Grow Your Own Mushrooms Workshop
2025-03-15 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Wenatchee River Institute Presents-Learn how to grow your own mushrooms on logs, in containers, and in garden beds at this interactive workshop.
Our instructor, Seth Beu, has years of experience growing mushrooms for restaurants with his business Primordia Farms. He’s spent countless hours hanging out with various fungi in the forests and instructing workshops just like this one. Seth will bring this knowledge, and knowledge gained form Dr. Elaine Ingham’s intensive Soil Food Web & Microscope course, to instructing you on growing your own edible mushrooms.
This course will cover several topics such as:
– 3 different ways to grow mushrooms from start to finish
– Integrating mushrooms into the garden space
– Different growing substrates and field capacity
– How to clone fungi you find in the forest
– How to pasteurize, sterilize, and avoid contamination
– How to make a blue oyster mushroom and/or winecap mushroom kit to take home
– What to do with your grow kit afterwards
All supplies will be provided. If you prefer, you can bring your own reusable container like a large, sterilized mason jar or lidded plastic container for your grow kit(s).
This event will take place inside the Red Barn, a heated building. There is a wheelchair accessible path and bathrooms onsite.

CONTACT INFO
Tiffa Theden
ttheden@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
5095480181

Click here for more information and to register.

Red Barn Event- Exploring the Intricate Relationships of Plants and Pollinators
2025-03-18 19:00 - 20:00
Streaming link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxzU5Je-X3M&list=PLjATQxBXvvgXSiC_qr24e5jmPS-LyJ5T9&index=2
This is a partnered event with the Wenatchee Valley chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society.
Doors open at 6:30pm for a community social with beer and wine available for purchase. The presentation will start at 7:00pm.
Pollinator networks involve 88% of all flowering plants, at least a million insect species, about a thousand birds, hundreds of lizards and more than a hundred mammals. There are many ways that plants have evolved to attract specific pollinators to collect and carry pollen to another flower from the same species. Pollinators benefit by finding nectar and pollen more easily and, of all pollinators, bees are the most efficient. Lisa’s discussion will mention a few of the more extreme examples of pollinator-plant interactions and focus on connections between our Eastern Washington plants and pollinators.
About the Presenter:
Lisa Robinson is a Wenatchee Naturalist and native bee enthusiast. She began studying native bees with Dr. Don Rolfs then joined PNW groups such as Xerces’ Bumble Bee Atlas and the Oregon Bee Atlas. She is one of the founders and a board member of the Washington Native Bee Society and participates in the Washington Bee Atlas.
Click here for more information

CONTACT INFO
Joshua Schaub
jschaub@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
509-548-0181, ext. 5

Finding their Way: How Birds Migrate- Online
2025-03-19 18:00 - 19:15
When: Mar 19, 2025 from 6:00pm- 7:15pm
Where: Online
Instructor: Gina Roberti
Class Tuition: $10.00
Bird migrations have fascinated humans since the beginning of time but what do we really know about the epic journeys of migrating birds? How do birds find their way? How do they navigate the many obstacles and challenges of migration? How do their tiny bodies endure and sustain these exhausting flights?
Perhaps most perplexing of all, how do baby birds migrate thousands of miles to the exact spot where they need to be with no prior experience?
We have come a long way in resolving many of these questions, and the answers will amaze you, not to mention deepen your understanding of where birds come from and go each spring and fall.
For more information and registration Click Here

