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Impact

A group of students making observations in their nature journals in front of WRI's River Haus.

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. 

2025 Annual Report Highlights

At the 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. 

2024 Annual Report
  • Kids pointing at a knot in a tree during a WRI Field Day.

    Kids pointing at a knot in a tree during a WRI Field Day.

  • Accessible pathway leading up to the main entrance of the River Haus that was created in 2025, with thanks to Mike Bedard and WRI Staff.

    Accessible pathway leading up to the main entrance of the River Haus that was created in 2025, with thanks to Mike Bedard and WRI Staff.

  • In 2025, WRI's After School Program was kickstarted in the spring, 18 students visited WRI 2 to 4 times each week and enjoyed exploring the grounds and reading the featured StoryWalk® book.

    In 2025, WRI's After School Program was kickstarted in the spring, 18 students visited WRI 2 to 4 times each week and enjoyed exploring the grounds and reading the featured StoryWalk® book.

  • Fifth grade students from Brewster Elementary participated in Field Day at Lake Chelan State Park through WRI's Traveling Naturalist in the Classroom Program.

    Fifth grade students from Brewster Elementary participated in Field Day at Lake Chelan State Park through WRI's Traveling Naturalist in the Classroom Program.

  • Leavenworth Bird Walk participants viewing an osprey along the Wenatchee River.

    Leavenworth Bird Walk participants viewing an osprey along the Wenatchee River.

  • A father and son sharing a kayak paddle during a River Discovery Tour.

    A father and son sharing a kayak paddle during a River Discovery Tour.

  • Lisa never let obstacles slow her down. One summer, she continued solo patrols in the Glacier Peak Wilderness in an arm cast, testing the bounds of what could be done, literally, single-handedly.

    Lisa never let obstacles slow her down. One summer, she continued solo patrols in the Glacier Peak Wilderness in an arm cast, testing the bounds of what could be done, literally, single-handedly.

  • To Lisa, the mountains weren't just a job; they were a place of profound connection that she carried with her throughout her life.

    To Lisa, the mountains weren't just a job; they were a place of profound connection that she carried with her throughout her life.

  • Over 80 volunteers showed up at WRI ready to work, chainsaws in hand, to help WRI dig out following December's atmospheric river storm event. No storm is a match for WRI volunteers!

    Over 80 volunteers showed up at WRI ready to work, chainsaws in hand, to help WRI dig out following December's atmospheric river storm event. No storm is a match for WRI volunteers!

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Youth Education

  • In the 2024-2025 school year, there were 12,384 student connections across 33 schools in 5 Washington counties. 
  • 27% increase in student contacts and one of our highest numbers of Field Days to date.
  • WRI's Youth Camps and After School Program (ASP) in Leavenworth offer unforgettable outdoor adventures while providing essential, reliable options for working families.
  • WRI's goal is to inspire every student to discover their own reason to care for the natural world. 
"ASP has grown so much, and I've loved the projects our son has done." - WRI ASP Parent

Community Programs

  • In 2025, there were 3,744 participants in 126 Community Programs. 
  • 95% of Community 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. 
  • Programs like Red Barn Events and Science on Tap offer a hub for local organizations and experts to share their knowledge with the public.

Volunteers

  • In 2025, 231 volunteers contributed 3,284 volunteer hours to WRI.
  • Volunteers supported everything from teaching programs to making campus a welcoming, beautiful space. 
  • Over 80 volunteers showed up to help clean up the WRI campus after the storm in December 2025.
  • Honoring a legacy of volunteerism: Thank you, Lisa Therrell!

Financial Stewardship

  • See the figures below to see a breakdown of WRI's income and expenses in 2025.
  • In 2025, 69% of WRI's income came from fundraising including donations, business sponsorships, and grants. 
  • There are 472 member households enrolled as of February 2026 — a leap from the 388 member households from the prior membership cycle from June 1st, 2024 to May 31st, 2025!
  • Your contributions sustain programs, facilities, and the future of WRI. Thank you!
A graphic with two pie charts highlighting Wenatchee River Institute's 2025 income and expenses..

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
View 2023 Annual Report
View 2022 Annual Report
View 2021 Annual Report

Graphic with green lines that look like waves on a river.

To view WRI's most recent IRS Form 990, click here.

Read more about the history of WRI in this downloadable PDF.

The Wenatchee River Institute is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit. EIN 20-5611326

Thank you to our recent business supporters and funders!
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