In April of 2026 I published
a book about the Bethine Church River Trail in Boise, Idaho.
The book tells the story of many of the plants and animals that provide us with a glimpse of their riparian world. It is also an introduction to the remarkable woman for whom the trail is named.
I spent more than two years working on the book. While I learned a lot about a specific place, the observations I made and the lessons I learned can readily be applied to many other locations as well.
The book is printed on over 200 pages of heavy satin stock (including 15 pages with Roman numerals) and more than 250 color photos.
"This book is, in many ways, a map of a life, of a region, and a moral compass that points toward service and stewardship. May it inspire you to locate your own bearing and to carry forward the work that Bethine devoted her life to ..."
Monica Church
Idaho State Representative, District 19A
Granddaughter of Bethine "Oma" Church
"If you aren't familiar with the trail, perusing the chapters will prepare you for the jewels you will encounter, and if you already know the trail you'll find information about the flora and fauna you may have missed".
From a review by Jo Anne Lafferty
Golden Eagle Audubon Society
"I finished Pat's book, thoroughly enjoying it from start to finish. It has such a nice feel stylistically and physically. Plain English and superb photographs make a wonderful combination".
Charles A (Tony) Adams
Unsolicited Reader Review
"Thanks so much for your insight & knowledge of a place I've loved for the past 59 years. We moved to SE Boise on my 16th birthday, & I walked this area as a teenager, before the trail, loving the cottonwood forest & riparian area. Your book is so engaging & full of delightful information. I hope it receives the wide distribution it deserves. Sincerely yours, Julie Hall"
Unsolicited email from reader Julie Hall
Sold at these Boise locations
Morrison Knudsen Nature Center
Visitor Center and Gift Shop
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
600 S Walnut Street
Boise, Idaho 83712
Phone (208) 334-2225
Gift Shop Hours
Tuesday - Sunday; 10 am - 3 pm
Once and Future Books
1310 W State Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
Phone (208) 336-2230
Store Hours
Monday - Saturday 11 am -5 pm
Sunday 12 - 4 pm
REI Co-op - Boise
8300 W Emerald Street
Boise, Idaho 83704
Phone (208) 322-1141
Store Hours
Monday - Friday 10 am - 8 pm
Saturday 9 am - 7 pm
Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
An Abridged Natural History of the Bethine Church River Trail is also available for checkout at the downtown Boise Library. More locations may become available in the future.