Science on Tap with Johnna Eilers
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00
Wenatchee River Institute Presents-
This event is hosted at Ground Control in Wenatchee.
Come join Wenatchee River Institute for Science On Tap! This casual, free event is a great opportunity to gather, socialize, and learn about an exciting science topic from a member of our community. No prior science knowledge necessary! Speakers will give a talk on their latest research or a science topic they are passionate about, with some time afterwards for discussion or Q&A. Presentations start at 7pm – arrive early to grab a drink and get a seat!
Presentation: Wild Neighbors: Exploring the Wildlife of Chelan and Douglas Counties with a Local Wildlife Biologist
Description: Discover the incredible wildlife of Chelan and Douglas Counties with a local WDFW wildlife biologist, Johnna Eilers, as she presents on the deer, bighorn sheep, birds, and bats that call this area home. Learn about monitoring methods and field projects, including helicopter surveys, GPS tracking, bird nest peeper cameras, and bat acoustic monitoring. Johnna will also share the results from recent projects, wildlife habitat uses, and the conservation challenges these species face. This presentation provides a unique opportunity to understand how science is guiding efforts to conserve and manage our local wildlife.
Presenter: Johnna is the Assistant District Wildlife Biologist for Chelan and Douglas counties with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. In this role, she plays a key part in monitoring and managing local wildlife populations, ranging from mule deer and bighorn sheep, to birds, bats, small mammals, and even bumblebees. She moved to Wenatchee about 2.5 years ago and is loving the outdoor playground that surrounds us.
If you want to see more Science on Tap events, please consider donating at the link below. There will also be a donation basket at this event.

CONTACT INFO
Joshua Schaub
jschaub@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
509-548-0181 ext. 5

Click here for more information.

CDLT Where it all Began
2025-03-22 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust on this educational hike to learn about one of the first properties the CDLT helped protect: Peshastin Pinnacles. Special guest Mark Shipman and Eliot Scull, who played key roles in its protection, will share their personal stories and experiences along the way.
Thanks in part to the efforts of the CDLT, the Trust for Public Land, and our community, thousands of climbers and hikers are now able to enjoy recreation and scenic views of the Wenatchee River valley in this unique state park.
This is a challenging, 1.5-mile hike of steep and narrow trails with 500 feet of elevation gain. There are facilities at the trailhead (vault toilet, picnic tables).
Registration is encouraged but not required. When you register, you will receive a confirmation email with more details on what to bring. Carpool options are available. Please email me for more details.
✨If you have any questions, please contact Ayla Medina Ulloa, Community Inclusion Coordinator, at ayla@cdlandtrust.org or 509-667-9608.
For more information and to register Click Here.

Becoming A Better Photographer 4-Part Series
2025-03-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-22 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-20 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Foothills Middle School, 1410 Maple St, Wenatchee, 98801, United States
This is a WenOut MEMBER ONLY 4-part Educational Series. Become a member now.
Looking to level up your photography game?? We have an opportunity waiting for you to join a professional photographer and WenOut board member Thom Schroeder for a fun, hands-on series all about capturing the beauty of the outdoors.
Location: Foothills Middle School
Details: Photography is a lifelong journey, and the great news is that anyone can improve their craft. In this four-part series, we’ll explore the development of three essential skills while incorporating assignments to help you apply them in your own work. This might seem daunting, but it’s meant to be accessible. We’ll steer clear of overly technical discussions about cameras and software, as there are plenty of resources available for that. All you need for this series is a camera (even your phone works) and a willingness to improve. While bringing a laptop to share your work would be beneficial, it’s not a requirement.
Session One: Tuesday March 25 6:30-8:00

Observation (90 minutes, includes a take-home assignment) We’ll dive into the first skill of becoming a better photographer: the art of observation. This involves being aware of your surroundings and learning to anticipate light, timing, and movement to create captivating images.

Session Two: Tuesday April 22 6:30-8:00

Visualization (90 minutes, includes a take-home assignment) In this session, we’ll focus on visualization—imagining your final photograph before capturing it. This includes aspects of composition and post-processing, considering what to include or exclude from the frame, and how to edit to achieve your envisioned result.

Session Three: Tuesday May 20 6:30-8:00

Manipulation (90 minutes, includes a take-home assignment) Often referred to as post-processing, this session will explore editing techniques while revisiting the first two skills to understand how they all integrate.

Session Four: June 17 6:30-8:00

Critique (90 minutes) Feedback is invaluable in the learning process. In our final session, we’ll review the photographs we’ve created and discuss ways to continue refining these three skills as we strive to become better photographers.

