Friends of Phillips Farm

Welcome to Friends of Phillips Farm

For over a decade, volunteers have helped build and maintain many parts of Virgil Phillips Farm County Park. Longtime friends of the farm have created a nonprofit to better organize these efforts and related fund-raising. This website showcases current and past activities and volunteer projects, coming events, and what's on the horizon for "friends" to do at Phillips Farm. Join us!

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Trails Open

Latah County has partnered with the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District to implement a fuels reduction project at Virgil Phillips Farm and neighboring private properties to reduce wildfire risk. Trails are again open for hiking.

Christmas Tree Cutting: December 6 (Reservations Required)

Join us on Saturday, December 6, from noon to 2 p.m. for this year's tree cutting event.

We have identified 30–40 wild Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine trees, nicely shaped and ready to harvest. You can cut your own tree or get help from a strong and friendly Moscow High School Environmental Club student.
Reservations are required and will be taken in the order received. Email us at [email protected].
The best trees are about a 10 minute walk from the lower shelter, over some rough ground. So come prepared!
We will have saws on hand (for people who don't bring their own) and hot cider and snacks to warm you up.
Donations: Tree cutting is by donation to support activities of the MHS Environmental Club and Friends of Phillips Farm at Virgil Phillips Farm County Park.

Birds of the Month: Common Raven

The November Bird-of-the-Month for Phillips Farm is the Common Raven. Red-tailed Hawk. Use our guide to help you spot this bird!

For past months birds -- Bullock's Oriole, Swainson's Thrush, Western Wood-Pewee, Chipping Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk -- please see our Field Guides webpage.

Fall Festival: Saturday, October 11, 2025

Enjoy photos from our annual Fall Festival -- more here!

Trail Use: Open for Hiking (Closed to Mountain Bikes)

Park trails are open for hiking (unless otherwise noted for maintenance).

Enjoy hiking, snowshoeing or sledding, weather permitting!
New kiosks provide a park map and information. New signage along the trails offers more about local flora and fauna.
Note: The Red-Tailed Hawk and Bluebird multi-use trails are closed due to severe erosion and weed infestations. As a result, biking at the park is no longer permitted. We regret that the park’s venture into mountain biking hasn’t worked out.

Park Vegetation Management Plan

One mission of Friends of Phillips Farm is "to restore and enhance habitat that is characteristic of the Palouse Bioregion." Our vegetation management plan describes vegetation management challenges facing the park, states overarching and unit-specific objectives for management, and proposes treatments to achieve goals. Read more about our project here and access our vegetation management plan here.