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 website: https://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:
- How to find our classroom. The room Click here for a campus map. The actual classroom number will be provided to you upon registration.
- 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.
- 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.