Consider Becoming a Wenatchee Naturalist!

Aug. 15th update: The college is short-staffed, and is having glitches with the registration software. Send Coordinator Erin Davidson (edavidson@wvc.edu) an email, asking to be notified when registration is live.

September's first field trip exploring the White River — The class of 2018 during September’s first field trip exploring the White River

If you are looking for a way to deepen your connection to both the natural and human aspects of our collective home, consider becoming a Wenatchee Naturalist! Registration opens in mid-August for the next 50-hour in person Wenatchee Naturalist in-person course offered by Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) Continuing Education, Sept. 21-Dec. 14, 2022. The course is designed to allow participants to meet new friends, discover lovely local places to visit again, and to gain new eyes for the natural wonders of North Central Washington. To date, over 225 people, ages 12-81, have completed the course and become Wenatchee Naturalists.

Instructor Susan Ballinger teaches the Wednesday evening courses at the Wenatchee college campus and leads four Saturday field trips on Oct. 8 & 22, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3. Field trips explore habitats along the White, Entiat, Columbia, and Wenatchee River corridors, guided by expert guest scientists.

Lunch in a grove of ponderosa pines, with a carpet of cones strewn on the needle-covered ground. Despite the passing of 18 years, blacken trunks remind us that they survived the 1994 wildfire that swept across this valley. Thick corky bark insulated the inner living tissues from harm from killing heat of the flames. — Lunch in a grove of ponderosa pines during field trip to the Entiat watershed.

The interdisciplinary course includes readings, lectures, handouts, guest scientists, labs, and nature journaling. Field trips explore three ecosystems (shrub-steppe, riparian, & dry forest) focusing on 100 common species of the Wenatchee watershed. Every class includes hands-on activities and practice using a science field journal. Tuition includes supplies, a field journal, and a loaned min-library and hand lens. Tuition is $385, with a 10% discount for people over 60 years old. Clock hours are available for teachers. Meet members of the class of 2019 and explore topics and resources on the website.

Nature Journaling during White River watershed field trip

The course is offered once/year in the fall and serves 24 adult learners. If you have questions, contact the course instructor, Susan Ballinger (skylinebal@gmail.com; 509.669.7820). Visit the Wenatchee Naturalist website and review the syllabus. Registration opens mid-August for the WVC Continuing Education.