Some of the most important things a community can come together to protect are the places that make it special. For Fairwood, that includes the natural beauty, open spaces, and recreational trails surrounding the Little Spokane River.
The Fairwood Farmers’ Market is proud to have played a part in the grassroots Save Our Switchbacks (SOS) Initiative, a community conservation effort that helped protect approximately 100 acres of natural land near the Fairwood neighborhood and preserve access to the trails and outdoor spaces our community enjoys today.
Through community fundraising and advocacy, our market helped support an effort that would leave a lasting impact on the neighborhood for generations to come.
The Beginning of Save Our Switchbacks
In 2016, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) considered declaring surplus its property near the Fairwood neighborhood, raising concerns that this valuable open space could eventually be sold for residential development.
The land surrounding Waikiki Springs and the Little Spokane River is home to a well-loved network of trails used by hikers, dog walkers, birdwatchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Mead High School's cross-country team.
Recognizing what was at stake, community members organized the Save Our Switchbacks campaign to advocate for protecting these natural spaces and preserving recreational access.
What began as a grassroots neighborhood effort grew into a larger conservation initiative, bringing residents, local organizations, and community supporters together around a shared goal.
The Farmers Market's Role in Conservation
The Fairwood Farmers Market became part of this effort by helping raise funds for a trail development plan that would extend from the Waikiki Trailhead all the way to Indian Painted Rocks.
Through our SOS Initiative, the market provided a place for community members to contribute to the cause and support the planning needed to expand recreational trail opportunities.
These fundraising efforts helped advance the broader campaign to persuade WDFW to remove approximately 100 acres behind the Bozarth Mansion from its surplus land plans, keeping the door open for recreational trail development in partnership with the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy.
The work contributed to the community effort that ultimately helped protect the 95-acre Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve along the Little Spokane River.
Protecting What Makes Fairwood Special
Today, Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve is an important natural resource for our community. Its freshwater springs, wildlife habitat, river access, and surrounding trails offer opportunities for recreation, education, and connection with the outdoors.
And despite the name, Waikiki has nothing to do with Hawaii! The name comes from the natural freshwater springs that feed the Little Spokane River near our Fairwood neighborhood.
Protecting these spaces means preserving more than land. It means maintaining access to nature, supporting local wildlife, and ensuring future generations have opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors right here in their own backyard.
More Than a Farmers’ Market
The Save Our Switchbacks initiative represents another example of how the Fairwood Farmers’ Market has contributed to the community beyond its weekly market days.
We believe a strong local community is built through more than commerce. It grows when neighbors come together, support shared causes, protect local resources, and invest in the places that make our neighborhood unique.
We are proud that our market and its members helped contribute to this conservation effort and grateful to the community members and organizations who worked to protect these natural spaces.
Local support. Community action. Preserving Fairwood for generations to come. 💚