New guide points out our native shrubs, trees
June in the Wenatchee Valley is peak bloom time for many native shrubs that form dense thickets in foothill ravines and alongside streams. Have you caught a whiff of sweet Continue Reading →
Make it an adventure, don’t mention the hike
If you ask local parents who routinely take their children out on the trails of our region, they will likely advise you not to ask kids if they want to Continue Reading →
Unlocking the needs and habits of our mule deer
The foothills are softly greening up, bright yellow buttercups are in bloom, and male western meadowlarks sing loudly from atop sagebrush. From our human perspective, the harsh conditions of winter Continue Reading →
March Mud-ness
This is the turn-of-season time of year in the Wenatchee Valley, where mud may hamper your first choice of how to spend time outside. I’ve gathered a long list of activities and events to keep you engaged in nature in my bi-monthly eNews. T Continue Reading →
Jenny Graevell nears her goal of sighting 600 birds
January seems to be a good time to take on a new practice that will increase health or happiness. I’d like to suggest that 2014 is a great year to Continue Reading →
How you can connect with nature
Would you like to spend a few Saturdays this fall exploring our local river valleys, with a seasoned naturalist as your guide? Does it sound fun to linger stream-side on Continue Reading →
In appreciation of sagebrush
In our arid region of low rainfall, cold winters and hot dry summers, big sagebrush grows 5-8 feet tall, forming a canopy above a sea of grasses, smaller shrubs, and wildflowers. Wildlife species from birds to mammals to insects utilize sagebrush for food, shelter, and nesting materials. Continue Reading →
We can help keep nature in balance
Since early March, our foothills have been ablaze with a sequence of blooming wildflowers. Starting with sagebrush buttercup, over 50 different kinds have bloomed and set seed during the three Continue Reading →
Looking to the foothills for natural inspiration
In my “Building a Culture of Conservation” column, I will focus on the Wenatchee foothills as a learning lab and introduce you to some of our valley’s remarkable native plants Continue Reading →
Plants in NCW: Enjoy our abundance of diversity
Do you wonder at the plants you see while hiking in Washington’s forests and meadows? Would you like to learn about low-maintenance, attractive native plants that attract wildlife, take guided Continue Reading →