Slavin Conservation Area Hike

The Slavin Conservation Area consists of 628 acres, 200 of which are restored wetlands. Formerly agricultural lands, these wetlands were restored through a Wetland Restoration Program with the Natural Resource Conservation Service. The restored wetlands make this location a particular treat for bird watchers, as over 120 species of different birds utilize this habitat!

For our hike, we will be lead by Erin Dascher who is a Professor of Geosciences at EWU. We will take the Quail Loop heading southwest from the parking lot, and then ascend a bluff using the Vireo East trail. Once atop the bluff, we will be able to stop at an overlook and see a large swath of the wetland complex and conservation area. We will take the Vireo East trail all the way back down the bluff until it intersects with the Goldeneye trail, which we will take northeast until meeting back up with the Quail Loop and follow that back to the parking lot. As we walk along the trails we will encounter different aspects of the wetland complex, through grassy meadows and upland pine forests where spring wildflowers will be on display to within a stone’s throw of the open water, where different waterfowl and emergent vegetation will be visible.

For more information about this location, including a trail map and birdwatching checklist, please visit Facilities • Spokane County, WA • CivicEngage*

*Please note that while dogs are more than welcome on this hike they are required to be kept on a leash at all times in the conservation area. Off-leash dogs are a common complaint at this location so we may run into off-leash dogs.