Dishman Hills Conservancy

Education and publications: dhc organizes over 30 educational hikes, speakers, more than 80 member or guest events, and kids in the hills each year. The kids in the hills program is led by dhc volunteers and washington naturalists. During this 10 day event, over 450 children form local, title 1 schools are bussed into the dishman hills for experiencial, authentic outdoor learning experiences. We partner with 4 local colleges and universities, providing field training to numerous college students in preparation for science/technology/engineering/math jobs. Dhc publishes monthly newsletters and maintains a website to promote conseration throughout spokane county. The newsletter contains articles on conservation, ecology, upcoming dhc led events and other local community events. Dhc uses email, mail, and social media to publicize programs.

Stewardship & forest health: dhc is committed to caring for the land it owns and manages with our partner organizations. Yearly monitoring of property for weeds, tresspass, encroachment, trash, and illegal activities is performed. Stewarship is guided by forest management plans with goals of restoring forest health, improving fire resiliancy, and improving wildlife habitat. This work is led by staff and performed by volunteers. Limbs, brush, and small trees are removed to increase plants access to nutrients, water, and sunlight, improving growth and resileincy to fires and drought. Dhc maintains fire breaks around structures known as home hardening measures to improve structure survival during wildfires. Habitat enhancements include removal of barbed wire, removal of invasive species, and planting native plants.