“The Edson Fichter Nature Area is located just minutes from downtown Pocatello and offers outdoors enthusiasts a convenient escape close to home. The Portneuf River runs through this 40-acre site which also features paved trails, a 3-acre fishing pond with docks, an amphitheater, and plenty of wildlife from otters to eagles and an occasional moose.” Idaho Fish and Game, 2023.
In 2023, Pocatello’s own nature oasis received an Ifft Grant for habitat improvement. This beautiful area is already brimming with wildlife habitat, boasting over 350 different species. But Maria Pacioretty, Regional Wildlife Habitat Biologist with Idaho Fish and Game, saw a need for more native plants to be installed around the nature area, allowing for more vegetative diversity. The Ifft Grant made these enhancements possible.
In addition, the Idaho Master Naturalists are an invaluable resource for the Edson Fichter Nature Area. Idaho Master Naturalist Mike Larkin was actually the one who submitted the application of the Ifft Grant, and he is one of many volunteers who have helped with the improvements and general upkeep of the area.
Together, Idaho Fish and Game and the Idaho Master Naturalists have set up an iNaturalist program for Edson Fichter, where visitors can record the hundreds of species they might come across while exploring. This program not only helps other visitors flag what to look out for, but it also contributes to scientific research into biodiversity and conservation.
IF&G and the Idaho Master Naturalist programs also put on educational talks within Edson Fichter to both educate on anything nature-related, and to bring more people into the area. While the 2023 talks ended in September, rest assured they will be back in 2024!
