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 Laura Ackerman
Many projects were put on hold in our professional and personal lives in 2020. One thing worldwide that has been happening is pandemic wildlife photography. Instead of so many selfies, humans everywhere are using their cell phones to take photos of all those other creatures who graciously share the Earth with us.
Join us for a cozy, fire-side Holiday Story Hour to talk about the co-existence of keystone species like wolves and beavers with local authors Ben Goldfarb and Eli Francovich. Ben, author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, and Eli will welcome us into their fireside reading nooks to read from their books and tell us the story of how it came to be. The readings and stories will be followed by a candid conversation between the two authors on coexistence with this keystone species and an audience Q&A.
We appreciate the warmth and support of YOU and your families this holiday season.
By Kat Hall
TLC’s 2020 field season has officially come to a close. We held our final Marshall Creek planting, wrapped up our fall maintenance activities, and then cleaned, hauled, and stowed all of our tools and equipment for the winter. In total, we planted and maintained well over 1,500 trees since March!
By Maggie Gates
The Sustainability Action Subcommittee (SAS) is a group of appointed community members who care about the greater Spokane community and want to see it thrive. City Council created the SAS in early 2019 in order to focus on issues surrounding climate change and its effects on Spokane and the region. Lands Council staff members Mike, Chelsea, and Maggie all serve on the SAS in various committees that align with our goals. Through this work, The Lands Council is pushing for on-the-ground action for sustainability and climate resilience.
