So
My season is ending.
I love every season, but summer and I really like each other. One of the most amazing things about summer as part of the KLT family is Feast in the Forest.
Most nonprofit organizations host some kind of swanky gala fundraising event. Maybe you weren't aware that we do that too. But, Feast in the Forest is not your typical formal, black tie event. That wouldn't be our style.
Held beneath a canopy of towering trees, this open-air dinner engages every sense: the scent of cedar and pine mingling with wild herbs, the sounds of laughter and live music drifting through the forest, twinkle lights strung along the boughs, and a locally sourced meal by Pack River Store that honors the bounty of the region.
The ambiance of the cedars was embellished with floral arrangements from Grumpy Chicken Farm and imaginative cocktails crafted by the 219 Lounge were provided by generous donation.
It was magical.
We would love to include you on next year's guest list. We invite you to get in touch with us to learn more about the special way Feast connects us with supporters like you and how it makes the impactful work we are doing together possible. Let's talk.
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MY, WHAT BIG TREES YOU HAVE
Wandering on Grandma's Trail recently, you may have noticed some forest thinning along the way. By reducing fuels and improving the forest health, we hope to protect the forest from blowing down when the winds and fires huff and puff. We are grateful for support from the Conservation Stewardship Program of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Jeff, Nick, Lily, and Gabriella for doing the heavy lifting.
Stay tuned for more PSW forestry news; we have another exciting project on the horizon.
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CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?

Pssst. Want to know about a secret project we've been working on? Over the past few months, staff have been cutting in a new trail for your enjoyment and it's not at Pine Street Woods. Intrigued? Sign up as a volunteer for our Fall Trail Work Series and we will spill all of the details.
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GETTING OUTDOOR ED COVERED
NEXT PHASE OF REWILDING THE PLAY YARDS AT WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY
For the past six years, kids at Washington Elementary School have been learning in a beloved but weather-worn canvas tent during outdoor education class. Soon, students will have a year-round, weather-resistant place to explore STEM in the Wild and nature-immersive learning right on school grounds.
KLT and Washington Elementary's PTA are working to fund a permanent open-air timber frame structure with a wood stove for warmth. In fact, representatives from the Stimson Miller Foundation visited the proposed site last week to see, first-hand, how the project will benefit the 300 students attending Washington. We hope to start prep work on the timber frame in January, with construction planned for spring and a goal of completion by the end of summer 2026.
Want to support this project, today Check with Bri.
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SUMMER IS FOR KIDS
Camp Kaniksu is another reason why I love summer. Campers explore wild things at Pine Street Woods; building shelters, cooking over a fire, carving with real tools, and splashing in the pond. Whether they're learning how to make cordage from plants, playing games in the forest, or just lying in the grass looking at clouds, kids at Camp Kaniksu are connecting with nature in real and powerful ways.
Camp is about more than just fun (though there’s plenty of that!) It’s about gaining confidence, learning new skills, making friends, and finding joy in the outdoors. Each week is led by experienced, caring instructors who help campers feel safe, supported, and curious. I wish we could all experience Camp Kaniksu. But, if you're past the age limit (like me), you can still get a taste by looking through our Camp Kaniksu 2025 photo album.
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The Village at Riverview Ridge in Priest River is our area's first Community Housing Trust. KLT, LEAP Housing, and Bonner Community Housing Agency broke ground on the project right around this time last year. Today, six new townhomes have been built - two of them have welcomed their first families! You can view the listings for the remaining houses HERE and learn more about the Community Housing Trust HERE.
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Warm beverage in hand, Julie opened her morning inspiration book to find this quote:
"For balance, take a class."
Immediately, she went to Kaniksu.org to search for an opportunity. Discovering that the Fall Kaniksu Folk School line up of courses had been launched, she applied the advice and signed up for several classes.
How about you? Click on the button below to find your balance.
| | Are you the kind who likes to jump in and participate with a hands-on class? Or, would you rather mingle and be entertained? You can have it all with the Fall line up of Kaniksu Folk School classes and these picks from our Events page. | | |
Currently wilding-out on this new tool from Super, Natural British Columbia Canada. The Nature Rating tool was born out of their recent Nature Report that indicates that we are spending too much time on our devices and too little time outdoors. This tool rates films, shows, books, and music based on keywords that connect us to the natural world.
Also, you can search for recommendations and tips for outdoor connection (although, the latter got me a 404 message when I tried it earlier today - the website appears to still be working out some kinks).
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"If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to see it, do the other trees make fun of it?"
-Steven Wright

See you out there,
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| | Uncover past issues of The Dirt HERE. | | Caring for the land and people of the Kaniksu Region, today, tomorrow, and forever. | | Kaniksu Land Trust acknowledges that we work within the traditional territories of Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Kalispel Tribe, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe. | | | | |
