Inland Northwest Land Conservancy

08/25/2026

Crews at Waikiki Springs are in the process of removing 40,000 cubic yards of gravel that's been sitting on this stretch of the Little Spokane River floodplain since the 1990s. It was originally dumped there to cap old sewage settling ponds, and it's been choking out habitat ever since — dense, full of invasive weeds, and blocking the river from spreading naturally the way a healthy floodplain should. Once construction wraps up, the restored floodplain will be replanted with thousands of native trees, shrubs, and plants chosen to support the birds, pollinators, and other wildlife this corridor is known for.

We expect the Preserve to remain closed through the first week of September, and have had one behind-the-scenes Restoration Walk.
Our second Restoration Walk is full, but registration is now open for a third Walk on Sept. 2: https://inlandnwland.org/event/waikiki-springs-restoration-walk-a-special-look-inside-3/
Thank you, U.S. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, for your partnership on this event!

08/20/2026

Join us for a special opportunity to walk into the Waikiki Springs Floodplain Restoration Project and see the work up close. Nearly 10 acres of floodplain along the Little Spokane River are being restored after decades of rock and gravel fill prevented the river from functioning naturally across its floodplain. As that material is removed, the landscape is being reshaped to create a healthier wetland and a more resilient river system.

Learn more about why restoring floodplains matters for rivers, wildlife, and people, and what goes into removing the fill and reshaping a landscape.

Monday, August 24: https://inlandnwland.org/event/waikiki-springs-restoration-walk-a-special-look-inside/

Saturday, August 29: https://inlandnwland.org/event/waikiki-springs-restoration-walk-a-special-look-inside-2/

08/19/2026

Land conservation = economic vitality. A new study found Idaho's land trusts generate nearly $190M in annual economic activity and support 800+ jobs. INLC's own conserved lands span five counties and 30,000+ acres — thanks to a community of supporters and volunteers like you. More here, featuring our friends at Kaniksu Land Trust. Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts - ICOLT

A new report commissioned by the Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts reveals a correlation between land conservation and economic vitality.

08/14/2026

"Seeing these hawks delighted me at a time I badly needed to be delighted."

INLC Hike Docent Liz Melville reflects on a difficult month, birdwatching through wildfire smoke, grief for her city, and the small things that keep her going.

Read "Flying in the Ashes": https://inlandnwland.org/flying-in-the-ashes/

08/12/2026

A reminder that Waikiki Springs remains closed for the Floodplain Restoration Project. Crews will remove fill to restore nearly 10 acres of natural wetland. Because the work runs directly through the preserve trail, the closure is necessary for public safety. Once construction wraps up, and with your help, the floodplain will be replanted with thousands of native trees, shrubs, and plants to support the birds, pollinators, and wildlife this stretch of river is known for. We appreciate your support. Look for more opportunities to help out this Fall. https://inlandnwland.org/get-involved/waikiki-springs-nature-preserve/

08/06/2026

We're grateful for this community—for the amazing people, the emergency responders, firefighters, and everyone pitching in to provide resources and support—and for our beautiful lands and waters. These past several days have reminded us how deeply connected we are to one another and to the landscapes we love. Thank you to our volunteer Chris Moore for these photos from one of our events at Waikiki Springs in July, led by Chris and docent Joe Spitz.

08/03/2026

It's hard to find the right words as our community continues to face these devastating fires. Our hearts are with everyone affected and those who have lost homes, who have been forced to evacuate, and everyone facing uncertainty in the days ahead.

***A note about Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve: The Preserve is in a Level 3 Evacuation Zone and is closed. Please stay off the trails. The area is not safe.***

We're deeply grateful to the firefighters, emergency responders, and the many agencies and crews working to protect lives and our community. To everyone affected: we're holding you in our thoughts.

07/28/2026

Today, we're taking a moment to appreciate the outdoors and all its beauty. It's World Nature Conservation Day — a reminder that the work we do now to conserve our lands and waters matters more than ever. Our open spaces and natural habitats are under pressure, and once they're gone, they don't come back. Every acre conserved is one less acre lost. Join us to help work towards our goal of protecting another 15,000 acres. (photo-an eagle on one of the Idaho properties that INLC has protected)

https://inlandnwland.org/give-today/

07/27/2026

Have you seen the views from atop Canfield Mountain? 3.2 miles of brand-new nonmotorized trail were recently built by the Northern Rockies Trail Project and Lake City Trail Alliance, with the U.S. Forest Service. The new route connects the Canfield Course trail system to Trail 29 on public land.

Hikers and mountain bikers have a few miles of brand new trail to explore this summer on Coeur d'Alene's popular backyard mountain.

07/24/2026

🌿 It started with just showing up to one event.

That's how Alana Livingston's journey with INLC began — curious about the land, unsure where it would lead. Today, one of her greatest joys is leading hikes and sharing the stories of these places, watching people discover a new trail or see a familiar landscape through fresh eyes.

Her story is a reminder that you don't need a grand gesture to make a difference. A first hike, a small donation, a little curiosity — that's often where it all starts.

Read Alana's story and see where your own journey with the Conservancy might lead. Thank you, Alana!

https://inlandnwland.org/alanas-story-from-her-first-event-to-a-lifelong-supporter/