Wenatchee Outdoors

Helping our Pollinator Friend, the Bee
2023-04-01 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Saturday, April 1st from 10am-12pm in WRI’s Red Barn
Join WRI and Wenatchee Bee and Supply to learn more about how to be a friend to the bees! These pollinators do a very important job, and we can help support them in our own gardens.
More info: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/event-calendar.html/event/2023/04/01/helping-our-pollinator-friend-the-bee/426538

Building the Kenzie's Landing Trail Connector
2023-03-31 16:00 - 18:30
This event is hosted by the Chelan Douglas Land Trust
Date: Fri, 03/31/2023

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Location
Kenzie’s Landing Trailhead

Join CDLT in building a short segment of trail connecting Sage Hills trail around the new Kenzie’s Landing parking area. We are excited to get this build prior to the Foothills Trails opening April 1st. Kenzie’s Landing will be open the public in late-April. This work will be light to moderate and involve hiking up to 0.25 miles and 50 feet of elevation gain. Most volunteers will be working with hand tools such as hoes and McLeods. Kids are welcome!
Before you sign up, we recommend you read our Outdoor Volunteer Event COVID Safety Protocol.
To sign up or for more information click here.
*All work parties are weather and conditions dependent. Canceled work parties will be rescheduled if possible.
Questions? Please email Joe Veverka, at joe@cdlandtrust.org

Gear Repair Cafe
2023-03-30 18:00 - 20:00
This event is hosted by Waste Loop

Thursday, March 30, 2023

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Colchuck Consignment: 5653 Sunset Hwy, Cashmere, WA

Do you have outdoor gear that needs fixing? What about skills or tools that could help fix things? Or do you want to learn some new DIY repair skills? Join us for a night of helping each other mend our well loved gear so we can keep it out of the landfill!
‍If you are interested in volunteering as a fixer, please email us at contact@wasteloop.org

Garden Planning Workshop
2023-03-30 17:00 - 18:30
Garden Planning Workshop
Thursday, March 30th from 5-6:30pm in WRI’s Red Barn
Have you always wanted to grow your own food, herbs, or flowers, but have never known where to start? Or maybe you were worried about not having enough space for your dream garden. Come learn from avid gardener and WRI Community Programs Educator, Chelsea Trout.
More info and registration: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/event-calendar.html/event/2023/03/30/garden-planning/421135

Geologic Fluids & Plant Life
2023-03-29 19:00 - 20:00
Red Barn Event: Geologic Fluids and Plant Life
Wednesday, March 29th from 7-8pm in WRI’s Red Barn OR livestream via Zoom
Join WRI, Washington Native Plant Society, and local geologist, Ralph Haugerud for a Red Barn Event! You’ll learn about the four types of geologic fluids. The effects of these fluids govern how water moves in and through our landscape, thereby shaping our plant communities. This is a hybrid event.
More info: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/event-calendar.html/event/2023/03/29/red-barn-event-geologic-fluids-and-plant-life-/420392

Nexus Ski Film with Sasha Dingle
2023-03-23 19:00 - 20:00
Red Barn Event: Nexus Ski Film with Sasha Dingle
Thursday, March 23rd from 7-8pm in WRI’s Red Barn OR livestream via Zoom
Join WRI and Leavenworth professional skier, Sasha Dingle, to watch the new ski film, Nexus! It is an action sports film documenting five distinct groups of skiers, their connection to the mountains, and how skiing shapes their relationships. This film is produced and directed by women. This is a hybrid event.
More info: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/event-calendar.html/event/2023/03/23/red-barn-event-nexus-film-with-sasha-dingle/422125

