Impact

Our Vision

A community that cares for and engages in the natural world.

Our Mission

We connect people, communities and the natural world.

The Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) believes the greatest hope for the future is through connecting people, communities and the natural world. We engage thousands of learners annually through transformative environmental education on our campus in Leavenworth and across North Central Washington. Each experience is created to help participants understand their environment and discover the impact they can have in the world and their community.

Our Values

Respect: We believe respect is the foundation of relationships between the natural world, people, and communities. We respect the rights of nature and of all people. 

Responsibility: We commit to advocating for the natural world, people, and communities. We are accountable for our actions and attitudes, and their impact now and for future generations. 

Relevance: We are committed to evolving. This means staying relevant within the community and the environmental programs we teach by reflecting current events, changing demographics, and environmental challenges. 

Connection: We believe our social and environmental interconnectedness is essential. When we live in reciprocity with nature and each other, we create a better future.

2024 Annual Report Highlights

At Wenatchee River Institute (WRI), we believe in the power of connecting people, communities, and the natural world. Every year, thanks to your support, thousands of people of all ages experience hands-on opportunities to learn, explore, and care for the environment.

Youth Education

9,749 student connections across 23 schools in 8 Washington counties (2023/2024 school year).
New in 2024: After School Program launched to meet community needs.
Programs gave young naturalists of all backgrounds opportunities to explore—from stargazing to wading in rivers for macroinvertebrates.
Our goal: inspire every student to discover their own reason to care for the natural world.

Youth Programs

Community Programs

3,256 participants in 107 programs in 2024.
79% of programs were free or Pay What You Can, lowering barriers and increasing equitable access.
Signature programs like Bird Fest and the Trashion Show continued to thrive.
New offerings like Plant Foraging Workshops helped participants connect with the edible and medicinal plants around us.

“Decreasing barriers is the way to equity.” – Jordan, Pay What You Can program participant.

Community Programs

Volunteers

2,713 volunteer hours contributed in 2024.
Volunteers supported everything from teaching programs to making campus a welcoming, beautiful space.
New in 2024: volunteers planted 300+ native plants on campus, enhancing habitat for pollinators and people.
First Volunteer Appreciation Gathering since 2020 celebrated the people who make our work possible.

Volunteer Signup

Financial Stewardship

$1,066,546 total income in 2024.
73% of income came from fundraising: donations, local business sponsorships, and grants.
Major investment made in staff wages to ensure WRI remains a great place to work.
Your contributions sustain programs, facilities, and the future of WRI.

Looking Ahead

Expanding accessibility through the Pay What You Can model.
Continuing to strengthen partnerships across North Central Washington.
Deepening our commitment to being allies to Indigenous communities who have lived here since time immemorial.
Investing in improvements to the E. Lorene Young House and campus.

Together, we are building a community that cares for and engages in the natural world. Thank you for being part of the WRI story.

View 2024 Annual Report