CX3 - Community × Coldwater × Conservation

Youth Education Workgroup
2023-09-29 13:45 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
The Youth Education NLC Workgroup engages young people in activities that will foster in them the values to carry on the mission of TU and to secure for future generations TU’s vision.
This session is open to all event attendees.

Responsible Mining and Energy Workgroup
2023-09-29 13:45 - 15:00 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
The Responsible Mining and Energy Workgroup focuses on efforts to protect coldwater fisheries from the various modes of energy production: coal and hard rock mining, oil and gas drilling, wind, solar and nuclear. The goals of this workgroup are:
1. Provide a set of useful tools former chapters and councils that find themselves confronted by an extraction or energy project that could have a negative impact on cold water resources.
2. Work with all stakeholders and interested parties to ensure that all reasonable efforts are made to avoid or mitigate the impacts that extraction and energy project may have on Goldwater resources.
3. Act as a conduit between TU staff and grassroots membership to provide information and guidance on local and national extraction and every developments.
This session is open to all event attendees.

The Salmon Way: An Alaska State of Mind with Amy Gulick & Nelli Williams
2023-09-29 15:30 - 16:45 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
The Salmon Way: An Alaska State of Mind
Co-presenters: Amy Gulick & Nelli Williams
Intrigued that there is still a place in the world where the lives of people and salmon are linked, photographer and author Amy Gulick traveled throughout Alaska to explore the web of human relationships that revolve around these extraordinary fish. Commercial fishermen took her on as crew; Alaska Native families taught her the art of preserving fish and culture; and sport fishing guides showed her where to cast her line as well as her mind. Alaskans everywhere shared their salmon riches with her in their kitchens, cabins, and fish camps—it’s the salmon way. Gulick’s book, The Salmon Way: An Alaska State of Mind, is the winner of an Independent Publisher Book Award, a Nautilus Book Award, an INDIES Book of the Year Award, and has been named a Best Indie Book by Kirkus Reviews.
Gulick will share stories and images from her book, together with the lessons we can all learn from Alaska’s salmon people. She’ll be joined by Nelli Williams, the Alaska Director of Trout Unlimited, who will discuss the conservation achievements and ongoing work to protect salmon habitat in the waters of Alaska, including Bristol Bay, the Tongass National Forest, and the transboundary rivers of Alaska and British Columbia.
This event is free and open to the public.

National Leadership Council Business Meeting
2023-09-29 15:30 - 17:00 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
The annual business meeting of our National Leadership Council brings together some of the most active and dedicated volunteers in TU to make decisions about the direction of our organization. From discussing and voting on the National Conservation Agenda to nominating new grassroots members to the TU national Board of Trustees, this business meeting showcases the volunteer-led decisions that make a big impact on our mission and work.

Conservation Awards
2023-09-29 17:00 - 20:00 | Riverfront Park Pavilion, 574 N Howard St, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Join us for a fun-filled evening on the banks of the Spokane River as TU bestows to celebrate the volunteers and partners who make TU tick. You’ll be inspired by the passion and dedication of these amazing volunteers and conservation professionals and see the magic behind the mission as they share their stories of how volunteering with TU has impacted their life.

Cocktails and Conservation — Hospitality Suite
2023-09-29 20:00 - 22:00, 2023-09-30 20:00 - 22:00 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Talk late into the night with anglers and conservationists who share your passion for cold, clean rivers and streams at our nightly hospitality suite open to all registered guests. Enjoy Washington beer and wine and browse posters and other showcasing from local chapters, the Washington council and our partners. Event open only to participants 21 years of age or older.

Breakfast Buffet
2023-09-30 07:00 - 08:30 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
A breakfast will be offered to all registered guests from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the Centennial Hotel’s Riverfront B & C rooms.

Busses to the Bing Crosby Theater will load beginning at 8:30 a.m.

