February 2026
Greetings!
I don’t know about you, but the first sign of spring happened for me about two weeks ago when a flock of migrating robins swooped into my Mountain Ash to snack on berries. I’m NOT ready for spring! I feel like a bear that hasn’t hibernated adequately yet. However, as Benjamin Franklin said, “You may delay, but time will not.” So on that note, here goes the rest of the newsletter.
On a more serious note, the monthly newsletter normally is on topics relevant to Zones 0-5; however, as you know as gardeners and farmers, timing is everything. Spokane is currently going through its 20 year review process of the comprehensive plan. To take a look at the overall process this story map will bring you up to speed. The PlanSpokane 2046 review is transparent and looking for public review. Subjects such as Growth Management, Environmental Impact, and Climate Resilience and Sustainability are being discussed as part of the plan. If ever you wanted Spokane to be an even better community, and you have strong opinions on the subject, now is the time to speak up. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is out for public comment from December 18, 2025 to February 18, 2026. Comments are due by 5:00 p.m., February 18. It’s vital for citizens with an understanding of the Permaculture Principles to be part of those giving input to the comprehensive plan. This is time for questions such as, How are community gardens, urban farming, and intentional communities addressed? Zoning can be highly prohibitive for some places in the city and as urban sprawl eats up vital farmland close to the city, what will Spokane look like in 20 years?
Upcoming Events
Online Spokane Conservation District Tree Preorder Sale, Monday, January 12, 2026, 8:00 AM until March 6th, pickup and surplus sale will be Friday, April 10th: 8 AM - 5 PM and Saturday, April 11th: 9 AM - 12 PM
Growing Villages Planning Meeting at Shadle Park Presbyterian Church, Tuesday, February 17th, 5:30-7:30 PM
Permaculture Solutions for Garden Resilience, presentation at Otis Orchards Library, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00 PM 7:00 PM
Permaculture Solutions for Gardening Resilience, presentation at Chewelah Library, Thursday, February 26, 4:30 PM 5:30 PM
Permaculture Solutions for Garden Resilience, presentation at Lakeside Library, Friday, February 27, 2026, 2:00 PM 3:00 PM
Permaculture Solutions for Gardening Resilience, presentation at Colville Library, Thursday, March 5, 2026, 4:30 PM 5:30 PM
Permaculture Solutions for Gardening Resilience, presentation at Priest River Library, Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:15 AM 12:15 PM
(All my presentations will include how to practice permaculture without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Also, included in the presentation will be ways to grow food, build up soil, reduce water usage, and build natural habitat. For a map to the event follow the link to my website.)
Should you need a personal permaculture consultation, I invite you to schedule one anytime of the year at my All Things Regenerative website. I recommend online during the winter season; but truly my favorite option is to visit you, face-to-face.
Warmly🌱
Mary