PsycheNatur: Human Minds in Natural Spaces, Aesthetics & Perception
2023-03-23 17:30 - 19:00
This event is hosted by the North Cascades Institute
This is a virtual event
Class Tuition: $10
To register for this event click here.
For a much longer time than our very recent revisiting of what it means to be human on our planet, our psycho-biology, sense of aesthetics, notions of self, down to the manner in which we perceive the natural world (including ourselves), have been a seamless and integrated whole.
Only in the most rare occasions can one glimpse the integral nature of these factors in the way that our ancestors existed in natural spaces.
Furthermore, Paul Shepard invokes the very notion of psychological dysfunction when he asks: “What can one say of the prospect of the future in a world where increasing injury to the planet is a symptom of human psychopathology? What are the means and the effects of this psychological amputation?”
This foundational questioning leads to a revisiting of constructs we once thought were obvious, such as taken-for-granted definitions of “nature,” “self”, or “connection.” To the extent that approaches such as “nature aesthetics” subsumes various facets of the aforementioned integrated whole, Psychenatur, then in the words of the philosopher James Dow, we can ask the following questions: “What is a natural environment? What is relevant, psychologically speaking, to the aesthetic appreciation of natural environments? What is the relationship between nature aesthetics and environmental ethics?
Through further readings and discussions, participants will have an opportunity to recapitulate and then chart new ways of rethinking their own place on natural spaces in more integral and thus inclusive ways; eyes wide open!
This class is being taught by Dr. George Conesa, an interdisciplinary thinker with an academic and professional background in biology, philosophy, and experimental psychology. Dr. Conesa edits the International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE) at CAL POLY Humboldt and has taught courses on animal behavior and cognition, in addition to many other pursuits.

Jacobson Preserve Trail Maintenance
2023-03-23 16:30 - 18:30
Date Thu, 03/23/2023

Time 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Location
Jacobson Preserve

This event is hosted by Chelan Douglas Land Trust
Join us at Jacobson Preserve for annual spring maintenance on the trail system. This work will be light to moderate and involve hiking up to 1.5 miles and 380 feet of elevation gain. Most volunteers will be working with hand tools such as hoes and McLeods but a brushing option is available within a short walk of the trailhead, which is lighter work. Kids are welcome!
Before you sign up, we recommend you read our Outdoor Volunteer Event COVID Safety Protocol.
*All work parties are weather and conditions dependent. Canceled work parties will be rescheduled if possible.
For more information and to rsvp click here.

W.T. Clark Life Story
2023-03-22 19:00 - 20:00
This event is hosted by the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Join us at the historic Wells House as we listen to parts of W.T. Clark’s life story.
Volunteers Scott Erikson, Bruce Campbell and Joe St. Jean will read from a Clark Family
history booklet, written by Harry Clark, son of Mr. Clark.
Hear little known facts from the life of the “Father of Wenatchee”, first owner of the Wells House, builder of the Highline Canal, builder of the first bridge across the Columbia, President of First National Bank, newspaper owner, and many “firsts” in early Wenatchee.
Admission is $15, pre-registration is required so we can accommodate seating arrangements.
Wells House is located off of 9th Street, at the end of Nelson Street, on the East edge of Wenatchee Valley College.
For more information or to register click here.

National Geographic Live-Extreme Filmmaker
2023-03-21 19:30 - 21:00
Numerica Performing Arts Center presents:
Immersive storytelling and unforgettable imagery. Hear behind-the-scenes stories straight from National Geographic’s photographers, scientists, filmmakers, and adventurers live on stage
Bryan Smith
an award-winning filmmaker based out of Squamish, British Columbia. His first documentary, 49 Megawatts, received acclaim both for its amazing kayaking footage and insightful exploration of the controversy over British Columbia’s river-based energy production. An online version went viral and led to two-feature length sea kayaking films. His work has appeared at numerous film festivals across the world, including the prized Banff and Telluride Mountain Film Festivals.

In the past few years, Smith has built on his adventure film roots and developed a strong reputation in both TV documentary and commercial cinematography. With a knack for storytelling, an ability to assemble great teams, and an insane work ethic, his client list has grown to include National Geographic, Discovery, Disney, Red Bull, Patagonia, New Belgium Brewing, Arcteryx, and more. In 2010 he earned a National Geographic Expedition Grant for his work in Kamchatka, Russia, and launched into digital media, co-producing and directing The Season web TV series. He has worked as both a Field Producer and Director of Photography for National Geographic Television on shows including Alaska Wing Men, Explorer, Nat Geo Amazing and Monster Fish. More recently, he co-produced and directed The Man Who Can Fly, a 60-minute special for the National Geographic Channel Explorer series.

With extensive experience on Red, Alexa, Phantom, Sony F900, Panasonic Varicam, and just about every ENG camera platform, his experience at getting cameras into difficult and remote locations makes him an incredible asset to any production. Smith brings a diverse perspective to non-fiction filmmaking, having worked on TV, independent documentary, and several commercial projects.

