Dishman Hills Conservancy upcoming events

Philosophy Hike at Camp Caro (24 Apr 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Philosophy Hike at Camp Caro

with EWU student Jacob Riggs

Please read the description below and then register for this hike.

Leader: Dr. Kirby is Professor of Philosophy at EWU. Jacob is a student of philosophy at Eastern Washington University. Join them on the first philosophy hike of the summer to discuss Robin Wall Kimmerer's "Allegiance to Gratitude."

Hikers are encouraged to read the attached literature below before the hike to discuss its content.

Location: Camp Caro dirt parking lot off Appleway

Time: 10:30am

Trail Description - Deep Ravine trail: The terrain is uneven with many rock steps. We will gain and lose 200 feet of elevation - similar to going up many flights of stairs. This is easy for some and challenging for others. We will take several breaks along the way to catch our breath, appreciate the surroundings, and discuss the reading. Please wear closed-toe shoes and be ready for some light clambering over rocks in one area of the trail.

Trail Length: About 1.5 miles round trip

Approximate Duration of Hike: 1.5 - 2 hours

READ HERE

Into The Woods: A Visit With Washington’s Poet Laureate, Derek Sheffield (Members Only Hike) (07 May 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Into The Woods: A Visit With Washington’s Poet Laureate,

Derek Sheffield

Join us on May 7th for a hike led by Washington's Poet Laureate, Derek Sheffield.

Derek Sheffield, who was recently appointed as Washington’s Poet Laureate, is also a naturalist. He will be coming to Spokane Valley to participate in two events with the Dishman Hills Conservancy. In addition to promoting poetry appreciation, Mr. Sheffield strongly believes in nurturing mental health through words, woods, and wellness. He especially would like to focus on young people during his three year appointment as Poet Laureate. At Wenatchee Valley College, Mr. Sheffield is a member of the team which teaches a course which combines the studies of ecology and writing, called Northwest Nature Writing. In addition to using intellect to observe, he also emphasizes using feelings to awaken the sense of wonder that the natural world inspires.

Join Washington’s Poet Laureate and naturalist, Derek Sheffield, for a hike in Dishman Hills Natural Area, 625 Sargent Rd., Spokane Valley. The hike will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 7th. Participants will meet in the large gravel lot along Appleway and hike the Pinecliff Loop Trail. The trail is 1.3 miles long with up and downs of about 300. There are stone steps which can be troublesome for hikers with bad knees and hips. There will be frequent stops to enjoy Derek’s poetry and observations. No dogs, please. This event is for members of DHC.

Where: 625 Sargent Rd., Spokane Valley, WA, 99212

When: Thursday, May 7th 10am - 12pm

Directions & Parking: From I-90, take exit 285 onto Appleway/Sprague and take a right onto S Sargent Road. Feel free to park in the parking lot in front of the lodge at the end of the road. If the front lot is full, please park in the lower parking lot that is directly to the right when you first pulled onto Sargent Rd then walk up to Camp Caro from the main path leading away from the parking lot.

If you are still experiencing difficulty registering, contact Siobhan at sebel@dishmanhills.org.

DONATE TODAY!

Into The Words: A Visit With Washington’s Poet Laureate, Derek Sheffield (07 May 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Into The Words: A Visit With Washington’s Poet Laureate, Derek Sheffield

Join us for a poetry reading by Washington's Poet Laureate, Derek Sheffield.

Washington’s Poet Laureate and naturalist will take you into the woods, the words, and wellness as he shares his poetry and signs books. The event will take place Thursday, May 7th at the Spokane Valley Public Library at 6:30 p.m., door open at 6pm. The event will last about an hour. All are welcome, please register so we have enough chairs set up.

Where: 22 N. Herald, Spokane Valley, WA, 99206

When: Thursday, May 7th 6:30pm - 7:30pm

If you are still experiencing difficulty registering, contact Siobhan at sebel@dishmanhills.org.

DONATE TODAY!

