SAF 2005 Tri-Society Annual Meeting
Inland Empire, Oregon and Washington, April 13-15, Lewiston, ID
Corps of Discovery: Foresters Walking in the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark
Opportunities Abound for Spouses and Guests in Lewiston
by Michael Rath
History, art and shopping are all part of the activities planned for spouses and guests accompanying you to the IESAF, OSAF and WSSAF Tri-Society Annual meeting. Lewiston, Idaho, is a culturally rich and historic community located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Some 200 years ago Lewis and Clark trekked westward through the west coast's most inland seaport during their historic journey to the Pacific Ocean.
The Tri-Society Annual Meeting Activities Committee is planning daily area itineraries for those spouses and guests interested in following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. Day trips planned for each of the three conference days include Lewis and Clark Discovery Center, Nez Perce Tribal cultural center, plus art, museum and antique shopping tours. Details on these trips will be available at the registration table when you check in at the meeting. Participants in these day trips will cover their own costs as needed.
The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center features indoor educational displays, a two-acre outdoor interpretive plaza with a beautiful moving stream and sculptures, plus a 32-minute film, From the Mountains to the Sea; Lewis and Clark in Idaho. The Nez Perce National Historic Park has fascinating displays of artifacts and a glimpse of traditional life of the Nez Perce people. While trekking the Lewis and Clark Valley area, on your own or in a group tour, spouse and guest participants will find many quaint shops and eateries, or if you prefer, larger shopping center opportunities are also available.
Experience the Hells Canyon! A scenic tour of Hells Canyon, North America's deepest gorge, is a must for every Lewis and Clark Valley visitor. This wild and spectacular area is best visited by boat - there are no roads leading through the canyon. Wildlife, old homesteads, long-forgotten prospector cabins and Native American petroglyphs offer a fascinating story in the midst of the spectacular scenery. A special jet boat tour is being offered as part of the regular conference program on Thursday, April 14, on a first registered basis, for an additional fee. Sign up early to ensure a seat along with the participant you are accompanying using the regular registration process. Daily jet boat excursion can also be arranged.
April is the month when the Lewis and Clark Valley comes alive with pink and white blossoms of hundreds of dogwood trees. The entire month of April is the Dogwood Festival with many activities going on. The dogwood festival celebrates the arrival of spring with events that focus on the arts, recreation and family-oriented activities including concerts, art exhibitions, food booths, a classic car show and a 10K fun run. Additional details on the Dogwood festival will be available at registration.
Golf anyone? The Lewis and Clark Valley is often referred to as the "Banana Belt" due to the area's low 700-plus foot elevation. While most of the Inland Northwest is covered in snow and frost, golf courses in the valley are open for business year around. Golf enthusiasts can play golf on one of four 18-hole courses in the valley. All courses are challenging and offer full amenities.
For those participants planning to extend their stay, the Red Lion will honor reduced room rates one day before and one day after the meeting. Please make reservations directly through the Red Lion by calling 800-232-6730 or 208.748.1000 by March 15 to receive the reduced rates.
Michael Rath is activities chair for the Tri-Society annual meeting. He can be reached at 509.780.3107 or mr@mm.com. If your spouse would like to lead a local walking or shopping tour, please have them contact him immediately.