Idaho Museum of Natural History launches Idaho Falls RiverWalk series

The Idaho Museum of Natural History, based on the campus of Idaho State University in Pocatello, is excited to bring its successful RiverWalk series to Idaho Falls.

The first IF RiverWalk will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 8:30-10 a.m. 

RiverWalks are family-oriented field excursions, each focusing on a different natural history topic. This extremely popular series gives people of all ages the opportunity to get out and learn about the natural world around them while enjoying hiking the trails.

Led by Janet Bala, ISU botany instructor and former president of the Idaho Native Plant Society, participants will learn about the native plants they encounter walking along the beautiful Idaho Falls Greenbelt. They will also discover how these plants adapt and thrive despite their ever-changing environment along with some of the historical uses of these native plants.

According to Bala, “Autumn is a great time to explore native and other plants along the river. We can learn a lot about them as their colors change.”

A second RiverWalk featuring river geology will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 8:30-10 a.m. Dr. Glenn Thackray of the ISU Department of Geological Sciences will help participants discover the fascinating geological formations they will encounter walking along the Idaho Falls Greenbelt.

Thackray said that, “unlike most rivers, the Snake River has been a slave to geological processes of Eastern Idaho. Because of volcanism, glaciation, and tectonic activity, the Snake has had to ‘figure it out,’ and we can read this fascinating story in the rocks along the river.”

To participate in the IF RiverWalks, meet at University Place, 1785 Science Center Drive in Idaho Falls by 8:30 on the designated Saturday. The trails are suitable for all ages and abilities. For more information, contact Kristin Fletcher, IMNH Program Manager, at (208) 282-2262 or fletkris@isu.edu.