Since opening in 2008, The WaterShed in Boise has offered educational resources about climate and water to people of all ages. Now, after a major renovation in 2023, the center has unveiled a new Climate + Water Education Center. The updated facility features 25 interactive exhibits and a collection of public art aimed at teaching visitors about the environment and climate change.
Upon entering the new center, visitors are greeted with sounds of nature—rushing water, rainfall, and thunder—bringing the nearby Boise River’s atmosphere indoors. The center showcases the importance of watersheds, areas of land where water drains into a central location, with much of the water in the Boise River coming from the runoff of snow in the Sawtooth Mountains.
Cindy Busche, the education manager at The WaterShed, said that community input played a major role in shaping the new exhibits. Open houses and feedback from local school districts, Boise State faculty, and Indigenous tribes helped guide the exhibit designs. Busche emphasized the center’s focus on making the impacts of climate change tangible for the community. “We listened to the community, and we were able to implement almost all of their ideas in terms of showing the value of the Boise River and what it means to our community,” she said.
One of the most exciting exhibits is Sustainable Boise, which features three 10-foot-wide screens. In this arcade-style game, users can swap fossil fuel-dependent objects for renewable energy alternatives, giving them a hands-on way to learn about sustainable living.
Another highlight is the Snow Theater, where visitors can dance to create virtual snowfall on the projected screens. This exhibit, designed to engage visitors in an immersive environment, has already drawn excitement from local students. Whitney Elementary School was among the first groups to experience the new exhibits. “I think it’s cool,” said 12-year-old Kristina Vasquez. “There’s a lot of things to look at.” She particularly enjoyed the exhibit showing how fires change ecosystems, which connected directly to lessons she was learning in school.
Eleven-year-old Emily Avila appreciated the opportunity to explore the exhibits and “learn something different.” The Innovation Station, another popular feature, allowed students to build an environmental vision board using magnetic cutouts, envisioning a future with instruments, mountains, fish, cars, cellphones, and Earth.
An augmented reality sandbox also caught the attention of many students. By manipulating the sand, they could create virtual watersheds and see the impacts of climate change.
AmeriCorps member Julia Sanderson, who works with Boise School District on sustainability, shared a moment of reflection with students as they recalled their memories related to water. One student, 11-year-old Sergio Barajas, described a day he spent swimming in the river, where he felt deeply connected to nature. “I was just sitting, closing my eyes, and just breathing, and I was hearing sounds like water rushing around. I felt like there were fish around me, and it felt like I was deep in the ocean,” Barajas said.
Before leaving, students are encouraged to take a pledge to reduce their climate impact. They can choose from four categories: water, energy, transportation, or “more ideas,” which offer suggestions like taking shorter showers or planting a tree. Once students make their pledge, they can take a photo and see it projected on the wall, making the commitment more personal and impactful.
With a balance of interactive exhibits and hands-on learning, The WaterShed’s new center offers an engaging experience for students and adults alike. The facility aims to inspire future generations of Idahoans to take action in protecting the environment.
