Inmates from Idaho State Correction Center gave back to the community by helping replace plants burned in the Owyhee canyonlands following the devastating Soda Fire of 2015.
The correction center has partnered with the Institute of Applied Ecology and BLM as a way to help improve the habitats for animals affected by the fire.
The inmate crew will plant almost 100,000 seeds by the end of the summer.
"Inmates have time, they are looking for jobs that are meaningful and they are the perfect partners to grow native plants for these habitat restoration projects," Ecological Education Director Stacy Moore explained.
For inmates, it allows some time outside and to learn a new skill.
"This has been a great opportunity for me as well as the crew that I have. Almost 30 inmates to learn some horticulture skills and some conservation skills and to be able to give back to the community," current inmate Joel Gunnell explained.
The program is now in its second year.
