DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVANCY

Celebrating 60 Years (1966-2026)

Celebrate 60 years with DHC!

Save the Date for our 60th anniversary celebration at Camp Caro: September 15, 2026

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) and Ina Johnston (right)


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.



PO Box 8536
Spokane, WA 99203

(509) 598-0003

RUTH GIFFORD
Executive Director
ED@DishmanHills.org


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