CURRENT INITIATIVES
TRAIL MAPS ARE COMING TO THE BLUFF
Friends of the Bluff plans to install 6-10 trail map signs the most frequently used trailheads in Spring of 2023. Maps will be installed in the following locations:
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Polly Judd Park
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Ash & 16th
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26th & High Drive
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29th & High Drive
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37th & High Drive
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End of Manito Blvd toward High Drive
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Rocket Market
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Qualchan Golf Course
If you would like to vote for your preferred trail map locations, suggest others, or share another opinion - please fill out our survey by clicking the button below.
EXPANDING ACCESS AND IMPROVING TRAILHEADS
QUALCHAN GOLF COURSE & ROCKET GULCH
July 28, 2022
Friends of the Bluff presented to the DVCAC and several Parks Dept officials about the limited access points along the South and West borders of the bluff.
August 22, 2022
Parks Dept met with Qualchan Golf Course officials to make plans for expanded access through the Meadow Lane Bridge at the base of the bluff.
August 26, 2022
Met with the Director of Parks & Rec to form a plan for Rocket Gulch improvements. Sign up for our email list to get updates on these and other projects!
September 10, 2022
Friends of the Bluff supporters contribute enough to hire a landscape architect to create a plan for a sustainable, high-quality staircase at Rocket Gulch.
March 2023
The city approves new trail sign design standards. Design of the bluff trail signs begins.
April 2023
Staircase plans are completed and submitted to the city for approval. Trail planning begins for Qualchan trailhead improvement project.
LAST YEAR'S INITIATIVES
KAMPAS FARM PRESERVED BY COEUR D'ALENE TRIBE
In spring of 2021, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe stepped in to conserve the 48-acre property at the base of the bluff that was slated for a 96-home development. Since then, they have used to site to further their salmon restoration efforts; including re-releasing a salmon that had traveled all the way from the upper Hangman Creek watershed to the ocean and back. This salmon's return offers concrete proof that they could be restored if fish passage is added to certain dams.
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe has expressed that they are excited to engage with the community, but need to complete their planning for the property before considering public access. We ask you to respect their wishes and only access the base of the bluff through the Qualchan Golf Course.
FOUR SCHOLARSHIPS TO GREENPLAY NORTHWEST
Located in the NW corner of the bluff next to Vinegar Flats Farm, Greenplay Northwest offers outdoor education to children 3-6. The program encourages children to connect with and be curious about nature while teaching them practical knowledge that can be applied to the classroom and their social lives. Studies have shown that children who spend time playing in nature experience decreased stress levels and increased creativity, problem-solving, and physical activity. They also develop improved sensory awareness and self-regulation through healthy risk-taking.
In an effort to fulfill the education aspects of our mission, Friends of the Bluff paid to send four children to a week of summer camp at the base of the bluff. Greenplay Northwest is a fellow 501c3 non-profit.
BRUSH ON THE BLUFF
Brush on the Bluff faced challenging weather for its year in a row. Despite heavy rain and hail, the event drew hundreds of people to the bluff and raised:
$3,742 for free art workshops and local artists
$1,074 for Friends of the Bluff
JULY 2021-JUNE 2022 WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION
Wildfire prevention is a never-ending pursuit on the bluff. This year, Friends of the Bluff focused its efforts on the Highland Park neighborhood and the conservation area near the north end of the bluff. Since July of 2021, we treated:
7 acres with the help of goats
7 acres with the help of volunteers