The Idaho Botanical Garden is more than a scenic retreat—it’s a place where lives are transformed, community connections flourish, and nature serves as a powerful force for change. Once a small operation with big dreams, today it stands as a thriving 15-acre sanctuary, thanks to the leadership of Erin Anderson.

In this episode, Erin shares her journey from political science graduate to nonprofit leader and how her passion for plants and people has shaped the Garden’s evolution. We explore its unique location next to the Old Idaho Penitentiary—one of only three such gardens in the world—and how this history has led to extraordinary community partnerships. One of the most impactful? A workforce development program for incarcerated women, proving that gardens don’t just grow plants—they grow second chances.

But the Idaho Botanical Garden isn’t stopping there. Erin unveils ambitious plans for expansion, including Idaho’s first official arboretum, a 1,200-seat outdoor amphitheater, therapeutic gardens, and a 22,000-square-foot visitor center that will house a food hub to support local agriculture. This transformation reflects Erin’s leadership philosophy: “Surround yourself with people smarter than you and truly listen to them.”

Beyond its breathtaking plant collections and restoration of Idaho’s native sagebrush steppe ecosystem, the Garden serves over 6,000 children through STEAM-based education programs and draws thousands to signature events like the Outlaw Field Concert Series and Winter Garden Aglow. Through it all, Erin remains focused on one thing—creating a space where nature, people, and purpose come together.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, sustainability, and how one garden is redefining what it means to grow a community.

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