Forterra is proud to support River City Youth with a Community Restoration Grant to help establish a Monarch Pathway in Spokane’s West Central neighborhood. The project will create a visible, connected corridor of native plants with a focus on pollinator-supportive, native species such as milkweed to strengthen local habitat and increase climate resilience.
What makes this project special is that it’s led by youth ages 14 to 18 who participate in River City Youth’s paid internship programs. Interns will help plan the Monarch Pathway layout, prepare the sites, plant and maintain native species, and practice water-wise landscaping. They will also design educational signage and lead outreach activities that encourage neighbors to plant milkweed and native pollinator species in their own yards.
Beyond environmental restoration, the internship program gives youth hands-on experience in many skills, such as restoration ecology, sustainable landscaping, urban habitat design, and community engagement, that prepare them for future careers in environmental work and more. River City Youth works closely with community partners such as the Spokane Conservation District to connect alumni of their internship programs with career opportunities in environmental and restoration work.
The project will also bring together a strong network of community partners, including the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department, West Central Abbey, the West Central Neighborhood Council, and many community members. At community events and volunteer days, youth serve as servant leaders, educating and inviting neighbors, peers, and family members into the restoration effort.
Congratulations to River City Youth! We hope this project furthers your long-term mission of creating opportunities for youth enrichment through community engagement, job training, and education. We are grateful for the work you do!