State of TU: Celebrating Community & Conservation with Chris Wood, TU President and CEO
2023-09-30 08:45 - 10:45 | Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Join Chris Wood, TU’s President & CEO, for an inspiring and powerful look at the incredible work you made possible through your tireless dedication and commitment to TU. From projects opening hundreds and thousands of miles of river to spawning trout, steelhead and salmon to local level work restoring degraded streams or engaging kids in outdoor education, the scope and scale of our shared efforts will leave you in awe and arm you with ideas for making a bigger impact. The State of TU and the State of the Grassroots are not-to-miss events and are free and open to all.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Trout Unlimited bylaws, the 64th Annual Meeting of the members will be held at the conclusion of this event to elect and re-elect trustees and to take up any other business that comes up properly before the meeting. Accordingly, voting at the meeting will be restricted to active TU members only.

STREAM Girls
2023-09-30 09:00 - 15:00 | St. George’s School, 2929 West Waikiki Road, Spokane, 99208
STREAM Girls
STREAM Girls is Trout Unlimited’s watershed STEM program for girls that builds confidence and breaks down barriers in science and the outdoors. Through the eyes of a scientist, artist and angler, girls make a personal connection to their home waters. As part of CX3, TU staff and volunteers will work with Scouts from the Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho Council. STREAM Girls will be held at Saint George’s School on the Little Spokane River. Activities include:

Intro to fly casting
Stream Walk
Stream Scavenger Hunt
Macroinvertebrate sampling
Fun environmental ed activities

Venue:
St George’s School
2929 West Waikiki Road, Spokane 99208
Contact: Franklin Tate, TU’s Youth Education Director at ftate@tu.org

Covenant of the Salmon People Film Showing and Film Maker/ Producer Panel
2023-09-30 11:00 - 12:30 | Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Covenant of the Salmon People expands on the creation story of the Nimiipuu, where before humans were created animals could speak. The salmon was the first to give of themselves to provide nourishment for the people, in return the people would always protect and speak on their behalf. Today, the Tribe is at a pivotal point in their fight to protect and restore several species of salmon that are near extinction.

“Genetically salmon has imprinted on our DNA,” said Nakia Williamson, Nez Perce Tribe Cultural Resources Director. “Now we are only left with a handful of places that have the numbers of salmon that we can actually fish and continue that way of life.”

The homelands of the Nimiipuu span across modern day Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana. This includes major waterways and tributaries, including the Snake River, where four dams threaten the future of salmon and the tribe. From the beginning, the Nimiipuu contested the construction of the dams, yet despite their cries of concern the dams were built. Today, mere single digit percentages of salmon return to their natural spawning grounds, after having to pass through eight dams including the four dams on the Lower Snake River.

Today, the Tribe continues to speak and fight for salmon by leading the effort to breach the four Lower Snake River Dams. The Tribe is prepared to do the work that needs to be done to make this a reality; putting the salmon first and making all affected parties whole by doing things differently and working toward a stronger Northwest.

“This film will cover the perspectives of all our people, not just us as policy makers and staff, but also our tribal elders, men, women and children. After all, this is a fight for the Nez Perce Tribe and each individual tribal member who is at risk of losing a part of their culture, and a part of their identity,” said Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman, Samuel Penney. “Our method of fighting to protect the salmon has evolved over the years, but the work has never stopped, and never will, until we can ensure the protection of these species and the return of their historical numbers.”

Covenant of the Salmon People will share perspectives and stories from the Nimiipuu and expand into the modern-day “wars” that continue in order to uphold their covenant.

“I have to say, when is enough, enough? We have turned as many dials for salmon recovery as we are capable of doing,” said Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman, Shannon Wheeler. “Our back is against the wall. We need to turn some of the larger dials, and some of the larger dials include dam breaching. Now, more than ever our voice needs to be amplified for salmon and for the rest of the environment,” continued Chairman Wheeler. “We will never forget our covenant with the salmon.”
This event is free and open to the public.

