It's In Our Nature: A Bold Vision for the Future of the Inland Northwest

Inland Northwest Land Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of our region, ensuring that both current residents and future generations can enjoy and connect with nature. Our mission is to conserve, care for, and connect with the lands and waters essential to life in the Inland Northwest. This planning document, developed in partnership with SCJ Alliance, helps to define areas of opportunity throughout our community to preserve and protect parks and open space for the future. The research involved in this project helps to identify key corridors for wildlife, plant life, and human enjoyment of the outdoors and can be used for agencies, non-profits, developers, and funders to guide conservation work for the future of Spokane County.

A Legacy of Conservation

In the early 1900s, Spokane’s city leaders, in collaboration with the renowned Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm, envisioned a city where every household had access to green spaces. This visionary planning led to the creation of iconic parks such as Manito Park, Finch Arboretum, and Downriver Park, ensuring that today, over 80% of Spokane residents live within walking distance of a park or greenspace. Access to nature isn’t just a luxury here—it’s part of the fabric of our community, shaping our identity and way of life. From weekend hikes and river paddles to quiet moments among the pines, spending time outside connects us to each other and to the land we call home.

Facing Modern Challenges

As our region experiences rapid growth and development, the wild spaces that define the Inland Northwest are increasingly at risk. In the past 30 years, with the support of our community, we have preserved over 28,000 acres of cherished lands. However, the need for proactive conservation has never been more urgent.

Our Vision for the Future

Building upon the foundational work of early planners, we are committed to identifying and seizing opportunities for future park development and conservation. Our goal is to ensure that a century from now, residents throughout Spokane County will continue to benefit from easy access to local parks and green spaces, reaping the associated health and community benefits. This vision includes creating a network of interconnected natural habitats that support thriving populations of native plants and wildlife, respected and enjoyed by all who call this region home. By collaborating with community leaders, private landowners, and government agencies, we aim to preserve the clean air, waters, and scenic beauty of the Inland Northwest, ensuring that future generations can experience the iconic outdoor life that defines our region.

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It's In Our Nature Project Areas

Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve

Waikiki (or “spouting water”) Springs rests on the banks of the Little Spokane River.  The 95-acre Nature Preserve is adjacent to Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife property of the same name. Under Inland Northwest Land Conservancy’s ownership and management, this property will be open for the enjoyment of the community.

Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve

Connecting Public Land

Rimrock to Riverside

Inland Northwest Land Conservancy has completed its work to expand Palisades Park and connect it to Riverside State Park, laying the groundwork for an 11-mile habitat and trail corridor from downtown Spokane to Long Lake. The City of Spokane is now leading efforts to develop the connecting trail system, bringing this vision to life for the community.

Rimrock to Riverside

Make Beacon Public

The Beacon Hill/Camp Sekani/Shields Park area along Upriver Drive is a pivotal recreation destination for the Inland Northwest. The Conservancy has established perpetual legal agreements with Avista Utilities to protect trail access on several pieces of land in this popular mountain biking and hiking destination. Learn about local partnerships to ensure the public can enjoy it for years to come!

Make Beacon Public: Phase 2

More Space for Adventure

Saltese Uplands Expansion

Thanks to the generous support of our community, Inland Northwest Land Conservancy successfully purchased 55 acres adjacent to the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area in 2021. This land is now under the ownership and management of Spokane County as part of the larger Saltese complex, ensuring its long-term protection and public access. With this project complete, all funds raised for the purchase have returned to our Conservation Opportunity Fund, allowing us to continue protecting special places where people can connect with nature. Thank you for making this possible!

Saltese Expansion

Get to Know Local Lands and Waters

River to Ridges Trail Map

Perhaps what the Inland Northwest is best known for is immediate access to outdoor recreation. By encouraging exploration of our green spaces, we hope to cultivate a community of nature enthusiasts that are equally passionate about maintaining the conservation efforts of the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy.

Trail Maps

Bridging the Past and Future

The Glen Tana Story

Glen Tana, an iconic 1,060 acres of land with two miles of the Little Spokane River, is a prime location for the salmon reintroduction efforts of the Spokane Tribe of Indians. The upland ponderosa pine forest, already adjacent to Riverside State Park, opens up miles of possibilities for increasing access to the outdoors for the community through our partnership with Washington State Parks. As part of Inland Northwest Land Conservancy’s mission of connection, we are working to reconnect people, lands, and salmon in the Little Spokane River.

Glen Tana

Project Sponsors

It’s In Our Nature is a complex and bold vision for the future of our region. Inland Northwest Land Conservancy is grateful for the partnership of these community-minded organizations who have invested in bringing this vision to reality. To learn more about partnering with the Conservancy on It’s In Our Nature projects, email communications@inlandnwland.org.

Give Today

Your support means clean air and water, a continuation of the outdoor life that is iconic of the Inland Northwest, and much more.

Donate Now Learn More
Give Today

Your support means clean air and water, a continuation of the outdoor life that is iconic of the Inland Northwest, and much more.

Donate Now Learn More