The Idaho Botanical Garden is a private, non-profit corporation existing without state or federal funding. The garden is completely dependent on tax-deductible contributions from community-minded citizens, corporations, foundations, and site rental.

The Mission of the Idaho Botanical Garden is to provide a full garden experience for all ages that enhances community quality of life through plant collections, our education programs, and our entertainment, cultural and community events.

Located in Boise’s Old Penitentiary Historic District, the Idaho Botanical Garden is dedicated to enhancing our community’s quality of life through fostering a love of nature and developing intellectual curiosity in people of all ages. Originally the site of the tree nursery and grounds of the State Penitentiary, the Garden is a living museum. In September 2025, the Garden broke ground on the first construction phase of a 10-acre expansion to grow our indoor and outdoor spaces and programming for the community.

Jennifer Parks believes that in order to live in a place to feel proud of, you must actively support your community. For nearly two decades, she has dedicated her career to strengthening Idaho nonprofits and the Idaho Botanical Garden. As Senior Director of Development, Jennifer fosters meaningful relationships with community members, philanthropists, and volunteers, helping the Garden thrive as a treasured community asset. Jennifer is a member of the Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation, a committee member for the Golden Eagle Audubon Society, a 2023 IBR Women of the Year Honoree, and 2024 Leadership Boise graduate. A native Idahoan and graduate of Boise State University who continues to live in the Valley, Jennifer is proud to call this community her home. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two small dogs, taking walks in Boise’s beautiful parks, in the mountains of Stanley, and at the Oregon coast.