Wenatchee River Institute

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  • Red Barn Event: Wolf Land Film Screening

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    No registration required. Doors to the Red Barn open at 6:30pm for a community social with beer and wine available for purchase. The film will start just after 7:00pm. Run time is 71 minutes and will be followed by a Q+A with producer Sarah Hoffman. This Red Barn Event is a LIVE ONLY event and will NOT be streamed or recorded.

    Wolf Land is a film about finding common ground in unlikely places. The team spent 2.5 years documenting the lives of “wolf protecting cowboy” and range rider Daniel Curry and rancher Jerry Francis in the remote wilderness of northeast Washington. Washington has had its share of conflict on this issue, and human/wildlife conflict is a story that’s typically told in polarizing extremes. This film’s goal was to document two people in the middle of this conflict working together to protect what’s most dear to each of them. For Daniel, that is endangered wolves and for Jerry, his cattle and way of life.

    We hope that this hyperlocal film, produced in the Northwest, has themes of coexistence that can touch audiences with a range of perspectives on this issue. Courtesy Cascade Public Media.

  • Wildlife Tracking: Searching for Nature’s Stories

    Join local tracker Kirk Beckendorf and WRI Community Programs Educator Virginia Shoup for a beginner-friendly, family-oriented introduction to wildlife tracking.

    Learn how to read the stories animals leave behind—tracks, scat, scratch marks, gait, and other wildlife signs—as we explore the WRI campus and nearby locations. Most of the day will be spent outdoors, with a few indoor lessons mixed in. Travel to nearby sites (within 30 minutes) will be by WRI van or carpool, depending on group size.

    Ages: 2nd grade and up (adults without children welcome). Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult and be able to stay with the group outdoors in variable weather.

    Registration required. Space is limited to 20 participants.

  • Red Barn Event: Taking Better Plant Photos

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    This event will be both in person and online. No registration required, but RSVP to receive email reminders and updates about this event! In order to attend virtually, you can find a link to the YouTube livestream on WRI’s event calendar page.

    Doors to the Red Barn open at 6:30pm for a community social with beer and wine available for purchase. The presentation will start at 7:00pm.

    Jack Mynatt, Tracy Maynard, and Mike Power are avid, long-time hikers, skiers, and amateur photographers. Jack and Tracy are on the board of the Wenatchee Valley chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS). They have been annoying their hiking companions for decades with lengthy stops to take pictures, and now it’s your turn to slow down with them to look and listen.

    Jack and Tracy will focus (so to speak) on iPhone photography; Mike uses a DSLR. In addition to showing some pretty pictures, they will discuss a few technical issues, problems and solutions, and make suggestions for taking better shots so you too, can have your photos accepted to the WNPS Calendar.

  • Red Barn Event: Enchantments: What Comes Next?

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    After a summer of overcrowding and understaffing in the Enchantments, day-use management has reached a critical moment. Join Seattle Times outdoors reporter Gregory Scruggs, TREAD Executive Director Mat Lyons, and Wenatchee Outdoors Executive Director Sarah Shaffer for a discussion on potential changes along the Icicle Creek corridor, lessons from other mountain towns, and on-the-ground stewardship efforts in the Enchantments.

    This hybrid event offers both in-person and online viewing. Watch live or later on YouTube via the link on WRI’s calendar—no registration required. RSVP to receive reminders and updates. Doors open at 6:30pm for a community social with beer and wine available for purchase; the presentation begins at 7:00pm.

  • Red Barn Event: Valley of the Bears Film Screening (in-person only!)

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    LIVE ONLY! This Red Barn Event will NOT be streamed or recorded.

    No registration required, but RSVP to receive email reminders and updates about this event!

    Doors to the Red Barn open at 6:30pm for a community social with beer and wine available for purchase. The film will start just after 7:00pm. Run time is 52 minutes and will be followed by a panel discussion with Washington Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

    Valley of the Bears follows bears and humans in the Bella Coola Valley, British Columbia. A coexistence way of life is being adopted, however, human-bear conflict is on the rise. We hope that local residents will find parallels between the lessons learned in other communities and those of us who live with black bears in the Cascades.

