Sam Kalk owns Dryland Revival, a business he started to help educate homeowners on how to adopt sustainable and regenerative land practices. Whether you have a sprawling back 40 or a cozy backyard, Sam shares the principles of regenerative landscaping, including building healthy soil, protecting pollinators, and using local materials.

Sam's journey began in Austin, Texas, but he found his calling in Spokane, Washington. Starting with his yard, Sam transformed traditional grass lawns into thriving landscapes filled with native plants and natural materials.

Now in its third season, Dryland Revival helps homeowners create beautiful, low-maintenance yards that align with environmental and aesthetic goals. Tune in to Rocks to Roots with Sam Kalk to discover how to revamp your yard sustainably!

To learn more about Dryland Revival, follow them on Instagram at @drylandrevival or visit their website at www.drylandrevival.com. 

Bird enthusiasts and conservationists alike will find inspiration in the latest episode of the Rocks to Roots podcast, brought to you by the Spokane Conservation District. This episode shines the spotlight on the Spokane Audubon Society, featuring in-depth conversations with Shenandoah Marr, Outreach Coordinator, and Madonna Luers, a dedicated board member. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of birding, conservation, and community engagement.
The Spokane Audubon Society, celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2023, has deep roots in the Spokane community. Shenandoah and Madonna discuss the society's rich history, ongoing field trips, and monthly meetings that bring together birders of all experience levels to explore local habitats and learn from experts. 
In addition to community engagement, the Spokane Audubon Society undertakes several conservation initiatives. The Save a Bird program helps rescue and rehabilitate injured birds, while the American Kestrel Nest Box Project aims to support the declining kestrel population. The society also collaborates with local schools, scout groups, and other conservation organizations to educate and inspire the next generation of birders. 

To learn how you can get involved in protecting and enjoying Spokane's rich avian life, visit www.audubonspokane.org.

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, we sit down with Hope Helms, the Executive Director of Greenplay Northwest, a Spokane-based nonprofit that transforms early childhood education through nature immersion programs. Hope shares Greenplay Northwest’s innovative approach, which operates outdoor preschools for children aged 3-6. 

Hope delves into the joy and fun of nature immersion, explaining how children learn and play entirely outdoors, fostering physical health, mental well-being, and a lifelong appreciation for the environment. Greenplay Northwest’s programs also include themed summer camps for kids aged 4-10, offering a thrilling and educational adventure covering topics like bird watching, rock hunting, and creative arts, ensuring a comprehensive outdoor learning experience that is as exciting as it is enriching.

Lastly, Hope highlights Greenplay Northwest’s community-driven nature and invites listeners to get involved through donations and sponsorships. She emphasizes the vital role of community support in expanding their programs and reaching more children. 

Listeners are encouraged to visit greenplayNW.org for more information on their offerings and how to support their mission. 

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, we chat with Katherine Alexander of Soil Smart, Soil Wise, a leader in regenerative living and conservation in Spokane. Catherine's journey from an RV traveler to an advocate for sustainable urban living is both inspiring and informative. She shares her expertise on biochar and compost, revealing their potential to revolutionize urban landscapes by enhancing soil health and supporting water cycles.
Katherine also highlights the importance of community involvement in conservation, offering practical tips for composting and responsible land design.
Join Hilary, the Spokane Conservation District & Katherine Alexander in exploring innovative ways to nurture our land and communities.

For more information, visit soilsmartsoilwise.com.

Join us for a special episode of Rocks to Roots as we talk about the Spokane Conservation District's visionary project, Scale House Market at the Quarry, with Vicki Carter, Executive Director of the SCD, and Brittany Tyler of Four Root Farms. This project, born from a collaboration between SCD and Four Root Farms, promises to redefine the local food landscape while nurturing community, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

Discover the collective dream that sparked the creation of the Scale House Market—a year-round farmer's market designed to serve as a community cornerstone, providing stable sales channels for local farmers and access to fresh, healthy produce for Spokane and its surrounding communities. 

