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Traveling Naturalist

Youth Programs

Bringing trained naturalists to elementary students across North Central Washington

The Traveling Naturalist After School Program leads active, hands-on experiences with students in five Wenatchee elementary schools.


The Traveling Naturalist Classroom Program reaches 4th and 5th grade classrooms across North Central Washington. Curriculum is experiential, aligns with Next Generation Science Standards, and focuses on structure and function in the natural world. The program includes:

  • Monthly classroom visits.
  • Field days at WRI’s 9-acre campus in Leavenworth or at a natural area nearby the school.

Currently, WRI is visiting 5 different elementary schools including 24 classrooms of 4th and 5th grade students. Each class will be visited about 7 times throughout the school year!


The Traveling Naturalist Summer Program brings children from farm worker housing in Monitor to Barn Beach Reserve to participate in WRI summer camps. This program is focused on connecting youth to the natural world, making new friends, and having fun.


Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact programs@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org or call 509-548-0181. If you are interested in volunteering for the Traveling Naturalist Program, fill out the volunteer form here.

Thank You to our Traveling Naturalist Program Funders

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