WRI

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

 

Hello *{{Informal Name}}*,

 

As summer winds down, we're looking forward to more volunteer opportunities as the school year begins. There's still time to apply to be on our Board of Directors! It is a great professional development opportunity.

 

We wanted to share a reminder that Community Programs are currently limited while the Red Barn undergoes construction during August and September. We can’t wait to resume Red Barn Events this October! Stay tuned and keep an eye on our calendar for updates.

Take a look at all the opportunities below, and let us know if you’d like to join us. We’d love to have you!

 

Highlights

Volunteer opportunities detailed below:

  1. LAST CALL: Apply for the Board of Directors
  2. Volunteer Open House - RSVP here
  3. Washington State Naturalist Course - Apply here
  4. Wenatchee Bird Walk - Email Virginia
  5. Sunset & S'mores - Email Angela
  6. Camp Recovery Beyond Workshop - Email Angela
  7. Youth Programs: Field Days - Coming soon!
  8. WRI River Haus Gardens - Email Angela
  9. Cascade Garden Club: WRI Gardens - Email Angela
  10. Recap of 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
 
WRI hosting a Volunteer Open House in September of 2025. Participants mingle near the fireplace in the River Haus.

Volunteer Open House
Thursday, September 24th
5:00PM-7:00PM

Come connect with the WRI community, enjoy light snacks and drinks, and meet our team! From 5:00PM-6:00PM, we’ll mingle and share all the exciting ways you can support WRI as a volunteer.

There will be a general training about volunteering at WRI. Then we will split into groups based on your interest area. For anyone interested in Youth Education, it's highly recommended to stick around for the training. Let us know you're coming by clicking the link below!

Volunteer Here
 
Washington State Naturalist Program 2026 flyer

WSU Washington State Naturalist Program – Applications Open!

The Washington State Naturalist Program is a year-long program that teaches Washington residents about regional ecosystems and principles of ecology. The goal is for participants to earn their naturalist certification and develop into community educators and stewards for environmental organizations statewide. To become a certified Naturalist through WSU, participants must complete online courses, 20 hours of field learning experiences, and 20 hours of volunteering with a local partner organization. Local participants can fulfill their volunteer hours directly with WRI by supporting our Youth Field Days or Community Programs!

Apply Here

P.S. Looking for another option? Wenatchee Valley College Continuing Education invites you to embark on a wonder-filled adventure by becoming a Wenatchee Naturalist. This includes memberships to WRI and Chelan-Douglas Land Trust.

 

Community Programs

Group of birders at the Wenatchee Public Library and WRI Bird Walk along the Columbia River in July 2026.

Wenatchee Bird Walk

Tuesday, August 25th

10:00AM-11:30PM

We're looking for volunteers to help families and children with binoculars and to hike with the group and provide a welcoming presence. Walk will be guided by a WRI Educator. Volunteers don't need to be birders (though that's always a plus!). Walk will start at Walla Walla Point Park and walk to Horan Natural Area in Wenatchee.

 

If you're interested in helping, reach out to Virginia.

 

Photo by Wenatchee Public Library, July 2026 Wenatchee Bird Walk

 
Image of the River Haus Lawn set up with tables and canopies for the 2025 Sunset & S'mores event.

Sunset & S'mores

Wednesday, September 30th

5:30PM-7:30PM

Looking for a fun way to spend an evening outdoors while supporting the community? We’re gearing up for Sunset & S'mores, and we’d love your help to make it a wonderful evening for everyone!

Our beverage serving team is already fully covered, but we’re looking for friendly, hands-on volunteers to assist with a few other essential roles.

Roles We Need Help With

  • Set-Up: Help set up tables, signage, and activity areas before guests arrive.
  • Activity Station Support: Guide participants and keep the fun rolling at our event activity stations. You'll be paired with a WRI staff member.
  • Bussing: Help keep tables clear, tidy, and welcoming throughout the event. Direct guests to the correct trash receptacles. 

