In his Art of Community Wenatchee World Podcast, Rufus Woods explores creative ways to build community.  Earlier this fall, several of us had the chance to visit with him about the Wenatchee Naturalist program.  His Sunday editorial on Sept. 11, 2018 Creating Volunteers, Serving Nature highlighted the program as well.

Anyone can take a listen to Rufus’ Sept. 10, 2018 Episode #50 titled, “Naturalist program inspires local participants and creates volunteers”

Here is Rufus’ summary of our conversation:  This week’s podcast focuses on the remarkable Wenatchee Naturalist program. My guests are Susan Ballinger, who founded the program, a mother and daughter team – Jan and Chelsea Evans — who participated in the program a year ago, and Michelle Gedrose of Wenatchee Valley College.

There are many community-building layers to this program.

It brings together students of all ages to learn about the wonders of the natural world around us by connecting them with local experts in wildlife, insects, and the flora and fauna of North Central Washington.

Students commit to volunteering at least 20 hours a week to conservation nonprofits in our region, which helps these organizations succeed. The program also helps Wenatchee Valle College connect more meaningful with the local community.

Inspiring people to get engaged and make a personal investment in bettering the community is the hallmark of this unique program. See the whole story in Sunday’s Wenatchee World.

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/opinion/creating-volunteers-preserving-nature/article_fb389b38-9405-590a-bb01-76d974280795.html