Interpretive Signs at Waikiki Nature Preserve

In 2020, thanks to generous funding from the state of Washington, Inland Northwest Land Conservancy purchased the 95-acre Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve. Privately owned, but used for years by the local community, this beautiful spot on the Little Spokane River is unique because every day, thousands of gallons of cold, clear aquifer water spill from the hillsides, keeping the River a consistent temperature and creating a healthy habitat for native fish and other animals.

The preserve, already popular in the community, now sees thousands of users on a busy weekend. In 2021, volunteers worked to build several new and sustainable trails in the preserve. These multi-use trails are dotted with benches, sweeping views of the Little Spokane River Valley, and a chance to see the area’s iconic eagle’s nest. Spring of 2021 saw young people with the Washington Conservation Corps investing several weeks of their time doing forest health work to help protect this near-urban park from the dangers of wildfire. In the fall of 2022 and 2023, crews of volunteers gathered to plant native shrubs that will help restore the long-damaged riparian zone that protects the River.

And as of last week, the Conservancy is delighted to share a series of interpretive and wayfinding signs throughout the area. The long and storied history of the land that’s expressed through these signs will help you appreciate the hydrologic, geologic, and human forces that have made Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve the place that it is today.

Each interpretive sign contains historical context and information about the plants, animals, and other features you’ll experience at the preserve. There are also QR codes that link to more background information.

Here in the Inland Northwest, we are fortunate to have an abundance of trails and natural spaces available, sometimes just a few steps from our front door. Our easy access to outdoor experiences should not be taken for granted. And our hope for the new signage is that it helps our community realize just how fortunate we are. Through education, we hope to create coming generations of active stewards of our local lands and waters.