College of Western Idaho (CWI) students and faculty joined young volunteers at Liberty Park on April 24 to plant trees as part of the City of Nampa’s Arbor Day celebration.
Four CWI students and two faculty members partnered with the City of Nampa Parks and Recreation Department, working alongside a local children’s group to plant five trees at Liberty Park during the event.
Students took the lead in guiding participants through proper planting techniques, demonstrating how to place root balls, backfill soil, and support long-term tree health. The event doubled as a hands-on learning experience, giving students a chance to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
CWI’s involvement reflects a long-standing partnership with Nampa Parks and Recreation that extends beyond Arbor Day. The relationship includes internships, employment opportunities, workshops, and advisory roles that connect students directly with the local green industry.
That partnership also supports CWI’s Tree Campus Higher Education designation through the Arbor Day Foundation. The recognition requires institutions to observe Arbor Day through service and community engagement each year, with CWI and Nampa Parks and Recreation alternating hosting responsibilities.
Students in the College’s Horticulture Technology program benefit from ongoing opportunities tied to the partnership, including experience in urban forestry management such as pruning, maintenance, and tree inventory.
The collaboration has also led to career pathways for graduates. CWI Horticulture Technology alum, Peter Harcey, now works as a full-time arborist with Nampa Parks and Recreation after completing an internship and earning his arborist certification.
Events like the Arbor Day planting strengthen connections between CWI and the community, while reinforcing Horticulture Technology’s commitment to sustainability and applied learning.