About Thom Schroeder:
Thom is a professional photographer with experience shooting across the country and in our local area. He runs a media and creative agency, Woolley Creative, collaborating with clients both locally and nationally. Thom and his family relocated to Wenatchee in 2018.
Spaces is limited, please reserve your spots below. Come to as many as you would like, you will select the ones you can attend when you register. If spots fill up, we will have a waitlist.
Become a member
REGISTER HERE

Astronomy along the River
2025-03-26 20:30 - 22:00
Wenatchee River Institute Presents
Join the Wenatchee Valley Astronomy Club on a family friendly journey through space. Using a variety of telescopes, we’ll gaze up into the Milky Way and learn about some of the best night sky objects to view. From the stunning rings of Saturn and planetary nebulas to large cataclysmic supernova remnants we’ll journey through our own galaxy and even take a look at neighboring ones.
During this program we’ll also explore the basics of telescope use, the different types of telescopes, and some helpful tricks to enhance your experience in star gazing.
Please dress for the cool evening weather as we will be outside the entire time. Be sure to leave the bright white lights at home. If flashlights are needed, please only use red lights. As there is no seating, please bring a blanket or chair.
Age Limit: 8+ years old
Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration for this event is required. Limit 25 participants.
Cost is Pay What You Can
We offer the Pay What You Can model in recognition that paying for education programs looks different for different people. The options here are provided as suggestions, based on the costs to WRI to put on this program. If you want to attend this program, we want you to be there. Use the options below as a guideline upon registration. Please choose an amount that fits within your budget to attend this event, even if that is $0. We want anyone who is interested to be able to attend!
$10/person
This option may be for you if your budget is tight, but still really want to attend this program and support WRI.
$15/person
This option may be for you if you are excited to support WRI, and attending this program doesn’t put a strain on your weekly budget.
$20/person
This option may be for you if you are excited to attend this program and are able to pay a little extra so a neighbor can attend at a lower cost.

Click Here for more information and to register

WRI Astro on the River
2025-03-27 20:30 - 22:00 | Wenatchee River Institute, 347 Division St, Leavenworth, WA, United States
About
Join WVAC members at Wenatchee Rover Institute near the Red Barn in Leavenworth. The WVAC team will talk about the different types of telescopes and how they work. We will have multiple telescopes out showing some of the seasons’ best and brightest celestial objects, connecting you to your natural heritage, the night sky. Bring your deepest cosmological questions!
This program is almost entirely telescope based.
This program may be held in the red barn if weather is inclement. Should this occur, we will show off the different types of telescopes and how beginners can get started in astronomy.
Program Rules

During the program, please avoid the use of white light, red lensed lights are allowed.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and possible wind; insect repellant may be necessary.

Location
We will all meet at the covered picnic shelter at WRI where introductions and general outline of the program. From there we will walk down to near Barn Beach for the event.
How to Sign Up
Space is limited to 35 people, so please register ahead of time to reserve your spot in the free program. Registration is required on the WRI website under events.
Cost
While the event is free, donations are gladly accepted. All donations go towards WRI and help continued community-based programming.

International Dark Sky Week
2025-04-21
This week is International Dark Sky Week. While this is not an event be sure to observe the week by enjoying the night sky. Remember to look up!
You can learn more at: https://idsw.darksky.org/

Hatchery Star Party
2025-04-27 21:30 - 22:30 | Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery(12790 Fish Hatchery Rd)
This is WVAC’s flagship event. This event is for the whole community; members and non-members; those just curious and advanced amateurs. No registration is required, come on out and show up.

Have a telescope but don’t know how to use it? or want some pointers? this is an opportunity to get to know your telescope.

No telescope? No problem! Astronomy is for sharing. Members will have red lanterns below their telescope. Come on up and see what we are looking at. Every member will have a different telescope and looking at something else. The secret password is “Whatchya Looking at?” This is a place for exploration of the curious and answering any questions you have from deep cosmic questions to what type of telescope you should get.

