Volunteers Restore Native Plants at Waikiki Springs

A Saturday planting day at Waikiki Springs brought about 80 volunteers to a bare stretch beside the Little Spokane River. The Inland Northwest Land Conservancy organized the work, with Brian Walker of the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife leading the group. Participants planted young cottonwoods, hawthorns, aspens, chokecherries, serviceberries and rosebushes across the preserve.

The conservancy bought 95 acres in 2020, after the property had been considered for development. This summer, it and Fish and Wildlife workers removed roughly 40,000 cubic yards of gravel placed in the 1990s over former sewage settling ponds. They also removed invasive weeds that prevented the river from reaching its floodplain. The current project covers 10 acres of riparian habitat, with the goal of bringing back native vegetation and more wildlife and insect species.

The work will continue for years as the young trees grow and the land gradually returns toward its earlier condition. Volunteers ranged from 6 to 80, including teenagers connected with the International Rescue Committee. For Spokane residents, the preserve offers a place to help care for a local natural area, meet neighbors and later watch the trees they planted mature. Another planting event is planned for Saturday, and volunteer registration is available through inlandnwland.org/get-involved/volunteer.