EDITORIAL: Tubbs Hill is worth caring for

The pages of the Tubbs Hill Foundation's 2024 Annual Report reveal the narrative of a community deeply invested in preserving one of North Idaho's precious natural spaces.

Tubbs Hill stands as a testament to what local conservation can achieve. This unique lakeshore forest is a rare combination of natural beauty and accessibility that benefits residents and visitors alike. With over 387,000 visitors recorded in 2024 — an average of 1,060 people daily — the hill's popularity is undeniable. Yet this popularity comes with responsibility. 

The foundation's work over the past year demonstrates the continuous effort required to maintain this natural sanctuary. From realigning 850 feet of trail to removing old cinder blocks, from trimming brush to rebuilding sections of the Main Loop Trail, preservation is an ongoing battle against both natural erosion and human impact. 

What's inspiring is the community's response. More than 135 Friends of Tubbs Hill participated in 25 trail-related projects, contributing 423 hours of volunteer time valued at nearly $13,000. Local high school students joined forces to tackle graffiti, clear debris and strengthen trails. These efforts speak to a shared understanding that Tubbs Hill belongs to all of us. 

As the demands on Tubbs Hill grow, so too must our commitment to its preservation. Many of these initiatives need more hands, more resources and more public awareness. 

Whether you're a daily jogger or an occasional visitor, consider how you might give back. Mark your calendar for a cleanup day. Donate to trail maintenance funds. Educate yourself about proper trail etiquette. And most importantly, treat every visit as an opportunity to leave this special place better than you found it. 

The trails that wind through Tubbs Hill offer more than just scenic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. They provide a connection to the natural world that is increasingly rare in our urbanized lives. They tell the story of North Idaho's landscape and heritage. They give us space to breathe, to reflect to appreciate the world beyond our screens and streets. 

Tubbs Hill is a promise to future generations that some things are worth preserving exactly as they are. Let's make sure we keep that promise.