Describe Bethine Church River Trail here.
A section of the City of Boise's beloved Greenbelt has been named in honor of Bethine Church. She is known as the "Matriarch of the Idaho Democratic Party" and helped found the Sawtooth Society which supports the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Bethine Church was married to Senator Frank Church. Her father was Governor Chase Clark.
The 1.6-mile section of pathway on the Boise River which extends from the Cottonwood Apartments off ParkCenter Boulevard to the new East ParkCenter Bridge on the south side of the river is located in a 24-acre natural area, which includes valuable riparian vegetation, wildlife nesting spots and several small irrigation canals that have been transformed into streams inhabited by fish. The pathway remains unpaved to create a tranquil area for walking and running. Benches overlooking the river provide seating for rest and reflection in a beautiful setting. The thoughtful preservation of this section of the Greenbelt has proven to be critical for the protection of wildlife habitat; it is truly fitting that this pathway be named after Bethine Church in recognition of her important efforts to conserve and protect public lands.
Information for this article comes from http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Parks/ParksAndFacilities/Parks/page39864.aspx and A Tribute to Bethine Church from the Special Collections at Albertson Library at Boise State University
