APRIL 9TH E-NEWSLETTER
![]() GIF not working? Find it here. We all have different ways of converting our home into a work space. Check out how WRI staff are making it work. How are you setting up yours?
Carolyn: With my home office, I can now fully utilize the services of Sophie, my personal assistant. Sophie handles the more mundane tasks such as answering the phone and writing thank you cards to our donors. Thanks to Sophie, my productivity at home is soaring!
Naomi’s workplace habitat is inside and outside of her circular dwelling. Her furry companion has been so generous to share his den, where Naomi has temporarily set up an office space.
Rebecca’s at home desk is recognized during other parts of the day as the kitchen counter. Working from home has the advantage of having a furry assistant, Smokey, who likes to help with sending emails and tries to make an appearance in every virtual meeting.
Brandon: I enjoy working and playing outside as much as possible but I try to set up my indoor space so I can have some fun when I'm inside. A comfortable place to make food and a workbench for projects and experiments help to keep me sane.
Avoid a trip to the kitchen and just bring the kitchen to you! Elisa’s home work space is not complete without an assortment of snacks!
Katie: A miracle of nature is about to unfold! After drinking her own bodyweight in cups of coffee, this Katie caterpillar is preparing to cocoon herself in work and will [hopefully] metamorphose into a productive day of working from home.
Rachel’s at-home desk is also known as her dining table. With her skis, climbing gear and binoculars close by its almost like she is adventuring while working. Almost.
Events Coming Up ![]() Nature Art Competition Ages 12 and under Top two chosen on Wednesday, April 15th Join in for some needed art time. Draw, paint, sculpt, photograph, etc. There are many forms of art, so get creative! Send your masterpieces to Katie Churchwell at americorps@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org. Make sure to get them in by April 15th.
E. Lorene Young Community Garden 5 plots still available! The sun is warming the soil and the veggies are waiting to be planted! There are only 5 plots left, so grab them before they are gone. If you have any questions contact Katie Churchwell at americorps@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org.
Other News New Story Walk! Are you taking walks around the neighborhood in Leavenworth? Extend it by walking through the upper meadow near the River Haus at WRI. We have a new story walk there! StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT. It is a delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Thank you to A Book For All Seasons, the co-sponsor of this project.
Nature is quickly transforming outside. The flowers are starting to bloom, female aspen catkins are swaying in the spring winds, and Mule deer are scratching off their winter coats. Many of us now have some time to dedicate to becoming better naturalists. Below are some activities to assist you and your families in doing just that. Enjoy! Art Learn with WRI staff to make your own nature journal. For all ages! Science Grow your socks! Connect Find out how to use iNaturalist and become a community scientist.
Our New Google Classroom Join our Google Classroom using a google account to access weekly webinars and share your experience. Go to classroom.google.com and click the plus sign in the top right corner to join the class. Use code 5ar3pc7.
Field Notes
Did you receive our Field Notes newsletter? Check your mailbox! If not, you can read the stories from the field here.
Neat Nature Notes: What's in Bloom ![]() Glacier Lily Native to North America, this lily is able to generate enough heat to melt its way up and bloom through the last few inches of snow. As we move through spring into early summer you will find these flowers blooming gradually higher and higher in elevation.
New Online Resources Page Check out the new online resources page we added to our website for everyone, youth to adults. You will see podcasts, books, live cams, and a variety of activities to help you use your extra time at home. Don't forget, even going out into your yard is connecting with the natural world.
![]() Before Coronavius hit, Wenatchee River Institute was on track to have more student engagements than both of the previous school years! Leavenworth students, and students throughout North Central Washington, will miss hands-on connections with the natural world. In these times it is imperative to support environmental learning centers so students can continue to engage with nature and become the stewards we need to care for our planet.
How You Can Help!
Our budget is highly dependent on program registrations, donations, and memberships. 48% of our income comes from those three things. COVID-19 has seriously impacted our budget. Become a member, or renew your membership, to ensure more people in North Central Washington communities are connected to the natural world. Your membership shows your dedication to the environment.
Thank you to our donors from the last 2 weeks!
Lynn Dickinson - Sustaining Member Hillary Clark
Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram!
|