DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVANCY

Celebrating 60 Years (1966-2026)

Celebrate 60 years with DHC!

Join us on September 15 at Camp Caro

Buy Tickets Here

Below is a timeline that we'll add to each week leading up to September 15. Keep checking back to see the changes that have happened between 1966 and today.


  • 1966 The group consisiting of 16 community members and led by Tom Rogers drafted a set of articles & bylaws and is approved as a Washington State Corporation. 
  • 1966 The name Dishman comes from Addison T. Dishman,  a local reticent who moved to Spokane in 1887 and ran the rock quarry near what is now Camp Caro and the Dishman Hills Natural Area.
  • 1967 The DHNAA makes it's first land purchase of 80 acres with an $18,000 loan from The Nature Conservancy.

Newspaper clipping of Rogers, Jackson, and Johnston.

Tom Rogers (left), Henry Jackson, and Ina Johnston

  • 1981 The DHNAA plays a major role in the adaption of the Spokane County Comprehensive Plan that labels the Dishman Hills from Browns Mt - Tower Mt area as a low development area in order to protect diversified wildlife and unique natural character.
  • 1985 The DHNAA buys 140 acres from Frank Taylor for $154K. This purchase increased the size of the Dishman Hills Natural Area by nearly 50% and included Eagle Peak.
  • 1985  The DHNAA worked with the Spokane Co. Zoning Adjustor to establish a wildlife migration corridor in the new Park Meadows development.
  • 1987 Washington State Legislature establishes the Dishman Hills Natural Resource Conservation Area. This marks the first time the DNR, county, and DHNAA worked together to manage land.
  • 1988 The DNR bought 70 acres on the western side of the Natural Area that was identified as high priority for conservation by the Washington Natural Heritage Program.
  • 1989 In 1988 the original lodge was torn down and a new lodge at Camp Caro was completed in 1989.

1994 Newspaper Clipping Featuring Tom Rogers

Tom Rogers

Tom Rogers

  • 1967 The first Buttercup Hike is run in the spring. This hike has become an annual tradition and is still held every year.
  • 1969 A donation by Ina Johnston of $30K is combined with support for the State's Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation amounting to $90K State & Federal funds.
  • 1969 The DHNAA purchases 117 acres, including the Goldback Ranch, using the $90K of combined funds.
  • 1970 The Redeemer Lutheran Church and the East Spokane Kiwanis Club donated land and buildings including Camp Caro Lodge, named after James A. Caro, a playground, picnic area, and a hiking and camping area for children groups.

Map of DHNA in 1970

  • 1994 DHNAA buys 170 acres from Barbara Olsen for $225K starting the new Rocks of Sharon Natural Area. Partnering with Spokane County, DHNAA successfully competes for a $500K state grant to expand the new Natural Area (now Iller Creek). 
  • 1997 The Dishman family donates six land parcels to DHNAA, which are added to the Natural area.
  • 1998 DHNAA officially goes onliine with the first webpage developed by students at Regal Elementary.
  • 1999 Tom Rogers, the founder of the Dishman Hills, passes.


PO Box 8536
Spokane, WA 99203

(509) 598-0003

RUTH GIFFORD
Executive Director
ED@DishmanHills.org


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