The morning of March 5th, 2025 was a very special one.
The entire team here at The Biomimicry Institute was at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA for a staff-wide retreat focusing on team bonding, strategic planning, orienting to solutions and, of course- connecting to nature.
On March 3rd, we gathered up for a quick breakfast in our hiking clothes, packed up our snacks, waters, and bundled up in our layers to caravan out to what is now called the Columbia River Gorge and the Hardy Falls on the Hadley Trail.
But long before it had that name, this breathtaking land was home to the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples. It also belonged to the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Siletz, as well as the Yakama, whose deep knowledge and stewardship shaped this vast and vibrant landscape.
Leading us on this journey was Gabe Sheoships, an enrolled citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Gabe, the Executive Director of Friends of Tryon Creek, has dedicated his life to the protection and restoration of native lands, rivers, and species. Accompanying him were two remarkable interns and a staff member, Lili Yazzie, each bringing their passion and insight to our experience.
As we walked, we were immersed in the thriving ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest—a place of towering evergreens, moss-draped rocks, and the rhythmic sounds of water cascading over stone. The air was crisp with the scent of pine and damp earth, a reminder of the constant interplay between land and water that defines this region. Birds called from the canopy, and the undergrowth teemed with life, each organism playing a role in a system far older than human memory. Our team did their best to identify which birds we heard – we remember the distinct sounds of Steller’s Jay (who are mimics in their own right) and two of us spotted an eagle high up over the trees.
Signs of spring were beginning to emerge—delicate buds on shrubs, the first vibrant green shoots pushing up through the soil, and the subtle shift in the air that signaled the changing season. Gabe reminded us of this transition ushering in the careful balance of preparation and renewal that has long guided Indigenous communities.
In winter, families would gather willow branches, weaving them into sturdy baskets to prepare for the abundance that spring and summer would bring. These practices, deeply tied to the land, reflect an intimate understanding of seasonal cycles and the materials provided by nature that we hoped to remember as we returned to our busy lives.
Then we reached Hardy Falls.
The roar of the water grew louder as we approached, and soon, the mist from the falls enveloped us. One by one, we stepped closer, feeling the cool spray on our skin—a sensation we hadn’t experienced through the long winter. Even though most of us had traveled from different parts of the world, there was something unifying about standing together in that moment, feeling the pulse of the season shifting. The falls carried the energy of the coming spring, the renewal of life flowing through the water and into us. It was a quiet yet powerful reminder of nature’s cycles, and we left with a shared sense of awe and connection.
Throughout the hike, Gabe shared stories and wisdom about the land, weaving together history, ecology, and the deep cultural significance of the Columbia River and its tributaries. The river has long been a lifeline, sustaining Indigenous communities for millennia with its abundant salmon runs. As we stood by the rushing water, our CEO, Amanda Sturgeon, reflected with us on the importance of protecting these sacred waters and the species that depend on them. The conversation reinforced our shared responsibility—not just to admire nature’s beauty, but to advocate for its restoration and resilience.
This experience was more than just a hike. It was an opportunity to listen, to learn, and to honor the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land since time immemorial. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, holds the key to preserving the natural world in the face of climate change and ecological degradation.
We are deeply grateful to Gabe, his team, and the many Indigenous communities whose stories and stewardship continue to shape this land. As we carry these lessons forward in our work, we remain committed to fostering a deeper connection between people and place—one rooted in respect, reciprocity, and a shared vision for a thriving future.
Anna Konstantinova is the Director of Strategic Communications at the Biomimicry Institute. She is a brand strategist, speaker, writer, immigrant, and sustainability advocate. A proud member of the Summit Series and the Founders Pledge, Anna is based between Brooklyn and the Hudson Valley, and enjoys earthing whenever possible.
Learn more about Anna, and the rest of the Biomimicry Institute team here.
