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 is now open for the eleventh 50-hour Wenatchee Naturalist course offered by Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) Continuing Education, Sept. 18-Dec. 11 2019.
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. The mission is to cultivate awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the Wenatchee River region by developing an active corps of well-informed community volunteers. To date, over 200 people between ages 12-81 have completed the course and become Wenatchee Naturalists.
Instructor Susan Ballinger teaches the Wednesday evening course and four Saturday field trips on Sept. 21, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 7.
Field trips explore habitats along the White, Entiat, Columbia, and Wenatchee River corridors, guided by expert guest field scientists. Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is the post-course program sponsor, in partnership with the college. Bi-monthly eNews, Wenatchee Naturalist website resources, and an annual volunteer celebration gathering are open to everyone.
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 is $365 and includes supplies, a field journal, and a loaned min-library and hand lens. Clock hours are available for teachers.
The course is offered once/year in the fall. If you have questions, contact the course instructor, Susan Ballinger (skylinebal@gmail.com; 509.669.7820). Visit the Wenatchee Naturalist website to learn more. Register online for the WVC Continuing Education course.