    Consider joining us on Saturday, April 11th at the Black Bear Bonanza for a full day of talks, discussions, and demonstrations all about black bears!

     

  • Black Bear Bonanza @ Wenatchee River Institute

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    Bring the whole family out for a hands-on, community-focused day centered on black bears, conservation, and living responsibly in bear country. The Black Bear Bonanza will feature practical bear conflict-prevention education, bear biology and population insights from local experts, live demonstrations, youth activities, and conversations about the cultural, ecological, and conservation role of regulated bear hunting. Whether you’re a hiker, hunter, parent, or simply curious about the wildlife we share this landscape with, there’s something here for everyone.

  • International Dark Sky Celebration

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    Join Wenatchee Valley Astronomy Club and Wenatchee River Institute for a Dark Sky Celebration to close out International Dark Sky Week!

    If you’ve been to our Red Barn Events, this is like a Red Barn Event Plus- with two fantastic speakers, trivia, family-friendly crafts, and star-gazing! Join us for all or part of the festivities. BYO Snacks. Beer, wine, and sparkling water will be sold throughout the afternoon.

  • Earth Day Trash Pick-Up @ Wenatchee River Institute

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    Come on down to the Wenatchee River Institute to participate in a community cleanup of all the litter that accumulated over the winter along the riverfront trails. It’s a great time to get outside to enjoy the beautiful spring wildflowers and birds and to work together to help out our natural areas. We will have gloves and bags available for volunteers!

    Meet at the WRI parking lot. We will walk along the trails and pick up any trash that we find.

  • 5th Annual Trashion Show

    This fashion show will showcase wearable art made from recycled and repurposed materials. Come check out the creative pieces built! Team categories this year include: adult, youth, and family. Prizes are available for each category, plus a People’s Choice Award, where audience members will get to vote for their favorite outfit.

    This event is held outside on the WRI River Haus Lawn. Bring snacks, a picnic blanket, or a camp chair to make yourself comfortable. We will have some chairs available as well. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale during this event.

    No registration is required to attend this event as an audience member. Just show up and enjoy the fun!

  • Mini Fringe Beaded Earring Workshop

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    Join us for an evening filled with creativity and learning. Local Indigenous artist and owner of Mystic North Jewelry, Amanda Keewatinawin, will be leading a workshop on the Indigenous art form of beading. She will be sharing knowledge on the history of Indigenous beadwork and how to create your own mini beaded fringe earrings.

  • Self-Led Bird Walk at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery

    Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery 12790 Fish Hatchery Road, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    Leavenworth National Fish hatchery has over five miles of flat, easy trails that pass through a variety of pine forest, open meadow, and stream side habitats and are home to a variety of birds! Stop by the visitor center to pick up your trail map and bird list to start you self-guided bird walk. visitor center is open 8-4:30 daily. Outside of those hours the brochure with information will be available to pick up just outside the visitor center on the wooden board. Benches along the trail offer excellent bird viewing (especially in the morning hours) and make this a great activity for families or birders who appreciate resting spots along the way. Registration is not required for this self-led walk.

  • 24th Annual Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    The Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest, put on by the Wenatchee River Institute and North Central Washington Audubon Society, occurs every 3rd weekend in May. The annual Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest promotes conservation through educational and recreational activities about birds, wildlife, and their environments.

    Come bird with us, discovering the natural beauty and wonders of North Central Washington! Celebrate the return of migratory birds in the midst of peak wildflower season. Enjoy the excitement of birding field trips and workshops. Take part in speaker events, music, visual arts, picnics, and activities for all ages and abilities.

  • Junior Birders at the Hatchery

    Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery 12790 Fish Hatchery Road, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    It’s never too early to discover the wonderful world of birds! Join staff at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery for a birding adventure as we spot different birds around the hatchery grounds. Lifelike bird models make good practice subjects and we will certainly spot some live birds too. Kids binoculars and monoculars provided.

