WRI

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

 

Hello *{{Informal Name}}*,

 

May has officially arrived in the valley! This is one of our most vibrant months of the year, and we are reaching out to our lovely community to help us bring these seasonal celebrations to life. While we have various ways to get involved throughout the month, our primary focus is the 24th Annual Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest, taking place May 14–17. Whether you are a seasoned birder or someone who just loves being part of a local tradition, there is a place for you here. You certainly don’t need to be an expert to make a difference—we just need your energy and enthusiasm to help our feathered friends (and their fans) have a fantastic weekend!

 

Check out the opportunities below to find the perfect fit for your schedule and interests. We couldn't do this work without you!

 

Highlights

Volunteer opportunities detailed below:

  1. 2026 Volunteer Waiver - Sign now
  2. WRI Volunteer Appreciation - RSVP here
  3. Youth Programs: Field Days - May-June opportunities
  4. Beverage Serving - Email Angela if available
  5. Bird Fest Support - Email Angela if available
  6. Campus Volunteer Events - Email Tiffa if interested
  7. Blackbird Island Pond - Email Angela 
 
2025 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for WRI Volunteers

WRI Volunteer Appreciation

Tuesday, June 9th

5:30PM-7:30PM

The team here at WRI is incredibly grateful for the time and energy you share with us. Whether you’ve spent hours teaching students, beautifying our grounds, serving on our board, or supporting us behind the scenes—you make this work possible.

Last year, WRI volunteers logged over 3,200 hours of service across every facet of our programming. To honor that incredible dedication, we are excited to invite you to a night of celebration and gratitude.

 

All volunteers from the past year are invited to join us for dinner, drinks, and community; free of charge. Who is invited? This event is specifically designed to celebrate our hardworking volunteers. Each volunteer is welcome to bring one guest to join in the festivities. Please RSVP, so we can plan accordingly.

The Vibe: An evening of food, connection, and heartfelt thanks for the community that keeps WRI growing.

Celebrate Here
 

Youth Education

Kids running in a line with binoculars searching for birds.

Youth Programs: Field Days

NEW DATES! Get ready for a rewarding spring! We have an action-packed schedule May into June. Whether you're a seasoned mentor or a first-timer, your involvement is what makes these experiences truly meaningful for our students. To get started, please check out our availability form, which shows how many volunteers are needed for specific dates and times. We will send you a confirmation email for the dates you are needed. Thank you for being such a vital part of WRI’s youth programs—we can't wait to see you out there!

Volunteer Here
 

Community Programs

A picture of canned Icicle Brewing beer, cans of sparkling water, and a red wine from Goose Ridge.

Beverage Serving Opportunities

Keep our guests refreshed. Volunteer to serve beverages at WRI's events and help create a welcoming atmosphere. The profits go towards supporting WRI's mission. Upcoming needs are:

 

Bird Fest (May 14-17, 2026):

  • Thursday May 14 | Movie Night: "Listers: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching"
    • 5:30–8:15PM: 1 to 2 volunteers
  • Friday, May 15th | Happy Hour & Game Night

    • Shift 1 (2:30–5:00PM): Help with setup and beverage sales.

    • Shift 2 (4:45–7:15PM): Manage beverage sales and assist with event cleanup.

  • Saturday, May 16th | Birders' BBQ
    • 4:30–6:45PM: 2–3 volunteers

If you’re interested in volunteering at any of the dates above, please email Angela.

 

Being a beverage server requires a current Washington MAST certification.

 
WRI staff and volunteers at 2025 Bird Fest Community Fair table

Bird Fest Support

Leavenworth Bird Fest 2026 is just around the corner, and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this year’s celebration a soaring success. While the festival runs from May 14–17, our greatest need for support is on Friday and Saturday at the WRI campus, where the heart of the action takes place. Whether you’re interested in pouring drinks (see above) at our social gatherings or helping us arrange the grounds, your time and energy are what make this community event possible.

 

We have several key roles available for those looking to get involved:

  • Saturday, May 16th | Community Fair
    • WRI Info Table (12:00-3:00PM): Help greet visitors at welcome table.
    • WRI Education Booth (will be paired with WRI Staff)
      • 9:30PM-12:30PM: 1 volunteer needed
      • 12:30-3:30PM: 2 volunteers needed
    • Make & Take a Lego Bird (9:00AM-12:00PM): Support set up and check-in for the workshop. No experience necessary. 1 to 2 volunteers.
    • Artist Gallery (10:00AM-3:00PM): Greet people coming to view the artwork. 1 volunteer needed.
    • Birders' BBQ
      • Set-up or stay for the whole event (3:00-4:00PM): 1 to 2 volunteers
      • Bussing tables and tear-down (5:00-7:00PM): 1 to 2 volunteers

If you're interested in helping out with Bird Fest, reach out to Angela to let us know your availability. More details to come!

 

Campus Volunteer Events

A image of wood raised beds in E. Lorene Young Community Garden.

Nature Menders

Tuesdays starting April 21st

8:30AM-10:30AM

Transitioning from "Weed Warriors," this rebranding shifts our focus from battling invasives to the intentional stewardship of the plants we want to see thrive. As Nature Menders, we work collaboratively with the landscape to foster a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Join us every Tuesday. We’ll gather weekly to enjoy the morning cool until the summer heat sets in. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a curious neighbor, come help us support our native habitat and give the garden the care it deserves.

Cascade Garden Club tending to the Community Garden.

Garden Club

Bi-weekly starting April 16th

Starting April 16, the Garden Club will begin hosting bi-weekly volunteer sessions at the Community Garden focused on weeding and general cleanup. Each meetup is scheduled to last two hours, with the timing designed to adapt to the changing seasons; while sessions will likely begin around 10:00 AM during the spring, the start time will shift earlier in the morning as the weather gets hotter.

 

Special thanks to the Cascade Garden Club!

Questions about the Nature Menders or Garden Club? Email Tiffa.

 
Cascade High School Seniors help clean up flood debris from the Blackbird Island Pond.

Blackbird Island Pond

Saturday, May 9th

10:00AM-12:00PM

Blackbird Island Pond serves as a vital outdoor classroom where young learners connect directly with the local ecosystem. During our Summer Camps, the pond becomes a hub of activity as Trout Unlimited volunteers teach children the art of fishing and stewardship. Following the damage from the December flooding, we are hosting a work party on May 9th to prepare the area for the season.

 

Volunteers will be clearing the perimeter trail and tidying the banks; if you have a boat, please feel free to bring it to help push floating debris to the edge for removal. If you are interested in joining us to restore this beloved community resource, please come ready to help. Contact Angela if you have any quesitons.

 

Thank you again for your involvement with WRI and your commitment to your community. We appreciate you!

Sincerely,

Angela Crampton (she/her)

Outreach Coordinator

Wenatchee River Institute

acrampton@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org

509-548-0181 ext. 7

 

Angela Crampton, WRI Outreach Coordinator
 
A photo compilation of attendees in several WRI programs like painting, mushroom foraging, and wreath making.

P.S. If you're no longer interested in volunteering with WRI, please let me know and you will be taken off of our volunteer list.

 
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Preparing the campus for the Cascadia Prescribed Burn Association Biochar Demonstration on May 1, 2026.