Jasmine Vilar
Understanding the Spokane Complex Fires

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.

Understanding the Spokane Complex Fires
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

Speak up for Wildlife in State E-Bike Policy

Speak up for Wildlife in State E-Bike Policy

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are in the process of determining e-bike access on non-motorized roads and trails within their managed lands.

Beat the Heat

Beat the Heat

This spring, the Gonzaga Climate Center, in collaboration with The Lands Council, Spokane City Council Sustainability Action Subcommittee, 350 Spokane, and Kris Crocker, was awarded a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization’s (NOAA) National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) to conduct a community science urban heat island mapping campaign in the summer of 2022.

On Track Academy Storm Garden

On Track Academy Storm Garden

By Kat Hall

Thanks to funding from the Washington Department of Ecology, The Lands Council has been partnering with the City of Spokane to offer a STEM-based, practical hands-on curriculum on stormwater management through green infrastructure and low impact development to one middle or high school in the Spokane Public School District each year.