A new mural will be revealed at Boise WaterShed in the spring of 2025, thanks to Youth Salmon Protectors’ local artist (as well as ICL’s current Artist in Residence), Taelyn Baiza, and the support of the city of Boise. Through this community art piece, we hope to inspire students’ curiosity for nature by creating a space that fosters community. 

Over the past six months, Youth Salmon Protectors students Lilly Wilson (Boise State University), Ella Jenveja (Riverstone International School), Jayden Rehwalt (Boise State University), and Taelyn Baiza (University of Utah) have been working on a youth-led climate project through a grant received from the City of Boise by Bloomberg Philanthropies. This community art piece represents the sense of unity that Boiseans have cultivated around the Boise River, and the resilience of this special ecosystem. The mural depicts this beloved watershed alongside its native plants and animals while highlighting the essential role it plays in Idaho’s environment—and in our community. The mural’s design celebrates the interconnectedness of our ecosystem and the importance of preserving it for future generations. By combining art and advocacy, the project has created a lasting educational tool that inspires Idahoans to protect the watershed and its vital ecosystems.

The Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Grant aims to empower youth activists to address pressing environmental issues through innovative projects. This year, Boise’s $50,000 grant was awarded to 17 youth-led climate projects. All across Boise, students are using this resource to advocate for climate resilience and environmental stewardship, bringing together like-minded students, artists, experts, and young people to address environmental issues. 

The Youth Salmon Protectors’s mural highlights a thriving Boise River—with an osprey soaring above, and lush trees shading the riverbanks and city of Boise, each element connects to what makes our river resilient and strong. We hope that by displaying the mural at the Boise WaterShed, we will empower young people to be the change for a more sustainable future. For Youth Salmon Protectors, the mural is a testament to what can be achieved when we inspire and empower youth leaders. It’s a reminder that young people have the power to lead transformational change in their communities. 

Youth Salmon Protectors Art Competition

To celebrate the installation of our new art mural, we’re hosting an exciting art competition for youth ages 15 to 24! The theme is “Water is the Lifeblood of Idaho.”

Share your creativity and submit your artwork by February 20th for a chance to win:

1st Place: $100 gift card

2nd Place: $50 gift card

3rd Place: $25 gift card

All prizes are for local businesses in downtown Boise.

We can’t wait to see how you bring this theme to life!

To see the mural, plan for a visit to the Boise WaterShed in the spring. Appreciate the art, learn about the local ecosystem, and reflect on how you can contribute to conservation efforts. The mural stands as a beacon of hope, creativity, and collaboration—proof that protecting our environment is best when undertaken together.