Elaine Clegg

city of trees challenge

What is it?

Boise is known as the City of Trees, but that legacy is not guaranteed. As our community grows and the climate continues to shift, planting and caring for trees has never been more important.

Trees offer more than beauty for our neighborhoods. They clean our air, cool our homes, protect our waterways, and help bring people together.

The City of Trees Challenge is a call to action: to protect our urban forest, invest in climate resilience, and create a greener, healthier Treasure Valley for future generations.

Our History

Launched on Arbor Day 2020 with the City of Boise and Council President Elaine Clegg, the City of Trees Challenge set an ambitious goal:

One tree for every household in Boise

One forest seedling for every resident planted in Idaho’s forests by 2030

In just five years, the Challenge has taken root as a model of local and national climate leadership.

Now, we’re growing stronger in local neighborhoods through our Tree Captains Program, advancing tree equity throughout the Treasure Valley and offering free trees for homes in the City of Boise.