Rocks To Roots

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.

In the season 7 opener of the 'Rocks to Roots' podcast, hosts Hilary Gonzalez & Duane Zbranek from the Spokane Conservation District reflect on the podcast's evolution since beginning during COVID in 2020. Now boasting over 72 episodes, the podcast has broadened its focus from agriculture to encompass a wide array of conservation and community topics, including local food systems and soil health. The hosts discuss their excitement about the upcoming season and the growth of the Spokane Conservation District's various projects. There's a candid conversation about personal milestones, such as marriages and new fatherhood, alongside discussions on favorite local spots and anticipation for community events. 

Welcome to another episode of Rocks to Roots; our guest today is Aimee Shields of Old Barn Blooms, who is the heart and soul behind this blossoming farm.

Aimee's story is one of passion and connection with the land. It all started with her desire to spend more time in nature and her love for dahlias, which quickly became a full-blown obsession. From two tiny flower beds in a Spokane city lot, her mission to grow and share dahlias evolved into the sprawling farm we see today. With the unwavering support of her husband, she continues to cultivate and share these exquisite flowers.

Nestled on the grounds of a former wheat farm spanning several hundred acres, Old Barn Blooms is a place of profound legacy and bounty. The farm's beloved 'Old Barn,' built by the original homesteading family, is a timeless reminder of the land's storied past.

Discover the beauty of Old Barn Blooms, where the vibrant colors of dahlias are intertwined with the rich tapestry of responsible land stewardship. Aimee's passion for sustainable farming and her commitment to the environment and ethical practices shine through, making this conversation not just about flowers but about a profound connection to the land and a vision for a better, more sustainable future.

On this episode of Rocks to Roots, we talk with this year’s Farm and Food Symposium Keynote Speaker! Dr. Jonathan Lundgren is an accomplished agroecologist and the keynote speaker at the upcoming Farm & Food Symposium, a gathering that unites progressive farmers, ag companies, scientists, investors, consumers, and industry influencers to explore the world of regenerative farming.

Dr. Lundgren's journey in agriculture is nothing short of extraordinary. Armed with a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Illinois, he spent 11 years as a leading scientist with USDA-ARS, where his work made significant contributions to the field. His passion for agriculture, sustainability, and biodiversity led him to establish the ECDYSIS Foundation and serve as the CEO for Blue Dasher Farm.

At the core of Dr. Lundgren's research and education programs is a profound commitment to evaluating the ecological risks associated with pest management strategies and developing sustainable solutions for our food systems. He's received accolades, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Science and Engineering from the White House, recognizing his outstanding contributions.

So join us on this episode as we delve into the world of sustainable farming, and the critical role farmers play as agents of change. Dr. Jonathan Lundgren's insights and dedication to ecological farming principles are sure to inspire and ignite a passion for regenerative agriculture.

Make sure to sign up for this year's Farm & Food Symposium by visiting the following link, www.spokanecd.org/farm-food-symposium

Welcome to Rocks to Roots, where we are privileged to host two outstanding individuals, Mark Losh and Deanna Williams, from the West Plains Chamber of Commerce.

In this insightful conversation, Mark, CEO of the Chamber, shares his vision for the West Plains Chamber and discusses the exciting developments in the region. Deanna Williams, Event Planner and Coordinator for the Chamber adds her perspective on the area's unique characteristics and the diverse communities it encompasses. From Airway Heights to Medical Lake, Cheney to Reardan, and Davenport, each community brings its individualism to the collective tapestry of the West Plains.

Gain valuable insights into the changing landscape of the West Plains region, the role of chambers in modern communities, and the importance of being initiative-driven to address the evolving needs of businesses and residents.

You can connect with Mark Losh and Deanna Williams at www.westplainschamber.org

In light of Gray's Fire, which heavily affected the city of Liberty Lake, please consider donating to a Wildfire Emergency Response Fund - established to support emergency response and recovery efforts for communities impacted by wildfires. Donate Here

Welcome to Rocks to Roots, where we explore the extraordinary journey of Don Schuerman of Palouse Heritage.

Founded in 2015, Palouse Heritage has redefined the way we think about grain. While they wholesale most of their grain to bakers, brewers, and maltsters, they've also embarked on an ambitious journey to revolutionize how we view and use grains.

We sit down with Don Schuerman as he shares his vision of growing open-sourced, old landrace grains & integrating regenerative practices for soil health within our local and regional food supply chain.

Discover how Don and Palouse Heritage is reshaping the agricultural landscape, promoting sustainable practices, and building a bridge between consumers and farmers redefining our relationship with the land.

To learn more about Palouse Heritage, visit www.palouseheritage.com

Welcome to Rocks to Roots, where we sat down with Brian G. Henning and Corinna Farho from Gonzaga University's Center for Climate, Society, and the Environment.

Founded in 2021, the Gonzaga Center for Climate, Society, and the Environment is a vital resource hub. It provides students, faculty, community members, and regional leaders with tools and opportunities to tackle the unprecedented challenges that define our 21st century. As a Jesuit institution of higher learning, Gonzaga embraces this vision, echoing Pope Francis' call to all Christian communities to engage in ecological education actively.

In this episode, we delve into the philosophy and vision of the center with Brian G. Henning, its inaugural director. Dr. Henning is a distinguished philosopher and environmental studies scholar who brings his expertise to our discussion. His extensive work, including books like "Riders in the Storm: Ethics in an Age of Climate Change" and "Climate Change Ethics and the Non-human World," reflects his commitment to ethical responses to our changing world.

Corinna Farho, a prominent member of the center, adds her insights, contributing to our exploration of the critical role Gonzaga's Center for Climate, Society, and the Environment plays in shaping informed, responsible leaders prepared to address climate-related challenges.

Tune in to this episode of Rocks to Roots and journey into the heart of climate ethics, environmental justice, and academia's vital role in navigating humanity's path forward. Connect with Brian G. Henning and Corinna Farho to learn more about the impactful work of the center and its mission to foster sustainability, compassion, and positive change.