Volunteer Perks


As a token of our gratitude, everyone who signs up to support these roles will receive a complimentary meal! Enjoy great food, sweet treats, and a beautiful evening at WRI on us.

 

If you're interested in helping, reach out to Angela.

 
Picture from prior WRI Block Printing workshop in the Red Barn.

Camp Recovery Beyond Workshop

Saturday, August 29th

9:15AM-12:45PM

Volunteer Ride & Craft Buddy Needed! We’re looking for a helpful volunteer driver to take Tiffa to Camp Zanika (Lake Wenatchee). Tiffa will be on crutches and needs a ride to/from the event (leaving Leavenworth around 9:15 AM and returning around 12:45 PM). As a big thank-you for helping with transport and light mobility support, you’ll get to participate in the Linocut Workshop and make your own linocut and block print to take home! Mileage reimbursement available.

 

Contact Angela if you're interested.

 

Youth Education

Kids running in a line with binoculars searching for birds.

Youth Programs: Field Days

As teachers get settled into the fall routine, we’re getting ready to launch our upcoming Youth Education volunteer schedule!

Help inspire the next generation of nature lovers by volunteering with our Field Day Programs. You’ll assist with hands-on science exploration right here on campus for local school classes.

How to Get Involved:

  • Join the Volunteer Open House: Come for specific training and sample of educational stations that are covered during the fall Youth Programs.
  • Watch Your Inbox: We’ll share a sign-up form listing open weekday shifts during school hours. We hope to have sign-ups by our September Volunteer Email.
  • Submit Your Preferences: Spots are first-come, first-served, so be sure to fill out your availability early.
  • Get Confirmed: You’ll receive an initial email confirming your scheduled dates (plus any backup dates), followed by a final details reminder right before your Field Day.

Course Credit: If you need volunteer hours for a class (like WANAT), you’ll receive priority scheduling as long as you submit your availability promptly.

 

Campus Volunteer Opportunities

Waterfall Garden outside of the River Haus.

Help Maintain the River Haus Gardens

Our team needs a few green thumbs to help care for the three ornamental gardens around the River Haus. We’re looking for volunteers to drop in for light weeding and deadheading spent blooms:

  • Pond Garden: Best for those who love a good weeding session (our most wild spot!).
  • Waterfall Garden & Accessible Path: Ideal for someone who wants to tackle our largest garden space.
  • Dry Riverbed Garden: Perfect if you're looking for a lighter, lower-maintenance project.

Tiffa can guide you on exactly which plants to remove or trim back before you get started. We’ll just ask that you report your hours to us after each visit so we can track volunteer impact!

 

If you're interested in helping, reach out to Angela.

 
Cascade Garden Club tending to the Community Garden.

Cascade Garden Club

Bi-weekly Opportunities

Join Cascade Garden Club  for two recurring volunteer opportunities at WRI! The Frances Field Memorial Garden crew meets every other Tuesday for quick 1.5- to 2-hour sessions tackling pruning, deadheading, and light maintenance—their next workday is Tuesday, August 25th at 8:00AM to beat the heat. Meanwhile, the "Gardening Gang" gathers twice a month at the Community Garden on Thursday mornings, the next ones will meet on Thursday, August 20th at 8:30 AM.

 

To get involved, reach out to Angela or reach out directly to Cascade Garden Club to be added to their emails.

 

2026 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Recap

Picture of WRI volunteers enjoying dinner at the 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in the Red Barn.

Celebrating Our Incredible WRI Volunteers!

We say it all the time, but we truly couldn't do what we do without our amazing volunteer community. From helping out with Youth Programs to keeping our campus beautiful, our volunteers are the heartbeat of the Wenatchee River Institute. Read our latest blog post recapping our 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for a big, heartfelt thank you to everyone who dedicates their time and energy to connecting people with nature.

 

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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Picture of flowers in the vase on the table for the Sunset & S'mores dinner in 2025.