Wenatchee Naturalist

Listen for the song of an American dipper while standing under a four hundred year old cedar tree. Feel the fur of beavers and the soft grey feathers of a great blue heron. Share lunch with a new friend in the breezy shade of a ponderosa pine. Learn from local experts, and find new places close to home to return to time and again.

These are just a few of the experiences Wenatchee Naturalists have during this 12-week course. This class is designed to inspire a deeper connection to the wonders of our valley and to bring new sources of joy to your everyday life. 

Visit the Wenatchee Naturalist website here. 

About the Course

Wenatchee Naturalist Mission: 

Our mission is to cultivate awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the Wenatchee River region by developing an active corps of well-informed community volunteers.  

Timeline: 

This interdisciplinary 12-week course (50 hours) runs from September 23 to December 16, 2026 with 4 Saturday field trips on September 26, October 17, November 14, and Dececember 5th.

You will learn: 

• The three ecosystems - shrub-steppe, riparian, and the low-elevation forest - and focus on 100 common species of the Wenatchee watershed. 
• During class, you can expect to hear from guest scientists and local conservation organizations, participate in hands-on activities, practice using a field journal, and explore a variety of field guides and suggested reading. 
• Participate in four field trips exploring habitats along the White, Entiat, Columbia, and Wenatchee River corridors, guided by expert guest field scientists.

Tuition includes supplies, a field journal, and loaned equipment. Check out photos of a past class!

After the Course: 

After the course, Wenatchee Naturalists have access to all of the materials presented during the class for reference. They also receive a newsletter throughout the year.
 

What People are Saying

"Susan Ballinger is a master teacher. She not only provided engaging guest speakers, expertly orchestrated field trips, fascinating hands-on labs, and expert teaching herself, but her enthusiasm for the subject is contagious."

"This was a life-changer for me. I see my world differently and with more understanding that everything in nature is connected."

"The field trips were fun, to beautiful places and jam packed with learning. The labs gave me a great opportunity to make observations up close." 

"I had never traveled to some of the field trip locations and now will go back over and over again."

"Susan Ballinger, guest speakers, and field experts/guides were outstanding part of this course... The hands on experience she provided made the world of difference in this learning opportunity. She always provided all kinds of resources in materials, websites, and experts in the different fields. Un millón de gracias."

For Alumni Wenatchee Naturalists

• See what Wenatchee Naturalists have done!
• Meet the class of 2022

How Do I Sign Up?

You can register for the course offered through Wenatchee Valley College Continuing Education. 

• Registration opens August 3, 2026

• Course instructor Susan Ballinger explains, "Busy adults take the course, so it is likely a course participant will have to miss one or more classes and/or a field trip – life happens! I can offer alternative field experiences and resources to use." Susan invites you to begin your journey as a Wenatchee Naturalist by using resources on this website. Check out the periodic enews, the Curious About… Blog series, and explore the Topics/Resources tab.  Susan has curated selected bibliographies by topic here.

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The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is the organizational sponsor of the Wenatchee Naturalist program. The program is a member of The Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs, the national Master Naturalist professional organization. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Susan Ballinger by email or by calling the Land Trust office at (509) 667-9708.