The Methow Conservation Course was initiated in 2005 to take a Methow-specific look at natural history and translate that knowledge into both local and universal conservation-based themes.  Now in its fourth year, the Methow Conservation Course is designed for both the novice and the experienced naturalist (and for everyone in between).  We offer the course with the goal of inspiring more observation and knowledge of, interest in and connections with the natural world.

This year’s course is on Water.  Eric Bard, Course Coordinator, has scheduled a great line-up of regional and local experts on everything from geohydrology and channel migration to salmon recovery and watershed planning.  Read the full syllabus here.  The course will once again meet on Monday evenings at the Twisp River Pub for six weeks beginning February 4th.  The pub, which is closed to the public on Mondays, will open at 5:30 for 30 minutes of social and settling-in time. No dinner will be served but you are welcome to bring a personal snack.  The week of February 17th, class will be held on Tuesday the 19th instead of on the President's Day holiday. 

Tuition is $125 for Methow Conservancy members. The tuition for non-members is $150, which includes a discounted membership. Scholarships are available if needed.  We expect the course to fill quickly so register now!

Eric Bard, our Stewardship Associate, is coordinating the course content this year and will facilitate class discussions and connectivity.  Eric taught classes for the Methow Conservancy before joining our staff in June this year, and has a BS in Geological Science and a Masters in Teaching. He has worked throughout the NW and Alaska, both in the field and in the classroom, teaching science to all ages.

Mary Kiesau, the Program Coordinator at the Methow Conservancy, is the course registrar and can field any of your questions. Feel free to contact her at info@methowconservancy.org or 509-996-2870.

We will also continue to offer two separate “mini-courses” in the spring (Dates TBA).  These are field-oriented one or two-day weekend courses with expert instructors.  This year’s topics will also involve water, so get out your waders and your swamp gear.  Our first topic will be “Beavers: Nature’s water engineers.”  We will learn about beaver ecology and travel to sites of past, present, and potential future beaver habitat and activity.  John Rohrer (U.S.F.S.) and Steve Bondi (Methow Conservancy, Stewardship Director) will show us how these ingenious mammals have altered and greatly affected and benefited our riparian areas and waterways.  They will also discuss plans for present and potential beaver reintroduction in the Methow area.  The other mini-course will be on waterfowl and riparian bird species.  We’ll learn to identify species and habitats as we travel to wetlands, riparian forests, and shoreline areas.  Here we will learn about, and hopefully see and hear, unique bird species that depend on our rich functioning watershed (presenters and dates to be announced).  These mini-courses are not yet open for registration, so stay tuned.

Beavers & Birds ~ “Mini” Conservation Courses
We might be in the throes of winter but it’s never too early to think about spring, especially if you want to join us for our annual “mini” conservation courses.  These are field-oriented, one-day weekend courses with expert instructors and are separate from the regular conservation course. Space is limited.  Contact Mary at 996-2870 to reserve your spot.

Our first mini-course will be “Beavers: Nature’s water engineers,” on Saturday, April 12th from 9am to 4pm.  Instructors John Rohrer and Steve Bondi will teach participants about beaver ecology and as we travel to sites of past, present, and potential future beaver habitat and activity.  Learn how these ingenious mammals have altered and greatly affected and benefited our riparian areas and waterways.  Cost $30/person

The second mini-course is “The Riparian Connection: Birds, Water and Avian Romance,” on Sunday, May 18th from 6am to Noon (the early bird gets the worm!).  Instructors Libby Mills and Kent Woodruff will give students an introduction to the life history and important habitat relationships of riparian bird species.  We will travel to wetlands, riparian forests, and shoreline areas to learn about, and hopefully see and hear, unique bird species that depend on our rich functioning watershed.  Why is riparian habitat so important?  Find out as we take a good look at this special world.  Cost $40/person.

Conservation Course Syllabus

Conservation Course Handouts & Presentations