December 25th E-Newsletter

Programs

Illustration of ornaments on a blue background

Last Chance to Contribute!

Make your gift by December 31st

Thank you so much for believing in our mission to connect people, communities and the natural world. We are humbled to see the support from our community. There's still time to help make an impact on youth and adults alike as we enter the final stretch of our fundraising efforts. We couldn't do this work without you! Our goal is to raise $65,000 by December 31st. Thanks to our community, we are nearly to that goal! Even better yet, all donations up to $30,000 will be matched by the Icicle Fund. That could be $95,000 going to support this work! You can either donate directly through our website or through Give NCW today. Thank you so much!

P.S. There's one more Funday Monday through Give NCW on December 30th! Your donation of $10 or more puts your name into a hat to win $1,000 to donate to any participating organizations.

Donate Here

Día de los Reyes

Saturday, January 4th

1:00PM-8:00PM

Come together at WRI to celebrate Latinx culture through the second annual Día de los Reyes celebration. Día de los Reyes, or 3 Kings Day, is a Latinx tradition celebrating culture. Activities will include musical performances, precessions across Leavenworth, presentations from local cultural leaders, pozole dinner, Rosca de Reyes, and more. All are welcome to attend this free event, no registration is required.

Celebrate Here

Snowshoe Strolls

Fridays and Saturdays

January/February 2025

A new year means new seasonal walks! Join us for 3 weekly Snowshoe Strolls around the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery and learn about native ecology along the way. We will lead a stroll on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00AM with an additional afternoon walk on Saturdays at 1:00PM. These gently paced strolls are suitable for snowshoers of all levels. Snowshoes, gaiters, and poles will be provided by WRI. Find and register for your Stroll below.

Stroll Here

Red Barn Event: Tales From the Saddle

Wednesday, January 8th

7:00PM-8:00PM

You may know Carolyn Griffin-Bugert from her many years at the head of WRI, but did you know she and her husband, Bob, are tandem bikepackers? Join Bob, Carolyn, and WRI in the Red Barn for an evening of biking tales spanning 45 years. Hear excerpts from their epic adventures and discover how their bike touring evolved, and, weather permitting, see their loaded tandem in person.

Bike Here

Naturalist Trivia

Tuesday, January 14th

7:00PM-9:00PM

Fancy yourself a naturalist? Prove it! We're getting ready for another installment of Naturalist Trivia at Bushel and Bee Taproom. Bring your friends and form a team up to 6 people to compete against fellow naturalists (and WRI staff) for sweet prizes and bragging rights. Did we mention a portion of the night's sales will support WRI? Trivia starts at 7 but spots fill fast. Arrive early to grab your table. This event is 21+ with a suggested $2 donation per person.

Quiz Here

Red Barn Event: Good Plants for Good Bugs

Thursday, January 8th

7:00PM-8:00PM

Native plants aren't just nice for the eyes, they're essential for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Learn more about how Washington growers and farmers are collaborating to keep our important pollinators healthy and happy at this Red Barn Event. Our presenter, Angie Orpet from the Xerces Society will enlighten us how creating pollinator habitat supports the growth of important plants.

Grow Here

The 4th Annual Trashion Show

Friday, April 25th

5:30PM-7:30PM

Time to gather your junk! We're starting to plan the 4th annual Trashion Show to celebrate Earth Day on the Green Carpet (the River Haus Lawn). As always, this upcycled fashion show features garments made entirely out of trash and pre-loved items. Registration to compete will open in mid-January so stay tuned! There is no registration required to watch the Trashion Show as an audience member.

Upcycle Here

Youth Programs

Winter Break Camp

January 2nd & 3rd 2025

10:00AM-3:00PM Grades K-3

Get outside with WRI this winter break! On this 2 day camp, young naturalists will explore WRI, play in the snow, and learn about the natural world through fun activities.

Registration is open now. Visit the link below for more info and registration instructions.

After School Program

Tuesdays & Thursdays January 7th-30th

2:45PM-5:30PM Grades K-3

We are so excited to continue the After School Program into January! Field Educators will meet students at Alpine Lakes Elementary to walk with them to WRI. Afternoons will include snacks provided by WRI, lots of outdoor time, nature exploration, game, art projects, and more. Pickup is at 5:30PM on the WRI campus. This Pilot Program will be Pay What You Can.

Registration is open now.

Place

New Artwork at the River Haus!

We've all been feeling the absence of the birch tree that used to grace the front of the River Haus. We are happy to report that there is a new artwork on the stump to honor this old tree. Artist, Gretchen Daiber generously loaned us this piece to greet visitors and employees alike as they approach the River Haus doors. Come check it out!

Thank You, Terri!

All of us at WRI are grateful for Terri's work during her 5 years of service on the Board of Directors. She has served on the Facilities Committee and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She was an integral part of adding the E. Lorene Young house to WRI's campus, hiring a new Executive Director, and developing WRI's 5-year Strategic Plan. Terri, you will be missed!

See You Next Year!

The WRI offices are closed for the holidays from December 25th to January 1st. We will return for normal office hours Thursday, January 2nd. Our offices may be closed, but our grounds are open for you to enjoy. Get out and enjoy nature in the snow!

Thank you to our donors from the past week!

Kaylin Bettinger and Tucker Havekost

Donna Hill

Ayla Medina Ulloa and Dandelion Curiel

Diane and Herb Young - Sustaining

Dave and Nancy Bartholomew - Sustaining

Kurt and Celeste Peterson - Sustaining

Mark Terranella and Lucy Petrucelli in honor of Canuche Terranella

Kimberly Schaub

Donna Waidtlow

Jody and Mick Marquardt

Lisi Ott - Sustaining