Have a telescope and know what your doing? Great! Come on out and meet our members. This is an event for astronomers of the community. This event allows all of us to connect to one another and to our cosmos.

Every person will be greeted by a WVAC member so new-comers know where to start and how the event works. Come on out and we can all enjoy the stars together in a comfortable environment.
Bathrooms will be made available on nights that USFWS staff is available in the main building.
Program Rules

During the program, please avoid the use of white light, red lensed lights are allowed. White lights are allowed for emergency use.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and possible wind; insect repellant may be necessary.

Location
We all will park at the USFWS Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Parking Lot just outside of the gate. The gate will be half closed, but please do not drive beyond the gate.
The Telescope Area is just beyond the main building, about 50 yards from the parking lot. Walk beyond the gates and follow that main roadway straight until you see our red illuminated light sign board.
How to Sign Up
No registration is required. No need to sign up, just come on out and show up. Stay as long as you would like. But please arrive on time, so we can start introductions and explain how the event works.
Cost
While the event is free, donations are gladly accepted. All donations go to Friends of the Hatchery non-profit organization where they will use the proceeds to install a Sky Quality Meter to quantify light pollution growth.
Google Map Location Hyperlinks:
Parking Lot
Telescope Area

Exploring Hidden Worlds- Online Course
2025-04-30 18:00 - 19:15, 2025-05-07 18:00 - 19:15
North Cascade Institute presents Exploring Hidden Worlds: Frogs and Salamanders of the Puget Trough- Online
When: April 30 and May 7 from 6:00pm-7:15pm
Where: Online, anywhere you wish
Instructor: Stephen Nyman
Class Tuition: $18

The lowlands of the Puget Trough are home to more than two-thirds of all Washingtonians and an incredible diversity of amphibians, including 11 native species of frogs and salamanders, as well as a growing number of introduced species.
Among our native amphibians are cherished harbingers of spring, culturally significant yet often inconspicuous species, and members of ancient lineages that remain vital to the modern world.
Join Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Program biologist Stephen Nyman for a day of discovery as we explore the hidden world of amphibians in the region’s wetlands, ponds, streams, and forests.In the first session of this two-part virtual class, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to identify all local amphibian species by their life stages, understand their habitats and lifestyles, and learn about the adaptations that support their success—and their vulnerabilities. The second session will dive deeper into fascinating topics, such as larval development, the remarkable process of metamorphosis, and the behaviors associated with feeding, predator avoidance, courtship, and competition. Through photos and videos, we’ll uncover the often-overlooked lives of these remarkable creatures.

Note: This is a 2-part online course. The first class is April 30 and the second class is May 7. Both are from 6 – 7:30 pm. When you register using this page you will be enrolled in both sessions. If you can’t make one or both in person we will send you a link to view on your own time!
For more information and to register click here

H2O & Grow: Kids Gardening Extravaganza
2025-05-05 10:00 - 12:00
WSU Chelan Douglas Master Gardeners presents; It’s all about kids and gardening!
Event Link

Spring Saunter
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Wenatchee River Institute for a two-hour Spring Saunter with one of our knowledgeable naturalists. Walk with us through Waterfront Park as summer returns to the valley. You will learn about the natural and cultural history of Leavenworth with many scenic views along the way! What are plants and animals doing as everything wakes back up after winter?
Limit: 14 participants – Registration required
Difficulty: Beginner, up to two miles roundtrip. One short decline, then flat. Trails are packed dirt and gravel.
Accessibility: Not fully ADA accessible due to gravel trails
Cost – Pay What You Can:
We offer the Pay What You Can model in recognition that paying for education programs looks different for different people.
These price suggestions are based on the costs to WRI to put on this program. If you want to attend this program, we want you to be there.
$10/person
This option may be for you if you are excited to support WRI, and attending this program doesn’t put a strain on your weekly budget.
$5/person
This option may be for you if your budget is tight, but still really want to attend this program and support WRI.
$15/person
Additional donation option to add a little extra so others can attend at a lower cost.
Event Link

CONTACT INFO
Virginia Shoup
vshoup@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
509-548-0181 ext 5

Hatchery Star party
2025-05-18 21:30 - 22:30 | Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery(12790 Fish Hatchery Rd)
This is WVAC’s flagship event. This event is for the whole community; members and non-members; those just curious and advanced amateurs. No registration is required, come on out and show up.