The Scale House Market at the Quarry isn't just about building a market and cultivating community. Be part of something transformative and help shape the future of Spokane's local food scene. Whether you contribute financially, spread the word, or shop at the market once it opens, your support is vital in making this vision a reality.

Learn more at www.thescalehousemarket.com

Join us on "Rocks to Roots" as we talk with Mason Neil, the Youth Environmental Specialist at the Spokane Public Library. In this episode, we will discuss how the library is transforming into a hub for community involvement and environmental stewardship and share inspiring insights into its engaging environmental education programs.

Under Mason's guidance, the library is now a vibrant hub that nurtures curiosity and leadership among Spokane's youth through various engaging environmental education programs. From exploring animal tracks to understanding wastewater processing, the library introduces complex environmental concepts in a fun and accessible manner, inspiring curiosity rather than fear.

Join us for an inspiring episode of the "Rocks to Roots" podcast as we sit down with Hailey Lampe, a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture and sustainable living. Although Hailey didn't grow up on a farm, her journey from the suburbs of Salt Lake City to her current role as a steward of the land and sea is nothing short of remarkable.

Through her experiences as an intern on a regenerative farm and as a teacher of regenerative agriculture to middle school students, Hailey discovered her passion for sharing her knowledge and helping others cultivate their own gardens.

This all led to Hailey starting her company, Cruising Climate, where she offers a range of services, from soil care consultations and planting schedules to landscape designs, aimed at helping people cultivate their own gardens and live in harmony with the natural world. 

Learn more about Cruising Climate at cruisingclimate.weebly.com

Join us on "Rocks to Roots" as we talk with Salmon Safe’s Farm Program Manager Brian Muegge. In this episode, he will share Salmon Safe’s pivotal role in conservation and sustainable agriculture.

From its origins as a spinoff from the policy-focused nonprofit Pacific Rivers to its current efforts in promoting sustainable land management practices, Salmon Safe stands at the forefront of safeguarding Pacific Northwest watersheds crucial for salmon habitats.

Discover how Salmon Safe empowers farmers and landowners to adopt practices that enhance watershed health while fostering biodiversity and reducing reliance on harmful pesticides. Through a scientifically reviewed certification standard, Salmon Safe provides tangible incentives for sustainable practices and connects farmers with resources and markets that value environmentally responsible products.

Join us for an insightful episode of Rocks to Roots as we sit down with Jack Nisbet, an acclaimed author and historian based right here in Spokane. Matt Stewart, Arborist and Quarry Stewardship Coordinator from the conservation district joined us in interviewing Jack, adding valuable insight to the conversation.
Jack has delved deep into the human and natural history of the Pacific Northwest through his captivating essays and award-winning biographies.
Hilary and Duane will explore Jack's ties to Spokane and what ignited his passion for history, ultimately shaping his career. Discover what drew him to the unique landscape of the Pacific Northwest and how it influences the narratives he uncovers in his work.
We'll dive into some surprising and overlooked aspects of Pacific Northwest history that Jack has unearthed in his research and his commitment to incorporating indigenous perspectives into his narratives. Learn about his approach to storytelling and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in historical discourse.
But that's not all – Matt Stewart, instrumental in various revitalization and restoration projects at our new campus, will share his experiences as an arborist and his role in stewarding the quarry. With Matt's expertise, we'll also discuss the intersection of forest health and tree harvesting, particularly in the aftermath of wildfires.
Join us as we uncover the rich tapestry of Pacific Northwest history with Jack Nisbet and discover what he hopes readers and listeners will take away from his profound exploration of our region's past.

Rocks to Roots is back for an exciting Season 7 with special guests Jule Schultz and Katelyn Scott, from the Spokane Riverkeeper organization. Join hosts Hilary and Duane as they explore the vital conservation initiatives led by the Spokane Riverkeepers, emphasizing community involvement in cleanup projects, the legal framework safeguarding water quality, and upcoming events like the Earth Day cleanups. Dive into the historical context of the river’s pollution, the obstacles faced in conservation efforts, and the necessity of collaborative endeavors in preserving our river for future generations.