Spokane Outdoor Expo Presentations Feb. 22-23 2025
Learn and discover new things about the Inland Northwest’s great outdoors, from hiking and biking trails and local wildlife to geology of local recreation areas, live animals, wildcrafting and survival, e-bikes, regional wildlands, and more! All presentations are free with your expo admission at the Spokane Convention Center. Kids 12 and under are free.
SATURDAY FEB 22
Karie Lee Knoke / Survival Sisterhood
Saturday 10:10-10:50 AM
Karie Lee, a contestant on Alone Season 9 and founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School near Sandpoint will be talking about her new Survival Sisterhood program. Karie Lee teaches wilderness and primitive living skills at gatherings worldwide and is the Founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School, where she, along with other wilderness instructors, share their wisdom of the woods. You can join Karie Lee and her team on week-long immersion expeditions into the wilderness, where you can unplug from the mundane world and plug into nature’s landscape of magical wonder.
All About E-bikes
Saturday 11:10-11:50 AM
Check out some of the latest electric assist bikes (e-bikes) from Mojo Cyclery. Learn about different e-bikes and features, from mountain bikes to city or paved path trail cruising e-bikes, and ask questions about safety, charging, ride time, speed, where you can ride them, and more.
Magic Show for All Ages
Saturday 12:10-12:40 PM
Kids and adults will love this show by local magician Matthew Van Zee (one magic show each day). Van Zee is an award-winning magician, and performer who has performed for over 35 years at fairs, festivals, and private parties, entertaining people of all ages. He is a multi-talented performer, also known for his stilt-walking and prop building for local and international magicians.
Hoot: Hawk & Owl Presentation
Saturday 12:45-1:30 PM
Join the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center for this presentation where you’ll discover the world of birds of prey and see some live raptors up close. Learn about the hunting skills, behaviors, and unique characteristics of these impressive birds as well as the role raptors play in maintaining ecological balance in the wild.
Bugs n Snakes Live
Saturday 1:45-2:45 PM
See tarantulas, amphibians, tortoises, lizards, and snakes up close and personal with Spokane’s Bugs N Snakes! Presenters will introduce a variety of exotic reptiles and invertebrates (spiders and stuff!) and give audience members a chance to ask questions, as well as touch and/or hold some of the animals!
Geology of Our Local Adventures
3:10-3:50 PM
From Beacon Hill to Riverside State Park, Silver Mountain, and lakes of North Idaho, EWU Instructor and outdoor enthusiast Nigel Davies will share the geologic stories behind many of our region’s beloved outdoor playgrounds and how their unique geology makes these places so special. Check out some of Davies’ favorite geological playgrounds around the Inland Northwest in his 2024 article in Out There Outdoors.
Local Herbs that May Save Your Life in the Outdoors
Saturday 4:10-4:50 PM
Charlie Bouck with Herbal Expeditions will teach us how local plants can support your health on your next outdoor adventure. Bouck will share how nature has what it takes to effectively keep you outside longer. He will cover local plants that provide relief and protection from insect bites, alleviate digestive discomfort, provide pain relief or sources of natural antiseptic and antibiotics, and how to stop bleeding with nature’s help. Prepare yourself by learning how to locate, identify, and use local, naturally-occurring remedies to support your outdoor lifestyle!
SUNDAY FEB 23
Wolves in Washington’s Great Outdoors
Sunday 11:10-11:50 AM
Learn about Washington’s wolf recovery efforts, how wolves interact with other wildlife and people, and how to play it safe around wolves and other predators when out hiking, biking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Wolf biologist Trent Roussin will be presenting and answering questions.
Magic Show for All Ages
Sunday 12:10-12:40 PM
Kids and adults will love this show by local magician Matthew Van Zee (one magic show each day). Van Zee is an award-winning magician, and performer who has performed for over 35 years at fairs, festivals, and private parties, entertaining people of all ages. He is a multi-talented performer, also known for his stilt-walking and prop building for local and international magicians.
Rockin’ Reptiles Presentation
Sunday 1:10-1:50 PM
Learn about the fascinating world of reptiles by getting up-and-close with some live critters in a hands-on learning experience. Gain a deeper appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures with the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.
All About E-bikes
Sunday 2:10-2:50 PM
Check out some of the latest electric assist bikes (e-bikes) from North Division Bicycle. Learn about different e-bikes and features, from mountain bikes to city or paved path trail cruising e-bikes, and ask questions about safety, charging, ride time, speed, where you can ride them, and more.
The Great Burn: Land of Fire and Ice
Sunday 3:10-3:50 PM
In the summer of 1910 one of the worst fires in US history ravaged three million acres in a matter of days throughout Washington, Idaho and Montana. The heart of this region, a 250,000+ acre roadless area straddling the Idaho/Montana border, became known as The Great Burn. The intervening hundred years has seen the rapid evolution of outdoor recreation on this pristine subalpine landscape. Through still images and video, photographer Brian Christianson will take you on a tour through the rich recreation opportunities and ecological threats facing The Great Burn Recommended Wilderness.