Saltese Flats

The wetlands were originally drained for farming, but the Spokane County Environmental Services are actively trying to restore them.

It serves as a contingency plan if the county is ordered to stop discharging wastewater directly into the Spokane River, whereby treated water could be released into the wetlands instead.

[2] Since its rehabilitation, a trail system has been developed and the wetlands have become popular among nature enthusiasts, especially for birdwatching where over 194 species have been observed.

[2] The Doris Morrison Learning Center was opened on the premises in 2023 to teach the public about the history of the wetlands and about conservation.

Starting in 1894, Morrison used hired laborers and horses to dig 10 miles (16 km) of drainage canals diverting water into Saltese Creek.

Saltese Lake was partially refilled in Spring 2017, after record-breaking winter precipitation.
Saltese Flats as seen in early 2023 from an aerial vantage point.
Saltese Lake as it appeared on a plat map dated May 1893.