News & Press

WENATCHEE — The city of Wenatchee on Thursday adjusted the hours of operation for its Foothills parks.

Since 2009, Wenatchee parks have been open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The city has acquired a number of parks located in the foothills in the years following the adoption of the current park hours, and not all of which operate under the same hours.

For the full story, visit the Wenatchee World. 

What are birds saying when they sing?

This article originally ran in The Wenatchee World in December 2017.

Holiday gifts – the source of a lot of joy, and sometimes a lot of stress. Why not turn this yearly project into some fun, nature-based bonding time with your kids?

Below are a few nature-based do-it-yourself holiday gift ideas that are great ways for kids to both engage with nature, and make something to give to a friend, classmate, or family member.

Time to get gifting!

This article originally ran in The Wenatchee World in October 2017.

Change is in the air this time of year. School has started, the leaves are changing, and we’re hearing the familiar honk of Canada geese as they pass overhead.

But where do those geese come from, and where do they go? Kids may be surprised to learn that some of the geese they see flying above them came from the tundras of Alaska, and could be heading as far south as Southern California. Take a look at a map – it’s a pretty impressive journey!

This article originally ran in The Wenatchee World in August 2017.

One day this summer, a group of kids and I were hiking along on a local trail exploring the world of insects, when we came across a lizard. It was basking on a rock, and, we assumed, keeping an eye out for insects as well. The kids were fascinated and full of questions – they would have stayed there all day if we didn’t have to get back to the bus.

This article originally ran in The Wenatchee World in May 2017.

I think we can all agree that spring in our corner of the world is pretty special. Our fields of wildflowers and blooming orchards combined with green hillsides and snowy mountains make my heart sing every day. What a great place to raise children to love nature.

This article originally ran in The Wenatchee World in February 2017.

The other night, sitting in our living room, we heard a magical and eerie sound: the hooting of an owl. A great horned owl, to be precise – we could tell because of the pattern of the hoots! If you and your kids are lucky, maybe you have heard this same sound this winter.

Owls have long been a symbol for learning, and during this column, perhaps you and your kids will learn a few things about these hard-to-spot creatures.

A primer on owls

This article originally ran in The Wenatchee World in January 2017.

I can honestly say that, as a transplant from Texas, this is the first winter I have actually loved. Last year was nice too, but now that I’ve fully embraced the beauty and wonder of our winter wonderland, it’s much easier to enjoy the dark months.

The secret? Get outside – especially on those bluebird days we so often have in deep winter – and enjoy the ice in all its glory.

Celebrate the oncoming of spring with your kids through explorations with seeds and tiny plants!

Owls have long been a symbol for learning, and during this column, perhaps you and your kids will learn a few things about these hard-to-spot creatures.

Saddle Rock Trail is going mainstream. Well, its parking lot is, anyhow.

The public is invited to view the plans and help choose a name for the new recreation area taking shape on 26 acres of former state Department of Transportation land just south of the Odabashian Bridge in Douglas County.