Date: 1999

Dimensions: “Stream” approx. 250’ long x 14”-24” wide Four 48” diameter unique cast iron tree grates

Media: cast bronze, cast iron

Commissioned by: Boise City Arts Commission and the 9th and Idaho Building

The River of Trees illustrates the leaves of ten recommended street trees, interspersed with leaves of the two native broadleaf trees for which Boise was named. There are 230 unique bronze castings dance across four 48” diameter unique cast iron tree grates. The artists worked with the Boise Urban Forestry Divisions of the Boise Parks and Recreation Department to select the trees. The goal of the project was to “unite” the street trees that make the city livable with the large broadleaf trees that led to a settlement being founded in that location by French fur trappers. As part of the project, Boise’s Urban Forestry Department published a guide that allows viewers to identify the various species depicted, along with locations that the ten street trees were already growing, so that homeowners could reference the project to select trees for their own gardens and parking strips. The project won a Boise City Design Review Award.