Local climber’s memorial fund dedicated to Dishman Hills

CONSERVATION — The family of an Eastern Washington University professor who died in a rock climbing accident last week has requested any donations in her memory be directed to a local wild area she loved — the Dishman Hills .

Anna Dvorak, 28, was killed July 7 in a fall as she led a route on the Elephant’s Perch in the Sawtooth Recreational Area near Stanley, Idaho.  Dvorak was a well-liked geography professor and a active member and climbing leader of the Spokane Mountaineers .

Anna often commented that her favorite place to mountain bike and climb in Spokane was the Rocks of Sharon area of Dishman Hills, says Summer Hess, her climbing friend and EWU colleague.

She could ride her bike from her house to the growing system of trails or drive over in 10 minutes to sneak in a climb after work.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to the Dishman Hills Conservancy . All donations made on Anna’s behalf will be used to protect these rugged granite outcroppings and forested slopes.

“In honor of her inspiring love of the outdoors and the friends she met through outdoor recreation, the Dishman Hills Conservancy is committed to using these contributions for projects that represent Anna’s interests and passions,” said Jeff Lambert, a Spokane Mountaineer and the conservancy’s executive director.

Founded in 1966, the Dishman Hills Conservancy in partnership with Spokane County Parks and the Department of Natural Resources has protected over 2,500 acres for wildlife, nature study and recreation in Spokane Valley.

Make donations here .