Starting on Sept. 26, Instructor Susan Ballinger teaches the twelve-week Wednesday evening course (6-8 pm) and four Saturday field trips held on Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Nov. 17, and Dec. 1. Field trips explore habitats along the White, Entiat, Columbia, and Wenatchee River corridors, guided by expert guest field scientists.

If you are looking for a way to deepen your connection to both the natural and human aspects of our collective home, consider becoming a Wenatchee Naturalist! Registration is now open for the next 50-hour Wenatchee Naturalist course offered by Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) Continuing Education, Sept. 26-Dec.19, 2018. The course is designed to allow participants to meet new friends, discover lovely local places to visit again, and to gain new eyes for the natural wonders of North Central Washington. To date, 188 people, ages 12-81, have completed the course.

The interdisciplinary course includes readings, lectures, handouts, guest scientists, labs, and nature journaling. Field trips explore three ecosystems (shrub-steppe, riparian, & dry forest) focusing on 100 common species of the Wenatchee watershed. Every class includes hands-on activities and practice using a science field journal. Tuition is $365 and includes supplies, a field journal, and a loaned min-library and hand lens. Clock-hours for teachers are available.