Washington State’s Oldest Land Trust

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Dishman Hills Conservancy is to permanently protect the Dishman Hills while connecting people to nature through conservation, education, and recreation.

OUR VISION

We envision a vibrant, continuous ecosystem from the Dishman Hills Natural Area and the Rocks of Sharon to the Stevens Creek Trailhead that is permanently protected, well managed, and recognized as an asset to the Greater Spokane Community.

CORE VALUES

DHC’s core values are stewardship, advocacy, integrity, education, and conservation.

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1966, the DHC is Washington State’s oldest Land Trust. We have a lean staff, a hardworking Board of Directors, and hundreds of members and volunteers from the community.

Board of Directors

Chris Kopczynski

PRESIDENT
KOP Construction

Chris Bieker

SECRETARY
Writing Specialist

Suzy Dix

DIX FARM & REAL ESTATE
Windermere

Allen “A.T.” Miller, J.D.

ENVIRONMENTAL & LAND USE ATTORNEY
Lukins & Annis

Rick Severn, M.Ed Science

DIRECTOR
Teacher & Naturalist

Jon Isacoff, Ph.D.

VICE PRESIDENT
Gonzaga University

Betsy Bancroft, Ph.D.

AQUATIC ECOLOGIST
Gonzaga University

Guy Gifford

STEWARDSHIP CHAIR
WA Dept. of Natural Resources

Carol Neupert

DIRECTOR
Fundraiser-Retired

Mary Weathers, Ph.D.

DIRECTOR
Psychologist

Jim Harless

TREASURER
CPA-Retired

Lynn Briggs, Ph.D.

DIRECTOR
Eastern Washington University

Michael Hamilton

PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Geologist

Ellen Picken

DIRECTOR

Art Zack, Ph.D.

DIRECTOR
Forest Ecologist

Committees

The Dishman Hills Conservancy has volunteer committees for Stewardship and Education. Joining a committee is one of the best ways for volunteers to get involved with the DHC in an area of their choosing and maintain regular contact with other members and DHC leaders.

Stewardship Committee

The Stewardship Committee has two focuses, caring for the Dishman Hills ecosystem with a focus on plant communities, and maintaining infrastructure including trails and trailheads. Their work includes implementing the DHC Stewardship Management Plan, conservation monitoring, habitat restoration, and planning, construction, & maintenance of trails and trailheads. The Stewardship Committee, led by Guy Gifford and Dan Wilson, meets monthly in the Shape Executive Center lower level meeting room. To learn more about the Stewardship Committee, email Guy at Stewardship@DishmanHills.org.

Education Committee

The Education Committee collaborates with local schools and educators to organize educational events in the Dishman Hills, such as Kids in the Hills. The Education Committee, led by Rick Severn, meets monthly in the Shape Executive Center lower level meeting room. To learn more about the Education Committee, email Rick at Education@DishmanHills.org.