College of Western Idaho (CWI) hosted a community-wide Arbor Day celebration on April 16, welcoming over 150 participants to what will be a new arboretum in Nampa for a day of planting and connection. Organized in partnership with the City of Nampa, the event was part of the city’s 27th annual Arbor Day recognition and included the planting of 40 trees representing more than 20 different species.
Students from Birch Elementary School and Rocky Mountain High School joined CWI Horticulture Technology students, faculty, and volunteers from across the community to dig in and make a difference. Among the volunteers were employees from the Amazon Fulfillment Center, Clarity Credit Union, Idaho Power, Peppershock Media, Franz Witte, ESI, Republic Services, and more. Together, this group contributed to what will become Nampa’s first true arboretum.
The new arboretum is located near CWI’s Agricultural Sciences Complex and will serve as a living classroom and community resource. For CWI students, especially those in the Horticulture Technology program, the site represents more than just landscaping — it’s an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
Much of the arboretum’s layout and design came from the creativity and hard work of CWI Horticulture Technology students Koti May, Angel Decker, Sarah Hammond, and Keena Rice. With mentorship from faculty and support from community partners, these students helped bring the space to life — an experience that exemplifies CWI’s commitment to hands-on learning and strong connections to industry.
“This Arbor Day event celebrates more than trees — it celebrates growth, learning, and community,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “These trees, planted with care by students, volunteers, and staff, represent a long-term investment in our campus and our region.”
The event highlighted CWI’s third year as a Tree Campus Higher Education and continued its tradition of working alongside the City of Nampa to promote urban forestry and sustainability.
