood, and 20 5-gallon coyote willow will be installed March 2026 in select areas to provide more immediate habitat for impacted wildlife.

Shrub and Tree Planting Map

Additional planting and restoration projects are planned for fall 2026 and beyond.

Monitoring - Ongoing

Monitoring will be critical to assess planting survival and inform future restoration efforts. Boise Parks and Recreation will use an adaptive management strategy, to inform future actions. Russian olives will continue to be removed as resprouting and reseeding occurs.

Sources:

A Guide for Harvesting, Storing, and Planting Dormant Willow Cuttings: https://www.riversedgewest.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/WRV_Willow_Training_Manual.pdf

Wetland Sod: https://www.northforknativeplants.com/wetlandsod

Seeding Considerations in Restoration Big Sagebrush Habitat: https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs/rmrs_p038/rmrs_p038_075_080.pdf

Harvesting, Propagating, and Planting Wetland Plants: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmctn5160.pdf

Willow Stake Plantings: https://streamhandbook.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/strategy-willow-stake-plantings.pdf

This project is funded in part by the Idaho Department of Lands in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex/age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326- W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Send a Message to Parks and Rec

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