November 30th E-NEWSLETTER

Double the Value of your Donation this Holiday Season

WRI thanks all of our donors who support our mission to connect people, communities, and the natural world. We couldn't operate without the generous support of our community. Want to contribute to our mission? Now is the time! From now until December 31st, all donations will be matched up to $30,000. You can either donate directly through our website or through Give NCW to double the value of your gift.

Donate Here

Programs

Red Barn Event: The 50 Peaks Project

Thursday, November 30th

7:00PM-8:00PM

We're bringing a new format to the Red Barn! Join WRI and the Washington Native Plant Society for a virtual presentation screening on the 50 Peaks Project, a 5-year study to study vascular plants on 50 Cascade peaks. There will be live interaction and questions after the presentation.

Study Here

Pybus University: Nature Journaling with WRI

Tuesday, December 5th

7:00PM-9:00PM

Are you curious about the natural world around you? Join us at this Pybus University class for a unique opportunity to explore a collection of bird specimens. We'll take a closer look at the lives of birds and create nature journal entries while observing real bird specimen up close! Registration through Eventbrite link on event page.

Journal Here

NWAC Avalanche Awareness Class

Thursday, December 7th

7:00PM-8:30PM

Whether you ski, snowshoe, snowboard, or snowmobile, recognition of avalanche danger is an essential and potentially lifesaving skill. This class provides a basic approach to managing risk. Join NWAC instructor, Katie Strahl, for this free introductory class.

Learn Here

Birding by the River

Wednesday, December 13th

8:00AM-9:30AM

Go birding with knowledgeable WRI staff around the WRI campus! All birding skills are welcome and we have loaner binoculars available. This is a FREE activity and no registration is needed.

Bird Here

Red Barn Event: Skiing: Then, Now, and Beyond

Wednesday, December 13th

7:00PM-8:30PM

Ski culture is deeper than most people may realize. WRI, the Greater Leavenworth Museum, and the A Book For All Seasons are excited to host 2 PNW ski legends in the Red Barn for a deeper look into what shapes the culture around the sport they love. Join Lowell Skoog, founder of the Northwest Mountaineering Journal, as he teams up with Michael "Bird" Shaffer for this can't miss event.

Shred Pow Here

Christmas Bird Count

Tuesday, December 19th

8:00AM-4:00PM

Join WRI in our first year of hosting the Annual Christmas Bird Count. This nationwide effort is organized by the National Audubon Society and local counts are compiled by local chapters. Birders of all levels are welcome to choose from a plethora of birding routes. Time commitments vary on your route and can be flexible. Reach out to Tucker or visit the event site for more information on how to join.

Count Here

Solstice Planetarium

Thursday, December 20th

5:00PM-7:30PM

Take advantage of the longest night of the year with some astronomy with WRI! We'll begin this night in our planetarium to witness the sky through different seasons and learn about winter constellations. If the weather allows, we'll embark on a guided walk with Dr. Cassandra Fallscheer, Associate Professor of Physics at Central Washington University. Register below!

Stargaze Here

Snowshoe Strolls

Fridays and Saturdays

January-February 2024

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. Register online at the link below.

Stroll Here

Youth Programs

After School Programs at Lewis and Clark Elementary

One of our Field Educators visited students ranging from 2nd-5th grade at Lewis and Clark Elementary for after-school programming. Students participated in lessons and activities focusing on understanding nature, conservation, and stewardship. They learned what it means to be a naturalist and even learned how to compost their food waste.

Traveling NaturalistField Trips

As part of our Traveling Naturalist program this year, 5th grade students from Manson, Morgen Owings, and Rock Island Elementary Schools visited the WRI campus for field trips. Our Traveling Naturalist program will visit schools all over North Central Washington come spring. Students hiked around the WRI campus, used their nature journals they made in class, and did an erosion control activity. As part of a grant this year, educators Sylvia Peasley and Julie Edwards shared traditional uses of native plants and sharing stories from their lived experiences as indigenous people.

Place

Plant Highlight #7 -

Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)

As fall comes to a close, I find myself looking closely at the limbs and branches of plants that were previously covered with leaves. In particular, the Black Hawthorn stands out, with it’s uniquely large spikes. I often hear negative comments from people about spiky plants, but I believe there’s something powerful about a plant that creates such a strong defensive barrier. Perhaps the plant knows it has something highly valuable that it needs to protect. Perhaps it lives in close companionship with the birds who shelter amongst its thorns, eat the Hawthorn berries, and spread its seed. Perhaps it keeps the deer from chomping it down, and requires a delicate touch if a person wants to gather its fruit. However this plant came to be, it brings a very special dimension to the land, and I’m grateful for its presence.

Entry by Sean Eriksen, Land Steward

Thank you to our donors from the past two weeks!

Bill Davies and Tiffany Brine-Davies - Sustaining

Heather Bore - Sustaining

Susan Plummer and Doug Gann

Robin and Dave Judd

Dave and Nancy Bartholomew - Sustaining

Mike Ott

Lisi Ott- Sustaining

Robert and Sharon Jangaard

Susie Stenkamp

Kurt and Celeste Peterson - Sustaining