Jasmine Vilar
Agency is the Antidote to Despair: An Earth Day ...

Each year, Earth Day calls us to celebrate the natural world and take action to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife that sustain us. Earth Day started in 1970, and today, 56 years after that first Earth Day, we face new global and local environmental threats. There are real reasons to feel worried right now. But here’s something else that’s real: for 3.8 billion years, life on Earth has been creating conditions conducive to life. 

Agency is the Antidote to Despair: An Earth Day Reflection
Jasmine Vilar
A Win for Spokane: Common Ground on Waste Policy

The 2026 legislative session delivered something rare: a meaningful climate policy win shaped by collaboration across communities, geographies, and perspectives.

HB 2416, regarding the regulation of Spokane’s Waste to Energy plant, has officially passed. With it comes a solution that protects Spokane ratepayers, upholds Washington’s Climate Commitment Act , and creates real accountability for reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions over time.

This is a big deal.

A Win for Spokane: Common Ground on Waste Policy
Education
Jasmine Vilar
Six More Weeks of Winter - But Where Is It?

Happy Groundhog Day, everyone!
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, which means we can expect 6 more weeks of winter. While most of the country may be lamenting this prediction, much of the western US is wondering if winter has even shown up at all!

Six More Weeks of Winter - But Where Is It?
Jasmine Vilar
2025 By The Numbers

Think you know everything about The Lands Council? From our education programs to the number of trees we've planted, our work is filled with amazing milestones! Now, you can put your knowledge to the test with our exciting trivia game: By the Numbers, created by our very own Justyce. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to our mission, this game offers a fun way to celebrate our achievements and learn more about our impact in the Inland Northwest.

2025 By The Numbers
Leadership Letters
Jasmine Vilar
Federal Funding: Because You Asked

TLC’s Board President Kate Vanskike addresses questions about federal funding impacts.

Federal Funding: Because You Asked

Spokane Water Conservation Master Plan

Spokane Water Conservation Master Plan

The Lands Council recently weighed in on the Spokane Water Conservation Master Plan. Climate models indicate that the Spokane area will have warmer summers, combined with less moisture. Less snowpack in the Coeur d’Alene and Clark Fork watershed are predicted, which will lead to less flow into the aquifer. This will impact summer aquifer levels, as well as Spokane River flows. This will also increase the need for outdoor watering. A water conservation plan is critical to prepare for the future of our city and river!

Chris Cooper Hawk

Chris Cooper Hawk

On April 18, I made a quick stop at the office to pick up some materials for a grant proposal. The building was closed due to the pandemic, so I popped in quickly.

After exiting the building and entering the alley behind the Saranac Building, I spotted a Cooper’s Hawk stumbling on the ground, dragging its left wing. Cooper’s Hawks have beautiful plumage, which is what caught my eye immediately. Pigeons are commonly spotted in this location, and while beautiful in their own right, they are not as striking as a Cooper’s Hawk. I initially thought the bird of prey had broken its wing, possibly by flying into the building while in hot pursuit of a pigeon (Rock Dove). The bird couldn’t fly, but made its way to the top of the fence surrounding the fire station parking lot.

Wolves, Wine, and Whiskey

Wolves, Wine, and Whiskey

You're invited to join us (virtually) for Wolves, Wine, and Whiskey - a Zoom happy hour on the wolf-human coexistence in Washington. Topics will include wolf recolonization, recovery, and impediments to coexistence. Join us to hear from multiple conservation groups on efforts to mitigate risk to wolves and hear from range rider Daniel Curry about on the ground efforts to protect wolves and cattle.

Thursday, May 14th at 6:00 pm on Zoom
Meeting ID: 869 4812 2757

Thoughts From Our Executive Director | May 2020

The Lands Council has been staying busy. Cleaning up our Spokane River is a key part of our work. I recently took part in a virtual conference for the annual National River Rally. My topic was reducing inadvertent PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). The Spokane River Regional Toxic Task Force is leading the country in investigating these man-made chemicals that are contaminating the Spokane River. They come from inks, paint, and pigments that are produced with chlorine. Think of that yellow stripe in the road as it washes into the storm water - it contains a certain variety (congener) of PCB Even the newsprint in recycled paper has inks that contain PCBs.

Sustainability Bingo

Join The Lands Council for Sustainability Bingo!

  1. Encourage others to join - tag 3 friends!

  2. Complete 5 in a row and take pictures along the way.

  3. Share on Instagram or Facebook and tag @thelandscouncil.

  4. Complete all 25 and we’ll send you a TLC sticker!

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