Have a telescope but don’t know how to use it? or want some pointers? this is an opportunity to get to know your telescope.

No telescope? No problem! Astronomy is for sharing. Members will have red lanterns below their telescope. Come on up and see what we are looking at. Every member will have a different telescope and looking at something else. The secret password is “Whatchya Looking at?” This is a place for exploration of the curious and answering any questions you have from deep cosmic questions to what type of telescope you should get.

Have a telescope and know what your doing? Great! Come on out and meet our members. This is an event for astronomers of the community. This event allows all of us to connect to one another and to our cosmos.

Every person will be greeted by a WVAC member so new-comers know where to start and how the event works. Come on out and we can all enjoy the stars together in a comfortable environment.
Bathrooms will be made available on nights that USFWS staff is available in the main building.
Program Rules

During the program, please avoid the use of white light, red lensed lights are allowed. White lights are allowed for emergency use.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and possible wind; insect repellant may be necessary.

Location
We all will park at the USFWS Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Parking Lot just outside of the gate. The gate will be half closed, but please do not drive beyond the gate.
The Telescope Area is just beyond the main building, about 50 yards from the parking lot. Walk beyond the gates and follow that main roadway straight until you see our red illuminated light sign board.
How to Sign Up
No registration is required. No need to sign up, just come on out and show up. Stay as long as you would like. But please arrive on time, so we can start introductions and explain how the event works.
Cost
While the event is free, donations are gladly accepted. All donations go to Friends of the Hatchery non-profit organization where they will use the proceeds to install a Sky Quality Meter to quantify light pollution growth.
Google Map Location Hyperlinks:Parking Lot Telescope Area

Leavenworth Ski Hill Walk
2025-05-22 12:00 - 16:00
Who: Washington Native Plant Society-Wenatchee Valley Chapter
Leader: Connie McCauley
Difficulty Level: Moderate – approximately 900’ elevation gain and 6-7 miles
Limit: 15 per trip

Join Connie McCauley to explore the Ski Hill area, looking at spring wildflowers, trees and shrubs, especially those native to our area. This 4 hour walk will explore ski trails and mountain bike trails doing a loop up the New Uphill Trail to the Freund Canyon trail and back down 4 the Boys trail. Plant lists and plant identification handouts will be available.

Connie has explored these hills for 40 years and enjoys sharing her local knowledge will all ages and backgrounds. Meet at the Ski Hill parking lot on 10701 Ski Hill Drive in Leavenworth. Wear hiking boots, bring water and snacks, and dress in layers for the weather.A plant list titled “Leavenworth Ski Hill Area”, is available at https://www.wnps.org/plant-lists/county?Chelan.
RSVP by sending an email to Connie at ccmccauley@nwi.net.

Lake astro program
2025-05-25 22:30 - 23:30 | Lake Wenatchee State Park, 201 Washington St, Cashmere, WA, United States
About the Program
Grab a blanket or a chair and lay out under the stars on the beach of Lake Wenatchee South Park where WVAC members will answer your deepest cosmic questions, dive into the depths of the cosmos, explore our small harmonious Solar System, and massive chaotic celestial objects.
Every program is different in this series and is catered to the curious and imaginative. So, bring your deepest cosmic questions and let’s blast off into space!
This program is subject to cancellation or change based on weather conditions. Check back here or call 218 403-1345 to see if the program is cancelled or changed in anyway if weather looks inclement.
This program can be either telescope based or a constellation tour depending on wind.
Program Rules
During the program, please avoid the use of white light, red lensed lights are allowed. If you’re driving to the event, please try to avoid pointing headlights towards the beach while parking.
Please arrive 10 minutes early, dress appropriately for the weather and possible wind; insect repellant may be necessary. The event is free. Day use visitors will require a Discover Pass on their vehicle for parking.
Location
This program will take place on the large South Beach at Lake Wenatchee South Park. There will be a red-illuminated sign at the event. Please arrive early to avoid shining white lights onto the beach.
Cost
While this program is free, we do accept donations. All donations will be used to expand WVAC’s programming and outreach efforts. A Discover Pass ($30) or a Daily Permit ($10) is required for parking in State Parks, be sure to display this permit on your dashboard. A credit card machine is available in the parking lot.

