Spring 2023 Edition

NEW ACTIVITIES & CLASSES

The latest offerings from the Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association

Cradled between the foothills and the Boise River, Harris Ranch is blessed to be surrounded by a natural environment teeming with life. The diverse ecosystem boasts hundreds of species of flora and fauna and lands that offer endless recreational opportunities. While residents enjoy access to nature just steps from their home, it is more crucial than ever that these lands are protected, cared for, and continue to thrive so future generations may enjoy their beauty and benefits. Fortunately, we have the Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association (HRWMA) to lead this conservation and protection effort in our community.

Established in 2007, the HRWMA enhances the beauty of the area and protects wildlife from the foothills to the river. Conservation efforts include removing invasive species, replanting native flora, water cleanup, and providing educational opportunities.

As a benefit to residents, the HRWMA offers a myriad of free educational classes hosted in and nearby the neighborhood. Classes include planting native shrubs, bird watching, nature walks, restoring aquatic habitats, invasive species removal, and more. Several upcoming courses are available, and classes can fill up quickly, so head to www.hrwma.org to secure your spot today!

DAFFODILS

The first sign of spring

As the weather gets warmer and the days are longer, Harris Ranch is getting ready for spring with the bloom of tens of thousands of daffodils. Daffodils remain dormant through the winter and are often among the first flowers to emerge and bloom in the spring. Over the past several years, the Harris Ranch Limited Partnership has planted 100,000 daffodil bulbs throughout the neighborhood, including in three fields in the community.

In addition to brightening our neighborhood, these flowers are part of a nationwide initiative to honor the victims of the Holocaust and are a symbol of strength and resilience. The bright yellow flowers are a reminder of the tenacity and renewal of the human spirit.

We encourage everyone to take a moment to stop and embrace the beauty and symbolism of these flowers as we step into spring.

GOLDA HARRIS NATURE PRESERVE

Get a fix of nature just minutes from your front door

Looking for a peaceful getaway from the hustle of daily life? Look no further than the Golda Harris Nature Preserve, a three-acre wetland oasis nestled between the Boise River and Warm Springs Drive, just off the Greenbelt. Named after Golda Harris, a beloved member of the community known for her kindness and generosity, the nature preserve offers a quiet and protected area for residents to connect with nature.

At the Golda Harris Nature Preserve, visitors can walk the short path through the preserve to enjoy the flora and fauna of the wetland ecosystem and find a quiet moment in the stillness of nature. Located off the east Parkcenter Bridge, just south of Warm Springs Avenue adjacent to The Arboretum at Barber Station apartments, the preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Golda Harris Nature Preserve is just a few minutes’ walk or ride from Harris Ranch down the Greenbelt, so residents can easily experience the peace and beauty of this hidden gem.

INFRASTRUCTURE SPOTLIGHT

Rain showers and snow flurries peppered the Treasure Valley throughout the first quarter of 2023, causing headaches for homeowners that weren't prepared for such heavy precipitation. Fortunately, Harris Ranch has robust infrastructure in place to protect the community from flooding and runoff that could damage residents' homes. Made possible by the CID, here are a couple infrastructure projects that kept Harris Ranch homes safe so far in 2023:

RETENTION PONDS

As with the sediment basin, the storm water collection and retention ponds on the river side of the neighborhood are specifically engineered to retain runoff from within the HRCID, protecting homes from weather related issues and damage.

SEDIMENT BASIN

Often out of sight from the residential streets in Harris Ranch, a sediment retention basin was constructed north of Harris Ranch road at the base of the foothills. It was built specifically to protect the homes in the HRCID from the risk of flooding. The sediment basin substantially mitigates the risk of flood for residents in the event of large rainstorms, a fire that destroys vegetation and destabilizes soils, or a combination of both. The sediment basin is built and maintained to standards agreed to with the City of Boise.

DALLAS HARRIS ELEMENTARY UPDATE

Construction of Dallas Harris Elementary continues to progress, and the school is beginning to take shape. Recently, Boise School District sent an update to residents and parents of prospective DHES students to clarify the plan and timeline for the 2023/2024 school year. That update and further information can be found at tinyurl.com/DHESupdates

THE TIMBERS AT HARRIS RANCH NEARS OCCUPANCY

The luxury apartment community, The Timbers at Harris Ranch, is nearing its opening and is currently accepting tenant applications for its rental units. If you know someone who is in the market for a luxurious, amenity-rich apartment and desires to experience the Harris Ranch lifestyle, direct them to timbersboise.com for more information.