September 17th E-Newsletter |
Autumn is here, and so are fresh opportunities to connect with nature and community at WRI! Join us for creative workshops like painting, beading, and outdoor photography, or take a guided nature walk to soak in the season. September is your last chance for Paint & Stroll on Friday, September 26th, so join us before it ends.
We’re also thrilled to share that Science on Tap is back this fall in Wenatchee! Stay tuned for details on upcoming speakers and topics—this is your chance to enjoy an evening of science, conversation, and community. |
Final Birding Events of the Season |
Don’t miss your chance—only three birding events remain this season! See the list below and join us. All events run from 8:00–10:00 AM. You can still enjoy Birding by the River in Leavenworth and the Wenatchee Bird Walk through the end of October. |
4th annual Sunset & S'mores
Wednesday, October 1st 5:00PM-7:30PM
Registration closes on Tuesday, September 23rd at 11:59pm! |
Join us at WRI for Sunset & S’mores, an evening of food, drinks, and hands-on fun! Your ticket includes a delicious meal from Ravenous Catering, a beverage of your choice, and access to engaging activities with WRI Field Educators. Explore the Traveling Planetarium (sign-ups available for event attendees), get hands-on with Skulls & Skins, and interact with our Watershed Model. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate our amazing WRI community. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Registration closes on September 23rd. |
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Outdoor Photography Workshops |
Step outside and into the natural world—ready to see, frame, and capture! This outdoor photo field trip will train your eye and spark your creativity. Learn how to observe your environment like a photographer, compose dynamic shots using natural light, and create a mini nature photo story. |
*9 sign-ups needed by Monday, September 21, 2025. |
| Astronomy along the River
Thursday, October 2nd 7:30PM-9:00PM |
Join the Wenatchee Valley Astronomy Club for a family-friendly journey through the night sky! Using a variety of telescopes, we’ll explore the Milky Way and highlight some of the best celestial objects to view. You’ll also learn telescope basics, the different types available, and tips to make your stargazing experience even better. |
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Join us for creativity and learning. Local Indigenous artist and owner of Mystic North Jewelry, Amanda Keewatinawin, will be leading two workshops on the Indigenous art form of beading. She will be sharing knowledge on the history of Indigenous beadwork and how to create your beaded earrings or lanyard/bracelet.
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Contact Virginia to be added to the waitlist. |
| Science on Tap: The Road to Better Transit Tuesday, October 21st
7:00PM-8:00PM |
Join WRI at Ground Control for Science on Tap, a free, casual evening of science, drinks, and conversation. Cristina Barone of Barone Transit Planning will share insights on what makes transit systems work, from planning decisions to the move toward fare-free service, followed by time for Q&A. |
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Join us in the Red Barn for engaging events where experts in their fields share insights on a variety of fascinating topics. Can’t make it in person? No problem—we live stream to our YouTube all events so you can tune in from anywhere. We encourage you to RSVP, but feel free to simply show up and be part of the conversation!
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Fish War Thursday, October 9th 6:00PM-8:00PM |
Explore the history and legacy of Washington’s Fish Wars in this powerful Red Barn screening, highlighting the struggles of Indigenous tribal fishers and the ongoing fight to protect salmon. Stick around after the film screening for a discussion and Q&A. |
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Friends of Mission Ridge Friday, October 17th 7:00PM-8:00PM |
Join Friends of Mission Ridge at WRI’s Red Barn on October 17 for a screening of Ridge to River and a community discussion about the proposed luxury resort development near Mission Ridge and its potential ecological and cultural impacts. |
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Mark Your Calendar for These Upcoming Red Barn Events |
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Chimpanzees in Cle Elum?! | October 23rd | RSVP
- Stories from Lake Chelan | November 13th | RSVP
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Want to volunteer and get your hands dirty? Join us for upcoming volunteer events on the WRI campus! Help us plant 500 native plants to support bumblebee habitat restoration—a huge thanks to Derby Canyon Natives and the Xerces Society for their generous donation. Dates include:
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Take part in Make A Difference Day on Saturday, October 25th as we upgrade the garden beds in our Community Garden. These are great opportunities to spend time outdoors and make a meaningful impact on our local environment.
