The Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello is one of the most popular nature spots in the region. It offers community members a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, a rope swing, biking and walking trails and more.
With so many people using the area, the Idaho Fish and Game department is looking for volunteer groups to help clean, maintain and help improve Edson Fichter beginning Wednesday, April 8th.
This will be the first year of this organized effort from IDFG to gather volunteer groups.
The High Desert Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists is a group that does the bulk of the volunteer work at Edson Fichter right now, so part of IDFG's mission with volunteers is to give Idaho Master Naturalists the chance to help in other ways outside of just Edson Fichter.
"We don't have full-time staff whose sole purpose is to take care of that facility," says Tessa Atwood, the volunteer services coordinator for the Idaho Fish and Game southeast region. "We do rely on volunteers to do the bulk of the work down there."
IDFG already receives requests from people and groups wanting to give back so they decided to take a more organized approach to volunteer applications this year.
Groups can sign up for one of two Wednesdays each month from April to October, with group sizes typically ranging from four to 15.
There's a wide range of things for volunteers to do, including weeding, mowing, trimming, planting, moving gravel and much more.
Atwood describes it as "stuff that you're doing in your backyard."
"In the summer, we get an influx of what you typically see at home," Atwood said. "Weeds, mowing, trimming. You just can't turn your back on it before it turns into a jungle."
Although IDFG is requesting help for the spring, summer and fall months, winter opportunities are also available.
"If you're looking to see some urban wildlife, if you'd like to try catching a fish or ride your bike around the nature trail, then Edson Fichter is a really cool spot for all of that," Atwood said. "If you want to get a little taste of something that's a little more 'authentic Idaho,' then Edson Fichter is your place to hang out."
Anyone who wants to register to volunteer at Edson Fichter can either visit Idaho Fish and Game’s website or reach Tessa Atwood by calling 208-232-4703.