The first time I remember interacting with bats was as a young child in New Jersey. I was watching these dark whirling critters dive and circle in the sky as I waited for 4th of July fireworks. Out of the dark a man walked up and explained that these were bats and if you throw […]
Little Spokane River Bat Condo is a Local Conservation Success Read More »
Spokane area parents have some great education and child care options that regularly offer time out in nature and outdoor recreation activities. Pioneer School Grades K-5, max class size of 16 students. Pioneerschool.com Pioneer school is an accredited, non-profit educational organization with high academic standards that’s all about getting kids into the world for unique
Nature Schooled: Education and Child Care Options that Embrace the Outdoors Read More »
A quintessential summer activity, camping allows kids all-day, hands-on adventure. Use this alphabetical list of recommended public campgrounds around the Inland Northwest to plan your summer camping excursions. Albeni Cove: A small rustic campground located near Oldtown, Idaho, along the Pend Oreille River, near Albeni Falls Dam (overseen by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). Enjoy
15 Top Family Campgrounds Read More »
Comfortable shoes, a positive attitude, good endurance, hydration, and yummy trail snacks make all the difference when hiking with children. WASHINGTON Bowl & Pitcher Loop / Trail #25, Riverside State Park: After crossing the swinging bridge and going up the steps, turn downriver (right) onto trail #25. Down the steep bank, the river rages
Best Hiking Trails with Kids & Strollers Read More »
Washington National Forests receive over 6.3 million visits each year, according to a recent report by the USDA Forest Service. Visitors spend approximately $290 million annually in communities near national forests. This spending supports over 2,100 year-long jobs in Washington, many in rural communities, and approximately $81 million in labor income for businesses and employees.
National Forest Recreation Benefits Local Communities Read More »
On January 19, the Washington legislature finally passed a capital budget, approving funding for state park projects across the state. The legislature should have passed a capital budget last year, but failed to do so because of gridlock on a policy issue. According to the Washington Trails Association, the impacts of the legislature not passing
Capital Budget Funds Trail and Recreation Projects Read More »
Some people see the word crane and think migration; others think construction. Spring time brings about a lot of changes, not just seasonal changes with wildlife and nature but incremental progress for parks, conservation areas, and community paths too. The urban core of Spokane currently hosts several large cranes for major projects, including a few
I called my pal Rick, a farmer, for direction on what to do next. I was standing before a dead ruffed grouse. He told me to stand on the wings and pull out the torso. I argued that one should use all parts of the bird, but he overcame my idealism. I put the
Opportunistic Hunting Read More »
Few people can claim that confronting a mama black bear while mountain biking, seeing a bull moose press its nose against your window, and writing a traffic ticket are all part of a day’s work. Steve Christensen recalls wildlife encounters with nonchalance, as just a few of his many interesting experiences throughout his long
Mount Spokane State Park Manager, Ranger Steve Christensen Retires Read More »
A secluded peninsula jutting out along the Spokane River, McLellan Conservation Area offers early season accessibility and relatively easy hiking. Early April wildflowers will likely include buttercup, prairie star, and grasswidow, all gradually giving way to arrowleaf balsamroot and phlox by the end of the month. With its forested core and riparian habitat along
Hiking Spokane’s McLellan Conservation Area Read More »
