REI provides Forum 10k grant

Carol Christensen (REI) presents grant funds to Andy Dunau (SRF)

The Forum is pleased to announce receiving a $10,000 dollar grant from REI to support restoration needs at Mirabeau Point, development of the Spokane River Water Trail and using social media to connect people to the wonders of the Spokane River.

Said Andy Dunau, the Forum’s Executive Director, “We want that river connection for people to be grounded in tangible outcomes and in partnership with others. REI’s taking a leadership role in making that happen.”

Mirabeau Point in Spokane Valley is one of the most popular centennial trail and river access points. “Unfortunately,” according to Terry Miller with the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club (SCKC), “the hillside going down to the river is getting hammered.” Working with SCKC, Riverside State Parks, Northwest Whitewater Association and others, the Forum came up with a design to direct foot traffic down the right path to the river, restore the hillside and make other aesthetic improvements.

Volunteers are needed for restoration efforts at Mirabeau Point that will take place October 1st and October 29th. For more information and to register, click here. More volunteer days will be announced as the project progresses through spring, 2012. “By this time next year, the area is going to look beautiful,” said Dunau.

“We knew we needed volunteers and some leadership funding to make this happen,” said Tonilee Hanson with the Forum. “When we read the grant request guidelines from REI, we got really excited because what they’re supporting fits so well with what we’re trying to do.”

Nationally, REI’s focus is to preserve and maintain natural spaces through active volunteer programs. They do it by reinvesting 3% of their operating profits into non-profit organizations doing this type of work across the nation, creating a virtuous circle between customer support, volunteerism and environmental stewardship.

Over the next six months, the Forum is also working with REI and other partners to launch the Spokane River Water Trail web site, including using social media to help connect people with the resource.

Via Spokane River E-News, the Forum will be highlighting different pieces of the puzzle. The Forum will also be using Facebook and other tools to start getting the word out about the water trail, volunteer opportunities and other things people can do to make a positive difference.

Said Dunau, “Beginning with this E-news issue, you’re going to learn about a tapestry of partnerships and volunteer efforts that are being woven together. Folks are going to be amazed at the diversity of folks stepping up.”

“When you see who’s helping out, find out more about them or just say thanks,” said Hanson. “REI’s a good place to start.”