Rocks To Roots

This episode of Rocks to Roots features Stephanie Watson, Program Director for River City Youth Ops here in Spokane. This important program creates opportunities for youth enrichment in their neighborhood through community engagement, job training, and education. Tune in to learn about their current programming, community partners, and how you can get involved!

On this episode of Rocks to Roots, we talk to Keynote Speaker for the Farm and Food Symposium, Rick Clark! Rick talks about his regenerative farming operations and what he has prepared to discuss at this year's conference. We also talk to the Spokane Conservation Districts BioFarming Managers to learn about the mission of the conference and other stand-out features they are excited to present at this year's event.

Click here to get tickets to this year's Farm and Food Symposium

Produced locally in Spokane, Washington by @spokast.co - www.spokast.com

To kick off Season 5, we sit down with Kara Odegard, the City Council Manager of Sustainability Initiatives to discuss the Spokane Sustainability Subcommittee. Kara talks to us about how this volunteer committee was formed, the work that went into updating the cities Sustainability Action Plan, and the importance of having a Sustainability Action Plan for our community.

In this episode of the Rocks to Roots Podcast, we speak with Paul Buckland, Forest Resource Manager for Inland Empire Paper. Paul talks to us about the history of Forestry at IEP and information about the land the mill owns and operates. He also gives us some insight into his management and sustainability philosophy.

Meet your new favorite local farmer, Whitney Jacques! Whitney is the owner and operator at Verdant Hare a farmstead here in Spokane, WA. We discuss the in’s and out’s of her farm including the animals she raises, the education and consulting services she provides, and the regenerative ag practices she has chosen to implement to grow great food.

Meet Crystal Priel, Owner/Operator of The Plant Project, a plant retail store that provides a great selection of quality houseplants and hand-mixed soils in the heart of Spokane! Crystal talks to us about what it took to make her dream of owning a plant retail store a reality and what aspects of her shop make it stand out amongst the rest.

Four years ago, Well Grown Farms was just a small hobby farm. Today it is a profitable, well-established business that put microgreens on the local food scene map. Owner, Jacob Schmauch sits down to discuss the road to getting his business off the ground and his product into some of the most well know restaurant establishments here in the PNW.

Meet Environmental Manager Doug Krapas of Inland Empire Paper Company in Millwood! Doug walks us through IEP's circles of sustainability and the company's commitment to preserving and enhancing natural resources and minimizing the impact of its operations on the environment.

In this episode, we sit down with current President, Matt Velasco and past President, Cathi Lamoreux of the Master Gardeners Foundation of Spokane County. We discuss the foundation's role in sustaining ongoing Master Gardener programs including their Annual Garden and Plant Sale happening on Mother's Day weekend!

Let's talk fungi! Meet Krysta Froberg, owner, and operator of Happy Mountain Mushrooms. Krysta talks to us about the emergence of her business, what it takes to manage a mushroom farm, and why mushrooms are taking over the wellness space.