OUR GEM: Experience the Green Summit

Wherever I travel, when I tell people that I’m from Coeur d’Alene, they usually comment on how beautiful it is here. As members of this community, we are acutely aware of this fact: many people live in and around Our Gem, Coeur d’Alene Lake, because of the region's natural beauty.

Kootenai Environmental Alliance (KEA) has been part of conserving, protecting and restoring the beauty of North Idaho since 1972. As part of their mission, KEA is hosting the third annual North Idaho Green Summit on March 21 at the First Presbyterian Church on Lakeside and 6th.  

Thanks to Avista’s sponsorship, those attending the Green Summit will enjoy free coffee, pastries, and charcuterie. The Summit starts at 8:00 am with an informal gathering where attendees can network with others dedicated to a sustainable environment. Presentations from local environmental leaders and engaging discussions will follow. The Green Summit will end at noon. Summit participants will then be equipped to take action on pressing environmental concerns around the region.  

Sharon Bosley with the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission will be providing an update on the Superfund work, and Laura Wolf will present on the wildlife bridge near Mullan. Expanding beyond Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, The Inland Northwest Land Conservancy will share information on projects across North Idaho.

Carol Corbin, of the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, reflected that the Idaho Panhandle is arguably one of the most beautiful places to live in the lower 48 states. Returning to Our Gem, Mike "Woody" Wood will give a presentation on the citizen science monitoring around Coeur d’Alene Lake. 

In addition to hearing from these guest speakers, the Green Summit will facilitate discussion on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, climate action, aquifer protection, climate change, and waste management. There will be vendors and information booths with examples of individuals and organizations that help keep Our Gem and this region healthy and green (or not green when it comes to the health of North Idaho lakes).  

The first two Green Summits provided exciting discussions and practical guidance on how each of us can contribute to a healthier North Idaho, and this year’s Summit promises to be just as engaging.

At the 2025 North Idaho Green Summit, a recent environmental science graduate shared how they started a nonprofit with the goal of recycling plastic waste into usable construction bricks. It was an innovative approach to a pressing environmental issue we all need to pay attention to. It will be interesting to see the innovations and unique approaches on display at the 2026 North Idaho Green Summit!

If you are interested in conserving, protecting and restoring beautiful North Idaho, or if you want to gain practical tips and useful resources for a sustainable future, join us at the North Idaho Green Summit on March 21. Purchase tickets ($10/person, $15/family) at the Kootenai Environmental Alliance Website, https://events.kealliance.org/green-summit. 

The Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative is a team of committed and passionate professionals working to preserve lake health and protect water quality by promoting community awareness of local water resources through education, outreach and stewardship. Our Gem includes local experts from the University of Idaho - Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Kootenai County.

Mike "Woody" Wood is a Kootenai Environmental Alliance board member and an outreach and education coordinator for the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute.