After a disaster like the Spokane Complex fires, we ask: why did this happen?
This fire is the latest in a series of wildfires that have affected thousands in Spokane, on the Colville Reservation, the Spokane Reservation, Stevens County, Chelan, as well as many in central and eastern Oregon and countless other places across the US and Canada. Today's wildfires are burning larger, hotter, and more frequently than they have in the past.
There isn’t one single factor as to why we are experiencing these catastrophic fires.
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.
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.
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 Kat Hall
It’s finally summer! Bring on the season of long sunny days, time spent on the lake, and…TLC interns! Truthfully, a few short months ago, in light of the COVID-19 situation, I wasn’t sure we would have the ability to hire interns; and had little insight into how these internships would ultimately be carried out. Fortunately, we’re finding our way and things are looking more promising than expected. We are thrilled to welcome ten amazing individuals to our team!
At Reforest Spokane Day in October 2019, hundreds of hard working volunteers planted thousands of native plants, flowers, and trees in downtown Spokane. The corner of 1st & Washington was completely transformed! This site needs our on-going help to thrive. Please join us on July 7th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm to pick weeds and to ensure the plants survive.
On June 26th, we completed our first BioChar burn with the USFS at Sherman Pass in the Colville National Forest. We were able to burn 1.5 piles of hand-piled slash. Mother Nature intervened and doused our kiln early with a hailstorm, followed by a thunderstorm. Lightning was too close for comfort, with simultaneous flash and bang.
Still, we were able to achieve a good pyrolysis temperature of 600°F. After 3 hours, we finished with approximately 30 cubic feet of biochar that will serve as a soil amendment and sequester almost a quarter ton of atmospheric CO2.
Oregon kiln, loaded and ready to light.
Oregon kiln, mid burn.
Making good BioChar at 600°F.
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.
