Lessons about us
May 26, 2026 I By Katie Cox, Executive Director
Dear Friend,
If you have hung out here in this column with me you know that sometimes I am captivated by my travel destinations to the point that I just need to tell you about it.
It may seem an odd choice of topics given that we are a regional conservation focused organization, but I am a firm believer that there can be something for all of us to learn by spending time in other communities.
Don’t get me wrong, I think where we live is a total gem and it would be hard for me to ever put another community above our rural communities in a stack ranking, but my time in Hastings, Minnesota was impactful enough that I want to tell you about it.
First, it felt like home. They have water, specifically the mighty Mississippi and the smaller Vermillion River. They have a BIG bridge that spans the Mississippi that made me think of the Long Bridge, especially given it was looming large above us every day during our stay at the Confluence Hotel. The day I arrived was the same weekend Lost in the 50’s was at home and guess what, I arrived to a car show on Main Street!
Along with the old cars, the main street was full of beautifully restored architecture dating from the late 1800’s that reminded me of some of our spectacular downtown historic buildings in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry. They had quaint neighborhoods with lovely restored homes and a friendliness to the people that immediately made you feel welcome.
What felt a little different and aspirational? They have more trails than I could count or run in the 6 days I was there. Sure, not as many dirt trails (that I found) but they have the Mississippi River Trail that was part of my running route and guess what, it is 600 miles long! As well, they had a perimeter trail that circled their town as well as a scenic trail along the Vermillion River. The trail was asphalt but I just couldn’t help but think about how helpful this trail was in getting everyone in Hastings outside by bike or foot. It inspired me to think about a possible looped trail around Sandpoint. The access via these trails to dog parks, nature viewing areas, the most amazing frisbee golf course, a waterfall, and a park and city pool and playground that our kids would drool over made me think about how we could continue to grow our communities in the very best ways.
I asked around town if members of the community were proud of their town, and all heads nodded. I expressed how much fun I had exploring their community and shared how proud they should be of their sweet town. Their pride showed in their smiles.
Seeing how proud they were, and these special places, made me think of all those that came before and invested in their community. All the volunteers who stepped forward and raised their hand to help, all the people who agreed to assess themselves a little more tax to benefit their community, the support of state funding, the federal funding, the levies and the bonds. It takes a willingness to jump in and do hard work for long periods of time.
This is what I see you doing every day alongside one another, and I know this is what you will continue to do. Think of the people who come after us that will be grateful for your efforts. Your commitment to our special place on the map is what truly strengthens and binds this community together.
I look forward to continuing to build alongside you,
Katie