Wilderness First Aid Course (15 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

These trainings are fully accredited and designed specifically for people who recreate or work in remote environments where EMS response is delayed, and they are especially helpful for search & rescue teams, guiding/outfitter staff, and clubs focused on backcountry travel.

Please note: This is to inform you of other opportunities in our community. DHC is not managing or sponsoring this event. Register through Gonzaga using the QR code above.

Active Living Expo (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Active Living Expo

Please note: This is to inform you of other opportunities in our community. DHC is not managing or sponsoring this event.

PRIVATE EVENT Kids in the Hills (21 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Kids in the Hills

During May 21 to May 27, Kids in the Hills offers students an educational and exciting field day in the Dishman Hills. Through hands-on activities, students learn about observation skills, animal adaptations, natural science, and enjoy time out in nature. Volunteers in the DHC Education Committee along with volunteers from WA Certified Naturalists, WA Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources provide this outdoor experience for around 400 students in total.

Thank you to the dedicated volunteers from our Education Committee and WA Certified Naturalists.

DONATE TO SUPPORT HERE

Members Only - Stevens Creek Bird Hike (06 Jun 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Stevens Creek Bird Hike

with Jon Isacoff

(Members Only)

What: Bird Hike with Jon Isacoff

Where: Stevens Creek Natural Area - 9102 Stevens Creek Rd, Spokane Valley.

When: Saturday, June 6, 6:30 a.m.

The Dishman Hills is probably the best place in Spokane to see and – especially – hear songbirds. Bring binoculars, water, sun screen, and (if desired) bug repellant.

Hike will be approximately 2.2 miles and 2 hours, with about 500 feet of elevation gain.

We do not allow dogs on this hike. Please leave your pets at home.

Please register to be aware of cancellations. If having trouble, email Siobhan at sebel@dishmanhills.org

Please Consider Donating!

Summer Parkways (16 Jun 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Join us for Summer Parkways 2026!

This free event takes place each year on or near the summer solstice and focuses on recreation, fitness, and community. Roads are closed to car traffic and open for human-powered recreation. This event is for families, friends, outdoor enthusiasts – everybody! Stop by and visit DHC at the event.

Tuesday, June 16th 6-9pm

Comstock and Manito Neighborhoods

More information can be found Here

We hope to see you there!

DHC National Moth Week Event (24 Jul 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 03:30:00 GMT

National Moth Week Event

at Wilson Conservation Area

Registration for this event is by vehicle because parking is limited to 20 spots. The number of participants per vehicle is unlimited. We require a name, email and phone number for registration, please use the guest feature to register passengers. Email events@dishmanhills.org with any questions!

In celebration of National Moth Week, join local expert Carl Barrentine for an evening mothing event. This is a perfect event for kids - we will observe and identify some amazing specimens. An informational handout will be provided to help you identify moths on your own.

Zotheca

Drasteria

We will meet at the Wilson Conservation Area at 8:30pm with activities continuing until midnight. This event is designed for beginners with a 45-minute introduction before it gets too dark. One can come early and leave when you want or arrive later and stay for the midnight finale. There will be a parade of different species all evening. There are at least 750 species of moths in the Dishman Hills compared to about 50 species of butterflies.

There will be three viewing stations to observe moths within easy walking distance. This is a family friendly event -and we need them to do the collection. Flashlights and/or cellphones will be needed so you can see the moths that we collect. Please do not bring dogs, they are not allowed at the Wilson property.

National Moth Week celebrates the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths. “Moth-ers” of all ages and abilities are encouraged to learn about, observe, and document moths in their backyards, parks, and neighborhoods. National Moth Week is being held, worldwide, during the last full week of July.

NMW offers everyone, everywhere a unique opportunity to become a Citizen Scientist and contribute scientific data about moths. Through partnerships with major online biological data depositories, NMW participants can help map moth distribution and provide needed information on other life history aspects around the globe. For more information: https://nationalmothweek.org

Donate to DHC