WASHINGTON STATE'S OLDEST

LAND TRUST

Our Mission

The mission of 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 and the edge of the Palouse 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.

Staff

Ruth Gifford
Executor Director
ED@DishmanHills.org

Ruth joined the Conservancy in 2022 but started with DHC as a volunteer in 1997, helping with planting and weed pulling. She feels the best part of this job is meeting people and going on hikes with them in Dishman Hills. Her education includes a master’s in teaching, a bachelor’s in wildlife biology, and is a certified Master Gardener with an interest in invasive and native species. She is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and have lived in Washington, Idaho, and Montana where she enjoys time spent with her family, bird watching, plant identification, and canoeing.

Tim Theis
Revenue Development Officer
TTheis@DishmanHills.org

Tim Theis is the newest member of Dishman Hills Conservancy. After a career in sales and sales management, he has joined Dishman Hills Conservancy to support development and fundraising efforts. He brings relationship building, coaching, and organizational skills from his experience with several technology firms. He is eager to strengthen the financial health of our land trust. Tim is excited to connect and protect Dishman Hills for future generations. When not at work you can find him hiking, taking photographs, and traveling to new spots in the Pacific Northwest.

Dan Wilson

Property Manager/Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteers@DishmanHills.org

Dan grew up in Spokane Valley hiking in the Dishman Hills. He moved away after college and then moved back in 2016 and immediately began volunteering for the Dishman Hills Conservancy. After the Wilson Conservation Area was purchased, he was hired to help in demolition and cleanup and was kept on to lead the DHCs increased focus on managing the properties it owns and assist DHCs partners in managing the entire Dishman Hills.