Arboretum
Dedicated on Arbor Day in 1999, the North Idaho Native Plant Arboretum embodies the mission of Kinninnick Native Plant Society. An island of forest habitat within the city where a visitor can experience native plants where they thrive.
In 2023 KNPS initiated the development of a new Arboretum Master Plan. Completed in Spring 2024, it is available by clicking Arboretum Master Plan.
Plant identification signs can be found on many specimens throughout the Arboretum. It serves as a learning and demonstration area and is the site of many KNPS activities. In addition to native plants, a summer visitor to the Arboretum might see osprey or eagles flying overhead as well as hardworking KNPS volunteers maintaining the habitats. Quiet Arboretum spaces serve as an urban sanctuary that encourages meditation and communing with nature. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the Arboretum paths for leisurely strolls or dog walks (on-leash only).
An updated survey of Arboretum plants was completed in 2022. A complete listing of plants found in that survey is available by clicking Arboretum Plant List.
The Arboretum is a volunteer effort. For its first nineteen years, it was managed by Sylvia Chatburn, who was a driving force in its creation. When she retired, management shifted to a small group, the Arboretum Leadership Team. They meet regularly to plan activities, hire a summer Coordinator, recruit volunteers, and organize work parties. In 2021 KNPS volunteers constructed a cabin at the Arboretum, which serves as headquarters for KNPS and houses gardening and educational materials.
The Arboretum is located at 609 S. Ella Ave. in Sandpoint near the Bonner County Museum. Plenty of free parking is available near the Arboretum.
Lend a Helping Hand
We invite you to help in the Arboretum. Whether it’s a one-time pitch in, a weekly commitment, or a few times a month during the growing season, we appreciate all efforts. Our Coordinator is available mid-June through August and can offer you a choice of tasks suitable to your interest and abilities.
As with most gardens, there are many available jobs - from cleaning, raking, and weeding, to transplanting, deadheading, and pruning. We can provide tools, but feel free to bring your favorites. To learn more about volunteering in the Arboretum please reach out to us using the form at the bottom of this page.
Watch for announcements of our Arboretum clean-up parties on our Events page. We work in the cool mornings from 10 am to noon. Coffee and cookies are provided. These are especially fun because folks stay afterwards to enjoy a picnic lunch. Bring your brown bag and join the crew!