Returning to the Land: Repatriation and Conservation in Partnership
Since time immemorial, the Kalispel Tribe has cared for its aboriginal lands under one guiding principle: doing right by the land. And for over 30 years, Kalispel wildlife and fisheries biologists and other scientists have shaped their careers around this guiding principle. Ray Entz started his career with Upper Columbia United Tribes as a “temp” […]
A Legacy of Care: Randy Mickelsen’s Gift to Future Generations
For longtime Spokane resident and retired educator Randy Mickelsen, nature has always been more than scenery – it’s been a place of peace and reflection. Randy’s connection to nature began decades ago at Waikiki Springs before the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (INLC) acquired the property. Born and raised in Spokane, Randy taught math at Mead […]
But What of the Family Farm?
By Carol Corbin, Director of Philanthropy, Inland Northwest Land Conservancy For the family involved, “This is not a happy story.” I hear the catch in his* throat over the phone. “It’s the least bad outcome we could have had.” But as with many endings, this story presents a new beginning that is full of hope […]
By Protecting Your Legacy, You Protect the Land
When we think about “planning for the future,” many of us picture saving for retirement, creating a budget, or setting career goals. But planning also means thinking about what will happen to the places we love and what we will leave for future generations. August is National Make a Will Month and is a reminder […]
Pine Bluff – Protected Forever
Today we’re sharing a story written by Emalee Gillis, one of our Conservancy volunteers, who wrote about Pine Bluff – a property owned and cherished by Peggy Clemons and Mary Foutz near Riverside State Park’s Trail 25 – one of the longest trails in the park system, at around 25 miles. Our organization works with private land-owners across the Inland Northwest – in Washington and Idaho, who want to protect their property in perpetuity and secure what they love about their land.
Upcoming August Events
Looking For a Meaningful Way to Connect with Nature this August? We invite you to explore the beauty and diversity of our local landscapes through upcoming guided hikes – each offering a unique window into the lands we work to protect. Whether you’re strolling through Glen Tana, not yet open to the public, experiencing the […]
Meet Cody Barnhart – Our New Operations and Finance Director
We’re thrilled to welcome Cody Barnhart as the newest member of the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy team! As our new Operations and Finance Director, Cody brings a unique blend of systems-savvy leadership, creative energy, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. Cody’s journey to the Inland Northwest began in the small town of Laingsburg, Michigan, […]
Welcome, Maria!
Inland Northwest Land Conservancy is pleased to announce the addition of Maria Vandervert as the organization’s new Director of Communications and Engagement, effective June 9, 2025. A Spokane native with a background in strategic communications and community engagement, Maria brings over 20 years of experience to her role. She previously served as Director of Strategic […]
Shared Leadership for a Resilient Future
As spring gives way to summer in the Inland Northwest, we’re reminded that growth comes in seasons—and that sometimes, stepping back is part of moving forward. Beginning in July, Executive Director Dave Schaub will be taking a planned three-month leave, returning in early October. This opportunity for rest and reflection has been thoughtfully aligned with […]
“Earth Awakens” on April 30
Celebrate spring with Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and the Gonzaga Wind Ensemble. Featuring the World Premiere of Inland Viewscape by Michael Kropf, and inspired by the Rimrock to Riverside project, the concert will also include music from composers Gustav Mahler, Percy Grainger, and Joseph Wilcox Jenkins and will feature soprano soloist, Nicole Sonbert. Gonzaga University Wind Ensemble Concert Wednesday, […]