Tour of Wenatchee area gardens
2025-05-31 08:00 - 12:00
Curious about using native plants in your landscape? Interested in their advantages and limitations? Wanting to attract birds and pollinators? Well, here’s a chance to learn more from those who are doing just that!

The Wenatchee Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society is scheduling a tour of Wenatchee area gardens that use native plants in their landscapes. The tour will take place on the morning of Saturday, May 31st, from 8:00am to 12 noon. This free tour will feature five gardens; those who register can visit as many of the sites as they wish during that morning, where they can meet the homeowners and learn more about the plants and the development of the gardens.

To sign up for this tour, click on this link to begin registration: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054DA5A62DA2F4C34-55760837-native

Chumstick Mountain
2025-05-31 08:00 - 16:00
Who: Washington Native Plant Society
Leader: Don Schaechtel
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: < 1 mile walking
Limit: 8

On this trip, starting in Derby Canyon, we will drive toward the top of Chumstick Mountain and explore the changes in plant habitats as we rise in elevation. There will be multiple stops along the way to observe the forest and meadow flora. A plant list is available at List. Sign up and receive more details by sending an email to don.safety@nwi.net .

Ski Hill keying workshop
2025-06-03 13:00 - 15:00
Wenatchee Native Plant Society
Leader: Joan Frazee
Difficulty Level: Easy
Limit: 10
Have you ever been flummoxed by the complexity, size and technical jargon in the Flora of the Pacific Northwest (2nd edition) based on the original manual published in 1973 by C. Leo Hitchcock and Arthur Cronquist. Join retired Forest Service Botanist Joan Frazee for a fun ‘intro to keying’ session at Ski Hill. We will gather outside the lodge for a general orientation session. Hand lenses will be available. Our objective will be to become more comfortable with the Flora as we work our way through the key with some plant specimens on site.
Register for this workshop and receive more details by sending an email to Joan Frazee joanfrazee@icloud.com
This workshop will be limited to the first 10 participants.

WA Native Plant Society Walk at Echo Ridge Trails
2025-06-06 09:00 - 12:00
Washington Native Plant Society
Leader: Stephen Easley
Trip Difficulty: Easy – 3 miles
Limit: 8
This walk will start at the Echo Ridge main parking lot and includes the Nuthatch, Chickadee, Morning Glory, and Upper & Lower Ridge View trails. It is easily walkable with minor changes in elevation, covering 3 miles in about 3 hours. We will be looking at pussy-toes, hawksbeards, rock cresses, blue umber lilies and death camas. The views of the surrounding valleys are spectacular from this hilltop location.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring a snack and plenty of water, and bring sufficient clothing to wear as the weather dictates. There is a pit toilet at the parking lot.
We will be following the Option #1 listed in the following plant list.
https://www.wnps.org/plant-lists/list?Echo_Ridge_Trails
Please contact Stephen Easley at seasley@nwi.net if you would like to participate.
A release of liability form and a sign-in form for all participants will be provided at the trailhead.
Directions: From Chelan, follow the Manson Hwy (SR-150) west for two miles, turn right onto Boyd Road, and continue to Cooper Gulch Road where you follow signs to the Echo Valley Ski Area. The paved county road ends at Echo Valley, transitioning into Forest Road 8021.1, a wide gravel all-season road that winds steeply uphill. Stay on Forest Road 8021.1 for the 2.4-mile distance that ends at the main parking lot. We’ll meet at the nearby trailhead. Travel time from Chelan is about 30 minutes.

