Idaho botanical garden (IBG) will implement its interpretive master plan by conducting a comprehensive site and collections assessment to inventory existing signage, wayfinding, accessibility…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Idaho Botanical Gardens Inc. $688,618 under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) on September 1, 2026.

Idaho Botanical Gardens will implement its interpretive master plan through a comprehensive site and collections assessment across its developed 15-acre site in Boise, Idaho. The assessment will inventory existing signage, wayfinding, accessibility conditions, and plant labeling, then identify priority locations for new interpretive elements. The organization will strengthen collections infrastructure, finalize interpretive themes in consultation with tribal and historical partners, fabricate and install new signage in key areas, and train staff and volunteers to ensure consistent interpretation. A new standards-aligned curriculum will serve fourth-grade students through field trips. Project results include a cohesive interpretive experience and increased understanding of plant collections among approximately 140,000 annual visitors, most of whom engage through self-guided visits. Success will be measured through visitor satisfaction surveys, attendance data, participation tracking in education and volunteer programs, and assessment of data collection accuracy.

The award period runs through September 1, 2027. Museums for America supports museums of all sizes in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational and interpretive programs, community partnerships, and collections stewardship activities aligned with institutional strategic goals.

Idaho botanical garden (IBG) will implement its interpretive master plan by conducting a comprehensive site and collections assessment to inventory existing signage, wayfinding, accessibility conditions, and plant labeling across the developed 15-acre site and identifying priority locations for new interpretive elements. IBG will strengthen its collections infrastructure, finalize interpretive themes with input from tribal and historical partners, fabricate and install new signage in key areas, and train staff and volunteers to ensure consistent interpretation. Primary beneficiaries include IBG's approximately 140,000 annual visitors, most of whom engage through self-guided visits. Additional beneficiaries include k-12 students participating in field trips and fourth-grade students, through a new standards-aligned curriculum. Project results include a cohesive interpretive experience and increased understanding of plant collections. Success will be measured through completion of planned activities, analysis of visitor satisfaction surveys and attendance data, tracking participation in education and volunteer programs, and assessment of data collection accuracy.