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Scroll to the bottom of the page to see all the dates and register. |
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WRI's After School Program kicked off on campus last week! It’s refreshing to hear the laughter and curiosity of students exploring the trails, gardens, and outdoor spaces once again after a short break from our summer programs. We’re excited to see their enthusiasm for hands-on learning and nature-based activities as the new season of programming begins.
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Campers in grades K–3 are invited to join us at WRI for two fun-filled fall days on October 23rd and 24th from 10:00 AM–3:00PM. Registration opens on Thursday, September 25 at 5:30PM—mark your calendars! |
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Traveling Naturalist in the News! |
We’re making headlines! NCW Life recently featured WRI’s efforts to raise $100,000 to keep our Traveling Naturalist in the Classroom Program going strong. The article highlights why this program is so important for local students—bringing nature lessons into classrooms every month and leading field days that inspire curiosity and connection.
As the school year kicks off, we’re working hard to make sure this beloved program continues to reach students across North Central Washington. |
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Washington State Naturalist Program
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The Washington State Naturalist Program trains volunteers to explore, understand, and share Washington’s natural ecosystems. Participants complete online learning modules and hands-on field experiences, gaining skills in ecology, stewardship, and science communication. After certification, naturalists volunteer with local organizations (including WRI) on conservation, education, and restoration projects, helping inspire others to care for our state’s natural resources.
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Applications close September 29th. |
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Land Steward Observations |
The hardest part of my job is when an organism is harmed by my actions. Even though removing invasive plants helps native ones thrive, I still feel bad pulling or cutting them. The same goes for pests—they didn’t choose to be here, and it’s hard for me to kill them.
Recently, while weed-whacking the community garden paths, I accidentally hit two garter snakes. The larger one escaped, but the smaller seemed paralyzed. I moved it to a quiet spot, and when I checked 30 minutes later, it was gone—hopefully off living its little snake life in peace. I’ll be more careful next time. Written by Tiffa Theden, WRI's Land Steward |
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Lost something? Our Lost & Found is full of treasures waiting to go home! Stop by WRI River Haus during open hours to look through items and claim anything that belongs to you. If anything in the photo above looks familiar, please email us to arrange pickup. Unclaimed items will be donated after September 30th, so be sure to check soon!
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Wenatchee River Institute is looking for passionate leaders to join our Board of Directors! As a board member, you’ll help guide our mission, support environmental education, and strengthen connections between people, community, and the natural world. We welcome applications and nominations from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. |
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Thank you to our donors from the past 2 weeks! |
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Anonymous Donors Steve and Betsy Backstrom in honor of Arne Backstrom - Sustaining
Steve and Laura Sozio Rod and Teresa Goninan Jerry and Barbara Phillips Theresa and Richard D-Litzenberger Connie Cogburn and Andy Day - Sustaining Hillary and Chris Clark - Sustaining Annette Jouard and John Taylor - Sustaining Taelor and Jake Carvitto Crunch Pak LLC Bob and Janet Frey Chuck and Candace Egner - Sustaining David Stoller and Diane Patterson - Sustaining Ted Alway and Patricia Ortiz Paul and Sara Bueren Mountain Home Lodge Scot Brower Bob Bugert and Carolyn Griffin-Bugert - Sustaining Susan Polizzi Dawn and Robert Kaufman Bill Jenkins Lonnie and Jordan Schwirtlich Suzann and Robert Lombard
Kamuron Gurol - Sustaining Jenny and Ken Ezpeleta Mary Austin |
| Gro Buer and Bruce Williams - Sustaining Mia and Jay Bretz
Deborah Andrews Jacobsen Pat and Gary Willett Michele Vallor James Whitesides Meeche White Christa Cacciata Vincent Badagnani
Lisa and Jim Osse - Sustaining David Zazzo and Katie Jones - Sustaining Beth DiDomenico Jill and Joel Martinez - Sustaining Connie McCauley in honor of Ann Fink Jillian Nordness Sarah Jefferds Roy and Lois Bahnson Rich and Soli Brinkman Lori Aylesworth and John McKerlie
Kathryn and Doug Drew ThanhVan Tran and Stewart Hoover Robes Parrish and Crissy Hill Dave and Pat Notter - Sustaining Heather and Ole Bore - Sustaining Mandy Terry Martha Bean and Ralph Haugerud - Sustaining Jessica Kocian and Christopher Cox Tracy Brulotte - Sustaining
Jackie and Tom Andrewjeski - Sustaining Jill Weil |
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