OUR GEM: North Idaho Green Summit

Are you ready to Summit?

When my youngest was in Scouts, one of our summer adventures was a supported hike of the Seven Summits. We journeyed over 50 miles from Nettleton Gulch, on the east side of Coeur d’Alene, to Farragut State Park on the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille. Along the way, we hiked to the top of seven summits (Canfield East & West, Huckleberry, Spades, Chilco South & North and Bernard).

It was a memorable time with the scouts. We took in some stunning views from the top of each summit. On the last morning, we started by climbing to the summit of South Chilco Mountain. As we reached the summit, the trees began to give way to a field of rock, and we began to see the green valley below. The view from the summit is a mix of green valley to the west and south and green mountains to the north and east. It was spectacular to take in the green from the summit in the morning. If you have the chance to take it in yourself, I recommend it. 

I invite the Our Gem readers to take in another Green Summit this spring. On Saturday, April 5, the Kootenai Environmental Alliance is hosting the second annual Green Summit at the Coeur d’Alene First Presbyterian Church.

The Green Summit is a refreshing journey through all that North Idaho has to offer for those of us who love this place. Attendees will hear encouraging messages about how to preserve the green spaces that we love so much. The Coeur d’Alene region is a paradise of mountains, streams, prairies and lakes that inspire artists and draw visitors as well as new residents every year. At the Green Summit, you will be equipped to help keep it that way. 

The Green Summit will start at 8 a.m. with Doma coffee and snacks from Pilgrim's Market (sponsored by The Inland Northwest Land Conservancy). The Coeur d’Alene Tribe will have a table where attendees can learn about the current work they are implementing to foster a healthy and sustaining environment. There will be several organizations to visit, including the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, Panhandle Health, the Idaho Trails Association, the National Forest Foundation and the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute.

At 8:45 a.m., guests will be invited into the gym to hear from Zachary Miller, the clean energy coordinator for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. We’ll learn all about how the Coeur d'Alene Tribe is expanding clean energy. Guests will then learn about protecting the aquifer, Climate Action in Idaho, keeping the area’s smaller lakes healthy, how to recycle in the county, and ways to recreate without risking lead contamination.

At 10:45 a.m., everyone will be invited into the community room at First Pres. to enjoy some refreshments and ask questions of the presenters and sponsoring organizations. 

Last year’s inaugural Green Summit was an adventure of learning and collaboration as attendees were equipped for action. This year’s event will bring more of the same.

Find out more and purchase your $10 ticket at the Kootenai Environmental Alliance website: https://events.kealliance.org/green-summit.

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Woody Wood is the Outreach and Education Coordinator for Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, a lake enthusiast and a Green Summit presenter. 

The Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative is a team of committed and passionate professionals working to preserve lake health and protect water quality by promoting community awareness of local water resources through education, outreach and stewardship. Our Gem includes local experts from the University of Idaho - Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce and Kootenai County.