Land Acknowledgement
The land Wenatchee River Institute sits on is the ancestral homelands of the šnp̍əšqʷáw̉šəxʷ (p'squosa or Wenatchi) people. We offer a land acknowledgement as the first step to amplifying Indigenous voices and recognizing the harm done to them as a people. We stand as an ally to recognize their connection to the land and their rights to practice their culture on these sacred lands. The Wenatchee River Institute is committed to sharing this land acknowledgment and following up with other actions to educate and be respectful.
To read WRI's full Land Acknowledgement, click here.
Wenatchee River Institute Environmental Learning Center
The Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) is located on a 13-acre nature reserve, just downstream from the confluence of the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers. On the WRI Campus, there are many gardens, forest, fields, and trails with with panoramic views of the Wenatchee River and the Stuart Range. The WRI Campus and neighboring Enchantment Park protect over 50 acres of diverse habitats ranging from Ponderosa pine forest to riparian habitats.
See a map of the Wenatchee River Institute Campus.
Visitors are always welcome. We are just a short walk from downtown Leavenworth, and a world away from the hustle and bustle of Front Street. Even when the office is closed, there is so much to do on the grounds!
- Want to go birding? Check out a pair of binoculars from WRI for FREE in the River Haus during office hours and pick up a Nature Tour Brochure that lists our four eBird hotspots exist on our property. Take a walk around, write down the birds you see, and upload to the site to contribute to the community science project.
- Want to learn more about the art on the WRI Campus? Check out the self-guided audio art tour by Icicle Tours for $4.99 and hear from the artists themselves!
We are committed to continuing to make our campus and programs more accessible. Read more about accessibility of our campus and programs here.
The Gardens
Seven different gardens are spaced throughout the WRI Campus. Visitors are always welcome to come enjoy them! Many of our gardens were built and continue to be maintained by volunteers. We couldn't do this work without them! Self-guided garden walking tour brochures are available at the kiosk in the parking lot or online here. Learn more about the gardens below.
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Waterfall GardenTrickling sounds from the waterfall garden greet you when you ascend the stairs or accessible pathway from the parking lot. Look closely for birds who often enjoy the brisk waters! This garden rests on the footprint of the original waterfall that greeted guests to the River Haus when it was a bed and breakfast from 1982-2002. Thanks to Ann and Gary Colley for building and maintaining this garden for many years!
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Frances B. Field Memorial GardenFrances and Robert Field purchased this remarkable property in 1921. Frances, an avid gardener, created this garden. It was restored through the hard work of committed volunteers from the Cascade Garden Club (who still maintain it today!). The flowers were selected to replicate those that would have been planted from the 1920s-1950s by Frances. Pose for a photo under the enchanting archway and rest a moment on the bench.
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Pond GardenFollow the sounds of the Wenatchee River to the back side of the River Haus and you’ll discover the Pond Garden. Keep your eye out for furry or feathered visitors coming to enjoy a bath or a drink in the tranquil waters. Marmots and many deer have even been seen! Our Northern Flicker friend has also called the snag near the Pond Garden home. Thanks to Ann and Gary Colley for building and maintaining this garden for many years!
Photo by Lovejoy Images -
Dry Streambed GardenThis sweet lgarden mimics a native streambed after the swift waters from the spring mountain snowmelt has subsided. Bunch grasses, heather and irises all sprout up between the water-polished rocks. Stumps from the native Quaking Aspen tree provide a solid foundation for the two benches. Find the home of the dragonfly, created by Catey Luna and donated by Gro Buer. Thanks to Ann and Gary Colley for building and maintaining this garden for many years!
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Native Plant GardenNative plants thrive in their local soil and climate, providing important food and habitat for wildlife. This garden space invites you to learn more about the remarkable diversity of the upper Wenatchee watershed. Local fauna such as deer, chickadees and Western Skinks can be found browsing and hiding here. Check your knowledge on the posted plant name cards. Thanks to Gro Buer for building and maintaining this garden for many years!
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Community GardenE. Lorene Young, an early mayor of Leavenworth, donated her home and property for education and community purposes. Enter the gates and you are immediately struck by the charming artwork surrounding neatly tended community garden plots. Created in 2012 by a group of local volunteers, this garden was revitalized in 2018. An interactive mural by Methow artist, Ginger Reddington, invites the imagination on a scavenger hunt. All are welcome to enjoy this special community place!
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Bird Nest Rock GardenFeel the love from the mother Raven as she watches over her nest. The Bird Nest Rock Garden captures the beauty of natural stone. Ravens often build their nests on rocky cliffs and soar in the thermals above. Here we bring together two locally made art structures, The Raven created by Catey Luna and The Nest created by Kasey Koski. These pieces were assembled by Ann and Gary Colley and Don White.
Historic River Haus
Hand built over a century ago — this unique, iconic, and historic home embodies the history of settlement in the town of Leavenworth. Today the historic building is known as the "River Haus" and is the primary location for the Wenatchee River Institute administrative offices. We also share this space with Upper Valley MEND. Inside, you can find the Watershed Art Collection, countless taxidermy, and a butterfly and moth collection to view and learn from.* Feel free to come by during office hours from Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm to say hello and view the collections!
*Thanks to the many donors who made these collections possible: Four Point Taxidermy, Tubbs Taxidermy, Nature's Window, Gro Buer & Bruce Williams, Kathy and Jim McKenna, Dan McKenna, and Tom & Barbara Wysham.
Red Barn Learning Center
Our Red Barn Learning Center is a model of energy efficiency and solar design. With photo-voltaic panels on the roof generating electricity and solar hot water providing heat for radiant floor heating, this building is as much a teaching tool as it is a place to learn.
In the Red Barn, we host youth, adult, and community education programs. It is well appointed to accommodate everything from science labs to art classes, lectures, films, acoustic music performances and more!
Outdoor Classroom
In 2022, WRI broke ground on our newest structure on the WRI Campus, the Outdoor Classroom. The Outdoor Classroom is a covered outdoor space that has electricity and lighting. It provides cover for participants in WRI's programming during the rain and snow, allowing for outdoor education to happen year-round no matter the conditions. This space is also a community space for all to use at a first come, first served basis when not being used for programs. Want a good picnic spot? We have you covered!
The Outdoor Classroom would not have been possible without funding and support from the Leavenworth Rotary, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, City of Leavenworth, Alison Miller Architect, Morrish Design, Wiley Construction, and Leavenworth Electric and Excavation. Thank you!
E. Lorene Young House & Property
The E. Lorene Young (ELY) Property sits adjacent to our eastern border and was acquired through a partnership with the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. E. Lorene Young left a legacy by donating her property with the vision that her beautiful 3-acres of waterfront remained undeveloped.
The ELY House is used primarily as a program space for Mountain Sprouts Children's Community, a non-profit providing the Upper Valley with outdoor-based early childhood education. The lot north of the ELY House has become an active Community Garden.
The Wenatchee River Institute is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit. EIN 20-5611326
