Events

The Conservancy believes in the power of connecting people to nature. Our events are designed to give participants a unique view of lands we protect and an understanding of why they matter. We also work to instill the value of natural places in our community to raise up a human support structure for the earth here in the Inland Northwest.

Paths Toward Belonging: Hike I

A Philosophical Hiking Series with INLC & EWU – Hike I — Earth as Home

Join EWU Philosophy students and Hike Docents Joe Spitz and Liz Melville for the first hike in our spring Paths Toward Belonging series at Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve! Step into a reflective walk exploring Earth as our shared home and consider your place within the larger story of our planet. Participants are welcome to join this hike or any of the other hikes in the series, so don’t worry if you can’t make every outing—each hike offers a unique opportunity to reflect, connect, and explore.

Theme: Oikos & Ecology

Reading: Carl Sagan, The Pale Blue Dot, Ch. 1 — “You Are Here”

Philosophical Focus: This opening hike invites participants to step back—mentally and imaginatively—and reflect on Earth as a whole. Drawing on Sagan’s accessible, human-centered prose, the hike cultivates a sense of perspective similar to seeing our world from afar: a single, shared place that contains all lives, histories, and concerns. Ecology is introduced not as a technical discipline, but as a way of thinking about the planet as our common home.

This hike answers the question: “Where are we?”

Not just geographically, but within a larger planetary story. It establishes humility and shared responsibility by encouraging participants to see Earth not as a backdrop for human activity, but as the only home we all share.

Hike Details:

  • Date: Sunday, April 19, 10am
  • Where to meet: Waikiki Springs Trailhead – 12356 N Fairwood Dr, Spokane, WA 99218 Map it *Discover pass required in small parking lot next to trailhead, parking is allowed along street if not designated “no parking”
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Distance: 3.5 miles
  • What to bring: Please wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and dress for the weather.

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