Rocks To Roots

Meet Kelly Chadwick, ISA Certified Arborist and founder of Spirit Pruners. Kelly answers all of our tree care questions, tells us about the technical assistance his company can provide property owners, and shares his philosophy on arboriculture and tree care.

In this episode, we sit down with Spokane Conservation District Education Coordinator, Stacey Selcho. Stacey talks to us about all of the great programs and curricula she provides throughout the year for adults, kids, and educators in the community. We also discuss her new Outdoor Explorer Pack program designed to encourage kiddos to explore a variety of subjects in their own backyard such as rock...

Meet Executive Director for The Lands Council, Amanda Parrish. Amanda discusses the mission of The Lands Council which is to preserve and revitalize Inland Northwest forests, water, and wildlife through advocacy, education, effective action, and community engagement. We talk about TLC's current and ongoing projects, volunteer opportunities, and the organization's 40-year history of ensuring that t...

In this episode, we sit down with the Executive Director of Beavers Northwest, Elyssa Kerr. We talk about how her organization came about, what to do if Beavers move on to your property, and the positive effect the speices has on the ecosystems they share there home with. All that and more on the latest episode of Rocks To Roots.

In this episode, we talk with Annie Wissmiller of Measure Meant, a local agency that specializes in helping companies who care about equitable and sustainable business practices. Annie discusses the opportunities for local businesses to evaluate their social and environmental impacts as well as an organization's benefits to becoming B Corp certified.

Chrys Ostrander wears many hats when it comes to advancing policies and initiatives that foster a resilient food system here in Spokane County. Chrys is a member of the Spokane Food Policy Council, Convener for Spokane Farmland Preservation Working Group as well as the Publisher for Inland FoodWise Online. In this episode, he talks to us about the work being done with the Spokane Food Policy Counc...

On this special episode, we talk with Ray Archuleta, Soil Health Pioneer, and our keynote speaker for the Farm and Food Symposium! The Farm and Food Symposium is a two-day event where farmers, ag industry professionals, conservation partners and consumers will gather to gain a deeper understanding of the ecological practices and economic incentives of regenerative farming. Ray talks to us about hi...

Meet Lisette, Brittany, Rachel, Bri, the ladies that make Four Roots Farm. We discuss their upcoming goals regarding the WSDA food box program and why they have decided to take on this task. They also let us in on some of the exciting programs they are facilitating including potential subscription boxes, workshops related to food, and much more!

Get to know Growing Neighbors! Director, John Edmondson tells us all about this local collaborative and its mission to grow healthy neighborhoods through urban farming and community development. Growing Neighbors achieves their work by partnering with local organizations to grow relationships and produce with neighbors to encourage healthier lifestyles. Find out how you can turn your yard into a f...

Let’s talk trash! In this episode, we sit down with the Education Coordinator for the City of Spokane Solid Waste Department, Kris Major. Do you know where your household waste is going? Are you throwing that item in the correct bin? Have you heard about the Spokane Master Composters and Recyclers Program? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then make sure you tune in. In addition, you...

In this episode, we sit down with Mariah McKay, Founder and Executive Director of the Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA). McKay discusses the emergence of SIMBA and its mission to organize consumers, businesses, and partners to create a more equitable, resilient local economy. In addition, we discuss the recent launch of Live Local INW – a community-driven Buy Local campaign and h...

Meet Rose Richardson, Stewardship Manager for the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy. Rose tells us all about INLC and their mission to protect private and public lands in the Inland Northwest. We discuss on-going an future projects, what conservation easements mean and opportunities to get involved with their organization.

In this episode, we sit down with Natalie Tauzin of the Spokane Regional Health District to discuss the Spokane Food Security Coalition. Natalie, a registered dietitian with a master's degree in public health, formed the Spokane Food Security Coalition in March 2020 to bring together organizations in the county aware of the increase in food insecurity. Natalie shares some of the statistics regardi...

CasaCano Farms is a vegetable and livestock farm in Valleyford, WA just 12 miles south of Downtown Spokane. In this episode, owners Jorge and Madyson talk to us about the regenerative practices they have established on their farm and how these practices have enhanced their production and the quality of the food they raise and grow. We also discuss their relationship with local restaurants and how...

We sit down with Adam and Emily Powell to discuss their hyper local farm Lilac City Harvest located right here in the Spokane Valley. Adam and Emily talk to us about the purchase and cultivation of their eight acre property and some of the tools and techniques they utilize to grow organic produce.

In this episode, we learn all about Business Impact Northwest – a company that strives to help small businesses grow so local communities can thrive here in the Northwest area.

Meet Jeff and Diane Reid, a grass-roots power couple committed to dynamic soil development for advanced soil health and organic pest defense! As a graduate in horticulture, nursery production, and permaculture, Jeff has over 30 years of experience in the gardening, medicinal, and organic food production industries, along with extensive studies in soil sciences. Diane is a registered nurse, with ov...

We love these guys so much we had to bring them back for season two! On this episode we catch up with the managers of Vets on the Farm. They fill us in on some of the new best management practices (BMP’s) they have integrated at the farm this year and tell us what we can expect to purchase at this seasons farm stand.

Director of Outreach, Sheryl Wiser and Statewide Education Project Manager, Erin Murphy, Tilth Alliance On this episode, we talk with Outreach Director, Sheryl Wiser and Statewide Education Project Manager, Erin Murphy from Tilth Alliance. Sheryl chats with us about Eat Local First, the Washington Food and Farm Finder, and other online programs that Tilth has opened to people around the state. Lat...

Jerry Scheele has served as a Spokane Conservation District Board Member for 28 years! Jerry discusses the primary roles of being a board member, some of the stand-out projects he has helped lead at the district, and the first time he became interested in conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources growing up on the family farm in Waverly, WA.

Tim Kohlhauff is the Urban Horticulture Coordinator for the WSU/Spokane Extension Office. Tim talks with us about the great resources the extension office has to offer including the Master Gardeners program and the Cabin Fever virtual event happening this month. Tim also shares with us some basic concepts and practices that can help gardeners maintain their natural resources.

On this episode, we sit down with WSU Extension Forester, Sean Alexander for the North Eastern area of Washington. Sean talks with us about the extension office and some of the programs they have to offer including the Washington Forest Owners winter School that will take place on February 27th and the highly notable Coached Planning Forest stewardship course that will kick off in March.

On this episode we sit down with SCD forester, Ben Peterson to discuss the Spokane Conservation Districts Annual Tree Sale. Ben tells us about some of the species being offered this year, shares his tree care and planting tips, and answers some customer questions!

In this episode, we sit down with Joni Kindwall-Moore the founder of Snacktivist Foods. Joni is also a registered BSN-RN nurse and has worked as a Diabetic Educator for many years. Her brand Snacktivist Foods contain ancient grains like Teff, Millet, and Sorghum. It’s more than just a culinary adventure! It contributes to an agricultural movement away from GMO, government-subsidized, mono-crop far...

On this episode of Rocks to Roots, we sit down with Owner and Chef of the Eat Good Group, Adam Hegsted. Adam tells us about the Eat Good Group and its focus to celebrate the Inland Northwest by utilizing local growers, foragers, farmers, and artisans products in every plate amongst the various establishments. We also discuss Share. Farm, an online marketplace that connects consumers to local farme...