Course Syllabus

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2024 Syllabus – Click for a printable PDF version of the course syllabus.

Our Mission:

To cultivate awareness, understanding, and Stewardship of the Wenatchee River region by Developing an active corps of well-informed Community volunteers.

 After completing the course, you will be able to…

Goal I: Foundational Knowledge

  • … describe the role geology plays in the Wenatchee River watershed.
  • … locate rivers, mountain ranges, and lakes within the Wenatchee River watershed.
  • … identify the basic organization and components of a plant and be able to describe characteristics of 8 or more plant families.
  • … identify the parts of an insect and the basic structure of several insect orders.
  • … understand basic anatomy, physiology, and topography of birds.
  • … describe the characteristics of native mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
  • … describe the components of shrub-steppe, montane, and riparian ecosystems.
  • … identify 100 common plant and animal species by name, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

 Goal II: Field ID Skills

  • … be comfortable using field guides and dichotomous keys to make identifications.
  • … identify conifers of the Eastside Cascade Mountains.
  • … identify common shrubs based on physical features.
  • … classify common wildflowers to the family level.
  • … identify common Washington birds by sight.
  • … identify common Washington mammals, reptiles, and amphibians by their physical features.
  • … identify common Washington insect orders.

Goal III: Field Journaling Skills

  • … maintain a record of observations in a field journal.
  • … use field sketching and note-taking to sharpen observation skills.

Goal III: Sense of Place Practices

  • … spend time in the close investigation of local field sites.
  • … volunteer with a local organization doing conservation work.
  • … connect the knowledge, skill, and experience gained to the local landscape.

Suggested orientation to prepare for the 12-week course

Heads up: you’ll be using a class websitehttps://www.wenatcheenaturalist.com/

For each week of class, the focus topic can be found under TOPICS/RESOURCES.  Each week’s topic contains resources to supplement the in-class presentations and activities.   Prior to each class, you will receive an email containing the syllabus’ suggested pre-work options, with clickable internet links.

Prior to our first class, review a few background resources included on the Wenatchee Naturalist website, TOPICS/RESOURCES Tab, specifically: 

Eastside Ecosystems Overview at https://www.wenatcheenaturalist.com/east-side-ecosystems/

Field Observation Skills at https://www.wenatcheenaturalist.com/east-side-ecosystems/field-observation-skills/

Suggested note-taking method:  You will be provided with a field journal at our first class

I suggest taking all class and field notes directly into your journal (provided at class), creating a portable reference you’ll have with you when you do your field observations.

An option is to bring your laptop or tablet to class and follow along electronically.

Select a field site to visit weekly for 30+ minutes. Try to visit this site before week 2.

Prepare to briefly “introduce” your potential field site to others at our first meeting.  A detailed field site selection instructions is  here.

Supplies to bring weekly to use in class and in the field: 

  • Writing pen and pencil
  • Drawing Pen: waterproof, fade proof, acid free, black, micro point (NOTE: pens will be “for sale” at class)
  • Loaned hand lens
  • Optional: your own colored pencils, watercolor pencils, watercolor paints.  Loaner watercolor paints and brushes will be provided for use, so no need to purchase anything.
  • Digital camera, tablet, or smart phone

Logistics:

  1. How to find our classroom.  The room Click here for a campus map.  The actual classroom number will be provided to you upon registration.
  2. Food and drinks:  We will have a refreshments table in the hall with hot drinks and light snacks.  Feel free to bring a sack dinner.
  3. Parking. WVC parking lots are patrolled at night and tickets are issued if you don’t have a parking pass.  Free parallel street parking is available on 9th Street. Consider purchasing a fall evening parking pass ($15; or $5 if over 60 years), available on the main floor of Wenatchi Hall at the Registrar. Detailed information here.