For more information or to purchase tickets click here.

Under the Surface with Bird Bones and Skeletons
2023-03-21 18:00 - 19:00
Under the Surface with Bird Bones and Skeletons
Tuesday, March 21st from 6-7pm via Zoom
Learn about bird skulls, beaks, eyes, wings, legs, feet, and skeletal structures with naturalist, David Lukas. Many of these features are hidden by feathers, yet bird bones and skeletons uniquely shape every aspect of what we see when we watch birds. You’ll come away with a new understanding and appreciation for the hidden mechanics of how birds eat, sleep, and move.
Learn more and register: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/event-calendar.html/event/2023/03/21/under-the-surface-with-bird-bones-and-skeletons-online-class/422103

DIY Body Scrub Workshop
2023-03-21 17:00 - 18:00
This event is hosted by Waste Loop

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

5:00 pm- 6:00 pm

Bushel and Bee Taproom: 900 Front St, Leavenworth, WA
Join our friends from the Bubblery to learn about and create your very own body scrub! This zero waste all-natural scrub is good for you and for the planet!

You may not know that you have all the items you would ever need to make an effective and luxurious sugar and/or salt scrub, right at home! We hope to supply you with info about plants, herbs, oils, sugar, and salt and why they are important for your body and mind. Also, possibly what you need to avoid and why. There is so much to learn about one product! Please join us for a fun hands-on workshop!
Cost: $10, covers the tools, scents, sugar, salt, herbs, flowers, and all the other great things needed. Please bring your own container, no larger than 16 ounces or take home one of our cobalt blue containers.
Keep in mind that Bushel & Bee Tap Room is a 21+ establishment so all that register must be at least 21 years old.
Register HERE to reserve your spot today! email us at contact@wasteloop.org with any questions

Green Drinks
2023-03-16 18:00 - 20:00
Green Drinks – Gather around Sustainability in the Community
This event is hosted by Waste Loop and Sustainable NCW

Thursday, March 16, 2023

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Plant Ally

Green Drinks is an informal gathering of community members that are interested in the topics of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Each event, a local person, organization or initiative is featured and a short presentation kicks off the evening’s discussion followed by networking and merriment.
This month, Sean Eriksen from Shelter and Seed will be featured, talking about permaculture design and sharing resources for land/ garden planning this time of year. The host, Brittany Thurlow from The Plant Ally will also share some of her seed wisdom.
Tea and snacks are available to purchase at The Plant Ally.
We are excited to be partnering with Sustainable NCW to bring Green Drinks back to the Valley as a recurring monthly event (around the third Thursday). Stay tuned for details about upcoming Green Drinks events.
For more information click here.

Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation
2023-03-15 19:00 - 20:00
Red Barn Event: Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation
Wednesday, March 15th from 7-8pm in WRI’s Red Barn OR livestream via Zoom
Join WRI in welcoming the chair and board members of local nonprofit, Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation (IRRF). IRRF was established in 2021 to preserve history, culture, traditions and language through education and advocacy. Come learn about the importance of their work! This is a hybrid event.
More info: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/event-calendar.html/event/2023/03/15/red-barn-event-indigenous-roots-reparation-foundation/422055

An Introduction to Lichens
2023-03-14 18:00 - 19:30
Hosted by the Wenatchee River Institute

Back by popular demand, in this hands-on workshop you will create your own lichen ID chart using local specimens. You will also discover that there are lichens all around you. Late winter is a great time to see them too, as wind and snow have knocked them out of trees and there are fewer leaves to hide them in trees and shrubs. You may even find that a single branch has five or more species. With your chart you will get better acquainted with lichens and you will learn what to look for when using lichen identification guides.

Your presenter is Don Schaechtel, a Leavenworth resident and past president of the Washington Native Plant Society.

Space is limited, so sign up fast! Class size: 20

Cost is Pay What You Can. Choose a price that is reasonable for you. WRI offers this in recognition that not everyone can afford to pay for classes. We hope that people who can, will pay to help those you cannot.

For more information and to register click here.

Easter Egg Hunt at the Wells House
2023-03-13 08:00 - 17:00
This event is hosted by the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center
Join The Wells House for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Historic Wells House on April 8th!
This will take place on the Wells House lawn and begin at 11:00 AM sharp
Checkin begins at 10:45.
Tickets will go on sale March 27th, will be $5.00 and we ask that you BRING YOUR OWN BASKET.
For more information click here.