  • Magnificent Migrations

    Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery 12790 Fish Hatchery Road, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    Join hatchery staff as we explore the diverse migratory species that visit our area. Delve into the important role of migration in the lives of fish, insects, and birds. We’re sure to see many of these migrators as we walk around the grounds of Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Say’s phoebe, rufous hummingbird, tree swallow, and belted kingfisher are some of the possible birds we may spot. Enjoy a brief presentation in the hatchery pollinator garden by the Chelan-Douglas Master Gardeners about the role of pollinators. This trip is great for beginner and casual birders who are interested in all kinds of migratory animals.

  • Bird Fest Happy Hour & Game Night

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    After a great day of birding, come socialize with us at the Bird Fest Happy Hour held on the beautiful Wenatchee River Institute campus! Open to everyone with no registration required, this free event is the perfect place to drop in anytime to meet fellow birders and friends, old and new.

    3:00 – 5:00 PM | Bird Games: Join Audubon volunteers to play Wingspan and other bird-themed games—whether you’re a seasoned player or just want to see what the buzz is about.

    5:30 – 7:00 PM | Bird Trivia: Put your knowledge to the test! Bring your own team or join one on the spot for some friendly competition.

    Refreshments: Beer, wine, and sparkling water will be available for purchase. Thanks to our sponsor Icicle Brewing Company for providing the beer!

    FREE, no registration required.

  • Bird Fest Community Fair

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    A highlight of the festival season is back! We invite you to the Bird Fest Community Fair—a gathering for families, youth, and adults to celebrate birds, wildlife, and the beautiful Wenatchee Valley.

    Continuing our tradition of an extended schedule, the fair remains open later into the afternoon so you can head over straight from your morning birding field trips. Enjoy a full afternoon of art and nature activities, guided walks, and live music from local musicians. With a wide variety of artists and vendors on-site, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

  • 2026 Bird Fest Keynote Speaker: Neil Paprocki

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    This is a HYBRID event. You may join us in the Wenatchee River Institute’s Red Barn or livestream virtually. Registration is required for this event.

    Saturday, May 16, 7:00pm-8:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm.
    Ticket price: $20 for in-person, or $10 for virtual.

  • Community Plant Starts Swap

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    Join WRI and the Cascade Garden Club for a free Community Plant Starts Swap. This event is welcome for all!

    The E. Lorene Young Community Garden is located at the corner of Commercial St. and 12th St. in Leavenworth. If you have starts to swap, bring them and we will have tables set up for your plants. If you do not have starts, come on down to see what is available to take home!

  • Red Barn Event: “The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness” Film Screening

    Red Barn at Wenatchee River Institute 347 Division Street, Leavenworth, WA, United States

    LIVE ONLY! This Red Barn Event will NOT be streamed or recorded.

    No registration required, but RSVP to receive email reminders and updates about this event!

    Doors to the Red Barn open at 6:30pm for a community social with beer and wine available for purchase. The film will start just after 7:00pm. Run time is 45 minutes and will be followed by a panel discussion with Audubon Society members.

    Imagine a place that is vast, wild and untouched, where some of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles unfold. The Arctic National Wildlife refuge, situated in the northeastern corner of Alaska, is the wildest place left in North America. A symbol of wilderness for the world. No one has truly ever seen it. “The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness” will feature the first-ever cinematic account of this little known land where people can experience a world untouched by time.

  • Cascades Track and Sign Evaluation with David Moskowitz

    Spend two full days in the Cascades around Leavenworth, with professional wildlife tracker, naturalist, educator and author, David Moskowitz. This wildlife track and sign evaluation is offered through CyberTracker North America. David’s approach to this class is highly interactive, engaging participants in identification and interpretation of tracks and signs. Transportation during class is provided.

    Food and lodging NOT included.
    Limit of 11 participants
    Trail difficulty: some off-trail travel, up and down ridgelines.

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