FRIENDS OF THE HOLLOW
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FRIENDS OF THE HOLLOW 〰️
History of Hillside to Hollow
A Landscape Open to the Community
For nearly fifty years, the family who owned the lands of Hillside to Hollow allowed public access to this foothills landscape. The trails, open space, and sense of shared ownership became part of everyday life for the community.
That future came into question in 2011, when a for sale sign appeared at the Harrison Hollow trailhead, signaling that this land could become almost anything, but most likely concrete, impermeable, and private.
Stepping In
As a response, The Land Trust of the Treasure Valley (LTTV) and our amazing conservation community banded together to crowdfund to purchase the eastern portion— the 57-acre cornerstone parcel and key entryway to the larger reserve.
When it came time to sell, the landowners faced a choice: sell to developers at full value or sell to LTTV at a discount. As the landowner put it, “The Land Trust offer probably isn’t as much money, but I’d sure like to see that land go to the people.”
Protection Though Partnership
LTTV purchased the trailhead parcel with support from the Hillside to the Hollow Coalition, Southwest Idaho Mountain Bike Association, and the community, alongside endorsement from the City of Boise (COB), which includes the parcel on its Heritage Preservation list. Just two years later, the COB acquired the remainder of the nature reserve. This land, much of it zoned at one house per acre, could have hosted hundreds of homes, but instead remains protected for its conservation values—ranging from wildlife, diverse plant communities, scenic open space, and provide nearby residents with access to healthy outdoor activities—ensuring they endure for generations.
Hillside to the Hollow now stands as a preserved foothills jewel—a place to hike, bike, and connect with nature, protected forever thanks to community action and shared commitment to conservation.
Inception of Friends of the Hollow
LTTV and the City of Boise partnered on a master plan for Hillside to Hollow, approved in 2014 after extensive public engagement. The plan improved some trails, decommissioned others, and prioritized recreation, off-leash dog use, and maintaining open space close to home. Under prior private ownership, heavy, unmanaged use had left the trail network poorly graded and prone to erosion. LTTV and the COB inherited this system, working to balance existing use with sustainable management practices.
Growing Use, Limited Capacity
Since the purchase, use of Hillside to Hollow has grown dramatically, especially after the pandemic, while management capacity has remained limited. To meet this challenge, LTTV, the COB and local trail users is launching Friends of the Hollow, a collaborative initiative focused on sustainable management, expanding stewardship capacity, and protecting the conservation values that have defined this beloved reserve for over fifty years.