Nature Photography Workshop
2023-03-12 09:00 - 12:00
Nature Photography Workshop
Sunday, March 12th from 9am-12pm at WRI
This workshop will cover the fundamentals of making natu2e photographs and will provide you with the skills to make amazing images of what you love. This workshop is geared toward novice photographers, but all are welcome to attend to improve their photographic skill set. The course consists of instruction and guided practice on the grounds of the WRI.
More info and registration: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/event-calendar.html/event/2023/03/12/nature-photography-workshop/421622

Rails and Ales
2023-03-10 17:00 - 19:30
Numerica presents Rails and Ales
Event by Badger Mountain Brewing and Visit Wenatchee Valley

A legendary winter event is right around the corner – Rails & Ales. We will once again close down Orondo Street and bring tons of snow from Mission Ridge to create an epic night of skiing and snowboarding in downtown Wenatchee presented by Numerica Credit Union.

This free family friendly event features live music, food trucks, beer gardens (for anyone over 21) and some of the best skiers and snowboarders in the region. Watch them throwdown in this ski and snowboard rail jam contest.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mission Ridge, Badger Mountain Brewing, Wenatchee Valley Brewing, Subaru of America, Goodfellow Brothers, KW3, Lifeline Ambulance Inc., Midtown Ventures, and Tan Republic.

For more information click here.

Free Community Seed Swap
2023-03-09 17:00 - 18:30
Free Community Seed Swap
Thursday, March 9th from 5-6:30pm in WRI’s Red Barn
It’s time to start planning garden and planting seeds indoors! Join us to swap seeds (or just grab seeds)! All are welcome.
More info: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/event-calendar.html/event/2023/03/09/free-community-seed-swap/419848

Beginner Bird Walks
2023-03-08 08:00 - 09:30
This event is hosted by the Wenatchee River Institute
Second Wednesday of every month from 8-9:30am (1/11, 2/8, 3/8)
Join knowledgeable WRI staff on this beginner bird walk around the WRI campus! All birding skill levels are welcome. Need binoculars? We have loaner binoculars that you can borrow. No registration is required.
For more information click here.

Project Pivot
2023-03-03 19:00 - 21:00
At Icicle Creek Center for the Arts
Locally produced documentary by Charley Voorhis of Voortex Productions.
A skateboarder, a mountain biker and a rock climber are dropped into each other’s sport to discover what drives them, what scares them, and what they all have in common. Learn more at projectpivotfilm.com.
Run Time: 1hr 40min
For more information or to purchase your ticket, click here.

Human-Black Bear Interactions & What to Do
2023-03-01 19:00 - 20:00
Red Barn Event: Human-Black Bear Interactions & What to Do
Wednesday, March 1st from 7-8pm in WRI’s Red Barn OR livestream via Zoom
Join wildlife biologists to hear more about Human-Black Bear conflicts in small towns, including here in Leavenworth, and what you can do to mitigate these conflicts. We will start the evening with a short presentation from Rich Beausoleil, statewide Bear & Cougar Specialist with Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and end the evening with questions for a panel of experts. This is a HYBRID event!
More info: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/event-calendar.html/event/2023/03/01/red-barn-event-human-black-bear-interactions-what-to-do-/421958

Exploring the Winter World
2023-03-01 17:30 - 19:00
Hosted by North Cascades Institute
This is a virtual event.
Class Tuition: $10
To register for this event click here.
What makes winters so enjoyable? When outside amidst a heavy rain or snow, we naturally begin to wonder: What’s playing on our senses? Who else is out here? What might they be up to, and which behaviors are unique to winter?
Increase your appreciation and excitement for the winter season by learning a bit more about the adaptations of various birds, animals and plants adapted to thrive in the North Cascade mountains. This virtual class will provide the tools for you to hone your field observation skills and provide insight, stories and clues for fostering a deeper connection to our winter world.
You may know her from her popular virtual geology program, or from her North Cascadian trivia program, or perhaps you bumped into her while she was frolicking in the hills, singing with the birds, and collecting wonderful stones—she’s Gina Roberti! Gina returns to the Institute’s virtual venue for this invernal delight.