Bing Crosby Theater Luncheon
2023-09-30 12:30 - 13:30 | Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Lunch will be catered for all registered guests at the Bing! Food will be served in the Theater lobby and guests can enjoy spreading out across the historic theater and into the upstairs bar and loft.

Women's Fly Casting Practice
2023-09-30 13:15 - 15:15 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Join us for an exciting afternoon of fly casting at the Trout Unlimited Women’s Fly Casting Practice event on the grassy area right under Spokane’s iconic clocktower in Riverfront Park.
Discover the joy of fly casting with the folks of Spokane Women on the Fly at Riverfront Park during the WSECU Fall Fest! Everyone, regardless of experience, is welcome. Join us and learn the basics of casting a fly rod or test your skills with a few fun casting challenges. Interested in getting involved or connecting with fellow fly fishing enthusiasts? Pop by and chat about what Spokane Women on the Fly and the local Spokane Falls Trout Unlimited Chapter is up to.
This event is all about empowering women in the world of fly fishing while extending a warm welcome to enthusiasts of all gender identities. Discover the beauty of fly casting in a supportive and diverse environment. Our instructors from TU’s Spokane Women on the Fly are all skilled female anglers. Our instructors will guide participants through the techniques and nuances of this elegant sport and teach walk-up beginners basic fly casts needed in most fishing situations.
If you have a rod and want to bring it, great, but we will have plenty to borrow. We will be casting on grass and with no hooks, so no fishing license is required. You need only bring your enthusiasm for learning to cast and forging connections with fellow conservation minded anglers.
Date: Sat., Sept. 30
Time: 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Location: The grassy area under the clocktower in Riverfront Park
This event is free and open to the public!

Spokane Women on the Fly has, for almost 10 years, been a vibrant and inclusive community and resource for outdoor and fly fishing enthusiasts. Affiliated with the Spokane Falls Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the group is dedicated to merging the art of angling with cold water conservation values. This community extends beyond just fishing, hosting inclusive and educational events such as fly tying, casting sessions, and social meetups. With open arms, we welcome individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds to be a part of our tapestry, where friendship and shared passions flourish on and off the water.

Regional TU Films
2023-09-30 13:45 - 16:45 | Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Join us at the Bing Theatre for an afternoon screening of new and recent films celebrating the work and advocacy of TU’s grassroots and staff in the region, including the inspiring new film “School of Fish” on Alaska’s Bristol Bay Guide Academy and a recent video highlighting a unique restoration partnership on Northeast Oregon’s Wallowa River. We will debut a brand-new film documenting the amazing TU volunteers of the Washington Council’s Barrier Assessment Team.
We’ll also watch films celebrating the resurgence of summer steelhead on the Elwha River following dam removal, a favorite film from the Grande Ronde River pointing to the urgent need to breach the four dams on the Lower Snake River, and a hilarious film about a ground-breaking citizen science effort led by TU’s North Sound Chapter – featuring the hunt for Sasquatch – along the beautiful headwaters of the Nooksack River in Washington’s Cascade Mountains.
This event is free and open to the public.

TU Events and Fundraising Center Training
2023-09-30 14:00 - 15:15 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Cynthia Culver and Lance Trebesch of EventGroove will be joining us at CX3 to give TU volunteers a spin around our new, integrated Events and Fundraising Center online tools.

