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!
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.
By Lindsay Box
Spokane has many beautiful hiking trails and conservation areas - either in town or close by! While we are unable to gather in many public places and indoors, there are so many wonderful alternatives in the great outdoors. Here is a quick list of our favorite hiking trails - some will challenge your endurance and others are great for a stroll with your family.
For the past three years, we have been working with students from North Central High School on our Fungi Project. We began our innovative Fungi Project to investigate the ability of several species of mushrooms to break down persistent polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This project aims to prevent PCBs from entering our urban waterways and making their way into the food and water supply.
The outdoors should be a welcoming and safe place for everyone - and we are committed to advocating for greater racial equality and inclusion in the outdoors. To do so, we are listening, reading, and showing up to learn more about these programs, their mission, and how we can be involved. Here are some examples of amazing outdoor groups:
A challenge where you will gain physical fitness, mental well-being, make new friends, explore new places, and connect with family, friends and yourself through nature.
Growing and supporting a community of women of color who share a passion for cycling. We champion efforts to introduce the joy of cycling to all women, but especially, black women and girls.
Encouraging African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority.
Promoting diversity in outdoor spaces where people of color, LGBTQIA, and other diverse identities have historically been underrepresented.
Pioneering a health movement for African-American women and girls grounded in civil rights history and principles through walking campaigns, community leadership, and health advocacy.
Providing young indigenous, rural, and urban leaders with cross-cultural community building skills, leadership development training, civic engagement opportunities, and resources for innovative youth and community-led action - all grounded in the healing power of nature and culture.
Amplifying the call of nature that lives within each of us by sharing stories, providing programming, organizing expeditions, and supporting outdoors education for marginalized communities.
Inspiring, connecting, and engaging Latino communities in the outdoors and embrace cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative, ensuring our history, heritage, and leadership are valued and represented.
Celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature. We help people take better care of themselves, our communities, and our planet!
Creating a space to explore and celebrate diversity, nature, and life. By bringing together people of all ages and recreation levels we, the people, can meet the needs of a diverse and inclusive community.
Working to connect families to environmental education opportunities through fundraising, outreach, and partnerships with local organizations.
Cultivating the power of diverse young women* to be creative leaders and courageous changemakers through transformative programs within a collaborative community of belonging.
Dear Lands Council Members and Supporters,
Our hearts have been hurting for the last two weeks as police brutality has once again exposed the deep-rooted systematic racism that is so prevalent in this country. We are outraged by the racial injustices occurring and we are frustrated with the response from our leaders and the media. It is heart-wrenching to watch police brutalize black and indigenous people, and those who are standing up to racialized oppression. Our hearts go out to all who are hurting, grieving, angry, and exhausted during this time.
Like most organizations and people, The Lands Council is feeling the far-reaching effects of the fight against Covid-19. While all of our face-to-face programs and events have been canceled at this time to help “flatten the curve”, we are still dedicated to finding ways to improve our region’s environment.
Join us in mini, socially distanced river clean-ups - we can all make a big difference as individuals!
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!
I am getting an early start on my small farm. It's just a tiny, tiny piece of the Earth but it's still a part of the world that can offer shelter to often overlooked and under-appreciated creatures. The Lands Council has been doing restoration for a few decades now. It helps mitigate climate change among many other benefits.