Yoga Basics with Dianne
2023-02-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-20 10:00 - 11:00
Yoga Basics with Dianne
Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 am at the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center for the month of February.
You may choose to take the class one or two days per week. One day, either Monday or Wednesday, is $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Class on both Monday and Wednesday is $85 for members and $110 for non-members.
Improve your flexibility, balance, strength, and relaxation using basic yoga postures and breathing techniques.
Dianne McCammon will lead this small, adults-only yoga series. Yoga Basics is slower-paced and focuses on developing a clear and safe alignment of fundamental postures. This series of classes is designed for beginners, those recovering from injury or anyone wanting to refine their current practice. Come learn, play, and maybe even break a sweat in a supportive environment. All bodies are welcome.
Dianne is certified at the 500-hour level with Yoga Alliance and is a Registered Yoga Therapist with International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Please bring your mat and water. Space is limited.
To register click here.

Hands on Science
2023-02-25 10:00 - 11:00
Hosted by the Rocky Reach Discovery Center, Chelan PUD
Explore the world of energy — mechanical, kinetic, electrical, and light — at the Family Fun Energy Extravaganza every Saturday in January and February at 10am and 2pm, in the STEM Center at the Rocky Reach Discovery Center. Attendance is first come, first served. The Energy Extravaganza is a free, 1-hour journey designed for grandparents, parents, and kids to learn, laugh, and experience together. Afterward, the fun continues with some take home experiments and activities. Be sure to stop by the Discovery Center for four floors of fun exhibits and games. Admission is free.

For more information click here.

Backyard Fruit Tree Workshop
2023-02-25 09:00 - 12:00
Hosted by Cascadia Conservation District
Location: WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center
1100 N Western Ave Wenatchee, WA
Workshop will cover management and scouting techniques on a variety of fruit trees during the workshop. Equipment will be provided.
Question and Answer to follow.
RSVP appreciated: (509) 436-1601 info@cascadiacd.org

Twilight Snowshoe Trek
2023-02-24 16:30 - 19:00
This fun, informative, guided snowshoe trek leaves from the Mission Ridge Base Area and heads up to the Midway Lodge. The pace of each trek is fitted to the group’s interests and abilities. Great for first-time snowshoers and those looking for a unique, non-skiing, on-snow experience. Twilight Snowshoe Treks are approximately 1.5 miles in length, with an elevation gain of roughly 550 feet, and take approximately 2 hrs.
Suggested Gear: Boots that fit well and offer good ankle support, goggles, gloves, a winter hat, coat, snow pants & headlamp.
Creature Comforts if you have them: backpack, gaiters, and facemask.
Groups will meet at 4:30 PM in front of the Hampton Lodge Rental/Retail Shop and will depart promptly at 5:00 PM.
Price
$10 to register, $30 to rent snowshoes.
How To Purchase
Tours are available by reservation every Friday and Saturday evening from January 6th to February 25th.

Snowshoe Stroll At WRI
2023-02-23 10:00 - 12:00
Hosted by the Wenatchee River Institute
Thursdays (and select Sundays) in January & February @ 10am-12pm
Join the Wenatchee River Institute for a two-hour snowshoe stroll with our knowledgeable naturalists. Walk with us through Waterfront Park as the land turns white and the temperatures drop. You will learn about the natural and cultural history of Leavenworth with many scenic views along the way! What signs do we see along the trail that tell us what animals were there? How do the plants and animals survive winter? Snowshoes are provided and all experience levels are welcome.
More information and registration: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/education-programs/community-programs/seasonal-nature-walks.html

Western Monarchs: Migration, Adaptation and Resilience
2023-02-22 19:00 - 20:30
Red Barn event at Wenatchee River Institute/Zoom hybrid: Western Monarchs: Migration, Adaptation and Resilience by David G James February 22, 2023. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., start at 7:00 p.m.
https://www.wnps.org/wv-events/calendar/1782
This presentation by Dr. David G. James will provide the results of recent research on the migration biology of monarchs in the Pacific Northwest, as well as insights into the ability of monarchs to adapt to a warming climate. Despite reports to the contrary, the monarch does not face irretrievable doom and gloom. Instead, it is a shining example of how an insect can alter its biology to better suit a changing environment. Threats do exist to monarch survival (pesticides, host plant loss, parasites) however, none are overwhelming. A holistic view of monarch biology and ecology better describes the ability of this species to persist and show resilience.