Naturalist tour of the Spokane River
2023-09-30 15:00 - 17:00 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Local naturalist extraordinaire, Jack Nisbet, will lead a hike/walk from People’s Park for two to three miles round-trip. The hike is along gravel trails but there is some uneven footing. Transportation to People’s Park will be available from the Centennial.
Spokane-based writer Jack Nisbet is the author of several collections of essays that explore the human and natural history of the Columbia Plateau. He has also written award-winning biographies of fur agent David Thompson (Sources of the River) and naturalist David Douglas (The Collector). These two early visitors to the region provided original information about the variety and tribal management of fish populations in the Columbia and Snake River drainages. For more information visit www.jacknisbet.com

Becoming a Conservation and Community Leader with Hilary Hutcheson and Heather Hodson
2023-09-30 15:30 - 16:45 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
In the world of conservation and community, Hilary Hutchinson and Heather Hodson stand as exemplary leaders who have translated their deep-seated passion into purposeful action. Their inspiring journey is a testament to the power of aligning one’s personal mission with a broader cause. They have not only become leaders but have also embraced the role of mentors, turning fellow enthusiasts into empowered advocates. Through their work, they encourage us all to use our voices, channel our passions, and embark on a mission to purpose. They remind us that leadership is not merely about being at the helm; it’s about nurturing the path for others and fostering a legacy of positive change in conservation and community endeavors.
Join Hilary and Heather on Sat., Sept. 30 at 3:30 p.m. to discover their inspiring journey and gain insights on how you can transform your passion into purpose while empowering and supporting new leadership.
This event is free and open to the public.

From the Snake to the Sea: An Evening Celebrating Our Shared Work and Supporting Washington TU Featuring Keynote Speaker Nez Perce Chairman Shannon Wheeler
2023-09-30 17:00 - 20:00 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Connect with hundreds of dedicated conservationists and partners at the Washington TU banquet and fundraiser. We’ll start the night off with a cocktail reception, appetizers, networking and prize perusal, followed by dinner featuring our keynote speaker, Nez Perce Chairman Shannon Wheeler.
Wheeler, an affable and extremely capable leader, is the seventh of 11 children raised to hard-working parents in Lapwai, Idaho. After a successful entrepreneurial and business career spanning everything from owning multiple convenience stores in the region, to graphic design and screen printing, at 56, Wheeler has risen as the voice for salmon and for his people.
Wheeler’s perspective is an angler’s perspective. He grew up on the rivers and streams, fishing with his family. The Selway, the South Fork Salmon River, Big Creek, the Seesch, Rapid River.
Today he is one of the leading advocates for the opportunity that Representative Mike Simpson’s “Northwest in Transition” proposal presents for his tribe, as well as the other tribes of the Columbia Basin. But he also believes that great opportunity lies ahead for the agricultural community, transporters and river communities in the Snake River Basin. But the fish need to come back and they can only come back if the dams come down. All four of the Lower Snake Dams.
Later in the evening the volunteer Embrace A Stream Committee will share the results of their annual grant awards meeting that day and celebrate the dozens of local chapter conservation projects receiving funding.
A hybrid in-person and online auction and sweepstakes will help raise funds for important TU work done by volunteers from the Washington Council, local Washington TU chapters and the Northwest Youth Conservation Fly Fishing Academy.
This event requires “all inclusive” registration, Saturday registration or separate meal purchase.

Breakfast
2023-10-01 07:30 - 09:30 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States

Stream Clean-Up with the Spokane Riverkeeper
2023-10-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Help cleanup up the Spokane River! On Sunday morning we will be gathering for cleanup with our partners at the Spokane Riverkeeper. We will provide gloves, pickers, bags and disposal. Just show up with good walking shoes, ready to clean up the river. Prizes and free swag for all volunteers provided by our generous event sponsors Patagonia and OnX Maps.
Meet at on the river side of the Centennial Hotel at King Cole Way.
This event is free and open to the public.

STREAM Kids: Family Fun & Fishing Adventures
2026-09-27 11:00 - 14:00 | WA
REGISTER ONLINE FOR FREE!
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at Keller Regional Park (Shelter 2) as we explore the outdoors through hands-on activities, family-friendly games, and exciting kids programs! Kids and families can enjoy fly casting instruction, fly tying demonstrations, coloring activities, and the STREAM Kids Scavenger Hunt with prizes — plus plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with nature. Whether you’re brand new to fishing or already love the outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this free community event!