Moses Coulee Preserve Plant Walk
2025-06-10 08:00 - 12:00
Who: Washington Native Plant Society-Wenatchee Chapter
Leaders: Tiffany Theden, Susan Ballinger
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Length of Walk: 2-5+ miles depending on interest and goals of the group
Limit: 20
Come join us on a plant walk at the spectacular Moses Coulee Preserve with Joe Veverka from the Nature Conservancy! The spectacular landforms of Moses Coulee reflect some of the most dramatic geological history on Earth – steep-walled coulees carved by Ice Age floods, pothole lakes, haystack boulders, waterfalls and scablands. We will start our walk heading up to a lithosol area up behind the field station. We will walk along an old 2-track road, covering ~200ft in elevation gain over a little more than half a mile. If we’re lucky, the bitterroot will be in full bloom! We are also likely to see an abundance of different buckwheat, penstemon, and milk-vetch species. We will then head over to gated Old Todora Rd. to see an area not typically accessible. If we have time and interest we can also head up to Dutch Henry Falls which has a short 0.9 mile (roundtrip) trail and some wetter areas.
From Cashmere, the drive to Moses Coulee takes a little over an hour. Since it might be getting pretty hot by mid-June, this walk will start earlier in the morning, with the aim of us being in the coulee at 8am. Be sure to bring sun protection, snacks, and lots of water. Long pants and hiking shoes are important, since we may travel off trail and some plants can be quite prickly. If people want to carpool, we can set that up once we have the list of attendees.
To see a plant list for the area, go to this link https://www.wnps.org/plant-lists/list?Moses_Coulee
Register for this workshop by sending an email to Tiffany Theden at the.myco.den@gmail.com

Leavenworth Ski Hill Walk - Orchids!
2025-06-10 12:00 - 16:00
Who: Washington Native Plant Society-Wenatchee Valley Chapter
Leader: Connie McCauley
Difficulty Level: Moderate – 3-5 miles
Limit: 15
Join Connie McCauley to explore the Ski Hill area, looking at late spring/early summer wildflowers, trees and shrubs, especially those native to our area. This 4 hour walk will explore ski trails and mountain bike trails specifically looking for 4 and possibly 5 different orchids, but other plants will be identified too! Plant lists and plant identification handouts will be available.
Connie has explored these hills for 40 years and enjoys sharing her local knowledge will all ages and backgrounds. Meet at the Ski Hill parking lot on 10701 Ski Hill Drive in Leavenworth. Wear hiking boots, bring water and snacks, and dress in layers for the weather. A plant list titled “Leavenworth Ski Hill Area”, is available at https://www.wnps.org/plant-lists/county?Chelan. RSVP by sending an email to Connie at ccmccauley@nwi.net

WRI Wenatchee Bird Walk
2025-06-12 08:00 - 10:00
Go birding with staff from the Wenatchee River Institute by the Columbia River! All birding skill levels are welcome. Need binoculars? We have loaner binoculars that you can borrow.
We will enjoy birding this spring in Wenatchee on the second Thursday and in Leavenworth on the last Thursday of April, May, and June.
Trail difficulty level: beginner. Walk will be on paved and grassy level pathways. We will travel up to 1 mile round trip at an easy-going pace with frequent stops.
Bathrooms available at the start and end of the walk
Meet at Walla Walla Point Park at the North parking lot near the bathrooms at 8am and plan to be finished by 10am.
This is a FREE event and no registration is needed.
Event Link

CONTACT INFO
Virginia Shoup
vshoup@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
509-548-0181 ext 5

