A Place for Reflection,
Connection & STEWEWARDSHIP
Nestled along the north shore of the Boise River, the Wetland Peace Preserve is an 18-acre natural refuge designed to protect a vital wetland ecosystem while creating a space for visitors to reflect, learn, and connect with nature.
This project is a collaborative effort between the Treasure Valley Rotary Clubs, the City of Boise, and generous community members who believe in the power of conservation and peacebuilding. Designed with a light-touch approach, the preserve maintains much of the land in its natural state while introducing thoughtful elements that invite visitors to engage with the landscape.
HONORING PAMELA LODAL
Pam Lodal found a home in Boise. After growing up in Illinois, she embraced the Intermountain West in 1980, dedicating her life to serving her hometown. Driven by a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to make a difference, Pam consistently sought opportunities to uplift others. Her career and volunteer work focused on supporting youth, families, and women facing challenging circumstances. Through her selfless actions, Pam exemplified the extraordinary impact ordinary individuals can have when they choose to serve. She recognized the needs around her and responded with compassion and action, striving to leave the world a better place.
After losing Pam to cancer in 2019, her husband John searched for a way to commemorate his wife. He saw an opportunity to design, build, and support a wetland preserve near Willow Lane in 2020. He knew this would be a perfect way to honor Pam. John’s advocacy for peace and stewardship of natural spaces, coupled with the desire to create a memorial to Pam, motivated his vision for an 18-acre wetland preserve on the north shore of the Boise River.
THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE
LEARN & DISCOVER
Engage with the preserve’s stories through interpretive signage and the inspiring messages on the Peace Poles. Explore the Story Trail, an interactive feature that brings the wetlands to life for visitors of all ages, or join programs highlighting the importance of preserving local ecosystems.
CONNECT & REFLECT
Pause at meaningful landmarks like Pam’s Pole or the Greenbelt Entrance to reflect on the values of peace, community, and stewardship. The preserve offers a space to connect—with nature, others, and the lasting impact of those who made it possible.
Explore, Learn, and Reflect at the Preserve
The Wetland Peace Preserve invites visitors to enter a natural sanctuary along the Boise River. Whether seeking a quiet moment, exploring stories of peace and community, or enjoying time with loved ones, the preserve offers a meaningful and engaging experience.
Visitors can walk the pathways, learn about the local ecosystem, and reflect on the preserve’s purpose—all while enjoying the beauty of a high desert wetland carefully preserved to balance nature and accessibility.
EXPERIENCE TRANQUILITY
Immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the Boise River wetlands. Walk the Concrete Peace Path, surrounded by native plants and wildlife, and find rest in thoughtfully placed seating areas. The preserve offers a quiet escape from the city, perfect for reflection and relaxation.
The Wetland Peace Preserve is designed to create a thoughtful balance between nature and human interaction, offering a space where visitors can reflect, learn, and connect with the natural world. Each feature has been carefully crafted to preserve the integrity of the high desert wetland while enhancing the visitor experience.
From the welcoming entrances to the pathways and symbolic Peace Poles, the preserve provides a meaningful place to explore and appreciate the land and the values it represents.
THE PRESERVE: KEY FEATURES
THE MAIN ENTRANCE
A welcoming gateway invites visitors into the preserve, marked by a striking 12-foot-tall sandstone monument. This feature provides an introduction to the preserve’s vision and offerings. Thoughtfully placed interpretive signage shares stories about the preserve’s history and significance, while comfortable benches and a pet station create a relaxing and inclusive atmosphere.
GREENBELT ENTRANCE
Connecting seamlessly to the Boise River Greenbelt, the Greenbelt entrance is a meaningful space for quiet reflection. A poignant memorial monument dedicated to Pam W. Lodal greets visitors, honoring her legacy of service and compassion. Benches and interpretive signage further enrich the experience, offering insights into the preserve’s story and connection to the broader community.
CONCRETE PEACE PATH
The gently winding concrete path forms the preserve’s heart, connecting the two entrances and guiding visitors through its serene landscape. Along this path, 16 unique Peace Poles stand as beacons of hope and unity, each adorned with messages of peace in multiple languages. The path offers a place for peaceful walks, moments of reflection, and an opportunity to engage with the preserve’s inspiring message.
DONOR RECOGNITION
The preserve’s design will include elegant donor recognition elements, celebrating the generosity of those who helped make the preserve possible. Dedicated plaques and features at key locations, including the entrances and pathways, will honor contributions at various levels, ensuring that the impact of donors is visible and appreciated for years to come.
INTERACTIVE SPIRES
PAM’S POLE
A distinguished tribute to Pam W. Lodal, Pam’s Pole is a 7-foot-tall stainless steel spire at the Greenbelt entrance. Featuring HPL panels with personal stories and images, this pole honors Pamela’s life and legacy, serving as a centerpiece for reflection and inspiration.
PEACE POLES
The Peace Poles symbolize hope, unity, and Rotary’s commitment to peace advocacy. Custom-designed graphics and slanted High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels will adorn each pole, showcasing rotating children’s books and other educational materials. Each pole will also highlight the contributions of a sponsoring Rotary club or program, creating a meaningful connection between the preserve and its supporters.
