WRI

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

 

Hello *{{Informal Name}}*,

 

Spring has officially arrived on campus, and with it, a whirlwind of energy and opportunity. We are now just two weeks away from the 5th annual Trashion Show, where creativity meets sustainability on the runway. Hot on its heels is Bird Fest, just one month away! Whether you want to help behind the scenes of a major production or get your binoculars ready for festival guests, the time to jump in is now.

Beyond our signature events, April is all about giving back to the land we love. In honor of Earth Month, we have several campus-wide volunteer events focused on stewardship and restoration. We’re also rolling up our sleeves to get the Community Garden prepped and ready for planting as soon as that last frost clears.

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 - April-June opportunities
  4. Beverage Serving - Email Angela if available
  5. Trashion Show Support - Email Angela
  6. Bird Fest Support - Email Angela if available
  7. Community Garden Planter Box Rebuild - RSVP here
  8. Earth Day Trash Pick-Up - RSVP here
  9. Spring Fundraising Campaign Office Help - Email Randee
 
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.

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

Get ready for a rewarding spring! We have an action-packed schedule April into June, featuring roughly 28 days of volunteer opportunities supporting nine local schools. 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:

 

Valley of the Bears Film Screening | 1 to 2 volunteers

THIS Friday, April 10th | Volunteer hours: 6:15-8:45PM

 

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 or Virginia if mentioned.

 

Being a beverage server requires a current Washington MAST certification.

 
WRI Staff dressed up at the Trashion Show in 2024

Trashion Show Support

Get involved with Leavenworth's premier upcycled fashion event - Trashion Show! We will need help with setup, model wrangling, beverage serving, and more! See current needs below.  

  • 1:00PM-3:00PM: 1-2 volunteers needed for setting up chairs, runway, and stage
  • 5:00PM-7:00PM: 3-4 volunteers needed to guide models

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

 
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
    • Setup Crew (8:00–10:00AM): Help us kick things off by setting up vendor tables and booth locations.
    • WRI Info Table (12:00-3:00PM): Help greet visitors at welcome table.
    • WRI Education Booth (10:00AM-3:00PM with 2-hour shifts): Help with fun nature-inspired activities (best for youth education volunteers). 
    • Make & Take a Lego Bird (9:00AM-12:00PM): Support set up and check-in for the workshop.
    • Artist Gallery (10:00AM-3:00PM): Greet people coming to view the artwork.
  • Saturday, May 16th | Birders' BBQ
    • Event Prep (Starting at 3:30PM): 2–3 volunteers needed to arrange tables and prep the space.

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.

Community Garden Planter Box Rebuild

Wednesday, April 15th

10:00AM-12:00PM

There are only 12 boxes left to replace in the E. Lorene Young Community Garden, and we need your help to finish this project! These new boxes will serve community members for the next decade of fruit, vegetable, herb, and flower growing.

This is a family friendly volunteer event! WRI will have the materials and hand tools available for the work. We hope for 10 volunteers to come! The more the merrier.

Build Here
WRI volunteers ready to pick up trash around the campus.

Earth Day Trash Pick-Up

Wednesday, April 22nd

9:00AM-11:00AM

Participate in a community cleanup of all the litter that accumulated over the winter along the riverfront trails. We will have gloves and bags available for volunteers!

Meet at the WRI parking lot. We will walk along the trails and pick up any trash that we find. Extra points for microplastics!

Pick-Up Here
 
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.

WRI volunteers ready to pick up trash around the campus.

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.

 
WRI staff and volunteers at 2025 Bird Fest Community Fair table

Join Our Spring Mailing Crew!

We are gearing up for our annual Spring Fundraising Campaign and are looking for 2–3 volunteers to join us in the office for a few days of "mailing party" fun. This is a vital part of our outreach, as every envelope stuffed and sealed helps us connect with the community and raise the necessary funds for our upcoming season of programming.

We are currently aiming for the window of April 27-29, though the exact timing will depend on when our printing partners deliver the materials and, of course, your own availability. It’s a relaxed, low-stress way to spend a morning or afternoon making a high-impact contribution to our mission.

If you’re interested in joining, please email Randee.

 
Picture of LIsa Therrell in her Forest Service uniform standing against a tree.

Busy Hands and Big Hearts: Celebrating the Life of Lisa Therrell 

At the Wenatchee River Institute (WRI), we often talk about our mission to connect people, communities and the natural world. Rarely, however, do we see that mission so perfectly embodied in a single person. Lisa Therrell was more than a board member, a volunteer, and a donor; she was a gardener who carefully tended to the people and projects that continue to help our community bloom today. Lisa embodied WRI’s mission through hands-on service, stewardship of place, and everyday teaching. 

Read Full Tribute Here
 

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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A picture of  judges from the 2025 Trashion Show.