WRI Weed Warriors
2025-06-13 09:00 - 11:00
Wenatchee River Institute Presents-
Do you love the beautiful natural areas and gardens at WRI?
Are you interested in learning about the native plants that grow here, and ways to protect them and the ecosystem they are a part of?
Then come join our newly revived Weed Warriors Volunteer Group!
You will learn all about the common invasive plant species that threaten the local plant and animal communities here in Leavenworth, all while helping to increase biodiversity at WRI.
Tools and gloves will be provided but bring your own if you have something special you prefer using. Dress is layers appropriate for the weather, bring your reusable water bottle, and get ready to get your hands dirty!
Weed Warriors will meet weekly during Spring on Tuesdays from 9am-11am. We will meet at the far end of the parking lot, at the top of the Native Plant Garden.
Stay for as little or as long as you like. Your help is greatly appreciated! The more hands the merrier when it comes to weeding!

Event Link

CONTACT INFO
Tiffa Theden
ttheden@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
509-548-0181

WRI Grow Your Own Mushrooms Workshop (Again!)
2025-06-15 12:00 - 15:00
Wenatchee River Institute Presents-
Our previous offering of this workshop was wildly popular, so we are having it again! Since our last workshop filled quickly, those that weren’t able to attend last time now have another chance to experience the fun of learning about fungi.
Come learn how to grow your own mushrooms on logs, in containers, and in garden beds at this interactive workshop.
Our instructor, Seth Beu, has years of experience growing mushrooms for restaurants with his business Primordia Farms. He’s spent countless hours hanging out with various fungi in the forests and instructing workshops just like this one. Seth will bring this knowledge, and knowledge gained from Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Intensive Soil Food Web & Microscope course, to instruct you on growing your own edible mushrooms.
This course will be broken into 2 different sections.
The first section will be a lecture with free form Q&A throughout, and will cover:
– 3 different ways to grow mushrooms from start to finish
– Different growing substrates and field capacity
– How to create and use liquid culture, grain spawn, and inoculated straw
– How to pasteurize, sterilize, and avoid contamination
– Integrating mushrooms into the garden space
– What to do with your grow kit afterwards
The second section will be a hands-on, and will include:
– How to make a blue oyster mushroom and winecap mushroom kit to take home
– How to clone fungi you find in the forest
All supplies will be provided. If you prefer, you can bring your own reusable container, like a large, sterilized, lidded plastic container for your grow kit (a large yogurt container is perfect). Also, bring a notebook to take notes, there’s a lot of knowledge to learn!
This event will take place inside the Red Barn, a heated building. There is a wheelchair accessible path and bathrooms onsite.
Event Link

CONTACT INFO
Tiffa Theden
ttheden@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
5095480181

Mission Peak Area Plant Walk
2025-06-16 08:00 - 15:00
Who: Washington Native Plant Society
Leaders: Tracy Maynard
Difficulty: Moderate, 6 miles with 1,400 ft of elevation gain
Limit: 10
The primary goal of this hike is to see Anemone patens, prairie-crocus, but there are many other plants to be seen as well. Although common throughout the Rockies and western Canada, A. patens in the Wenatchee Mountains is disjunct and is the only population in Washington. For over forty years it had not been seen but has recently been “rediscovered” in the Mission Peak area. It is usually found near the edges of the retreating snow in the spring.
Participants will meet at Pybus Market in parking lot located on south side of building to carpool to the trailhead, returning to cars about 3:00 PM. This hike is moderately difficult. About 6-7 miles round trip from the access off of Liberty-Beehive road. Minimum distance, 4 miles round trip if road conditions favorable. The elevation gain is around 1100′. Good fitness, food and water will be needed. Wear hiking boots and wear layers for the weather. Participants should bring trekking poles and/or micro spikes as we definitely will be encountering snow as we hike above 6300’. Gaiters are recommended if you have them. We will use the plant list from the WNPS site for Mission Ridge Ski Area.
https://www.wnps.org/plant-lists/list?Mission_Ridge_Ski_Area_including_Mission_Ridge If you are interested in joining this hike, please email Tracy at tracymayn52@gmail.com
