Tuesday, May 12th, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Twisp River Pub
Andrew Kulmatiski, PhD (University of Alaska Anchorage) and Karen Beard, PhD (Utah State University) have conducted research in the Methow Valley for the last 10 years on why weeds specifically invade old, abandoned agricultural fields versus nearby undisturbed areas, and if there is any way to reverse this pattern. One reason they've found is that weeds change soils in a way that increases their own growth. They will outline several experiments that have been done on 25 local areas, explain their current and future research plans, and present a new management tool based on their findings.
The pub will open at 6:00 p.m. for attendees who would like to purchase drinks or something from the light menu. The event is free and open to everyone. Questions? Contact Mary at 996-2870 or info@methowconservancy.org.
A Benefit for the Methow Conservancy's Imagine the Methow Campaign
Saturday, May 23rd at the Winthrop Barn
Tickets Are On Sale Now! Go online or call us at 509-996-2870. 
The Methow Conservancy is rounding up all who love the Methow Valley to celebrate the connections between conservation and community for a rollicking fun evening of fantastic local food and great music. The Methow Conservancy is launching its first-ever capital campaign for land protection: The Imagine the Methow Campaign for Conservation. Please join us at The Barn in Winthrop on Saturday, May 23rd!
Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. with time for socializing, a delicious meal featuring local food by chef Stewart Dietz, and a brief program. Stewart Dietz specializes in seasonal cuisine using the best local ingredients.
At 8:00 p.m. Jo Miller and Her Burly Roughnecks will join the fun with their foot-stomping, make-you-smile rockabilly music for all ages. Jo was born and raised in the Methow and we are honored she’s returning for this benefit.
Enjoy dinner and the concert for $25 per person, or come for the concert for $10.
Children 12 and under are half price. Reserving whole tables of 6 or 8 is possible. However, dinner seating is limited so get your tickets now!
“Imagine the Methow: The Campaign for Conservation” is a special fundraising effort offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community to make choices today that will determine what this Valley looks like in 25, 50, and 100 years. Right now, we have an unprecedented window of opportunity to work with willing landowners to protect some of the best working soils, habitat, and scenic views in the Valley. The Imagine the Methow Campaign is our chance to make these opportunities a lasting legacy.
Tickets are on sale now! Call or stop by the Methow Conservancy at 509-996-2870 or 315 Riverside Ave in Winthrop. Or go to www.imaginethemethow.org to purchase them online through Brown Paper Tickets. Tickets will be available at the door for the concert at 8pm, and for the dinner at 6pm only if seats are still available for dinner.
There will be plenty of jobs for volunteers so if you’d like to help, call or email us.
See it May 3rd in Mazama or May 4th in Twisp!
Twisp musician and filmmaker Terry Hunt recently took first place in the 2009 Icicle Fund competition for his new film, With Respect to Farming in the Feature Documentary category.
The film is not yet out in DVD form, but luckily for you, the Methow Conservancy will be showing the film with Terry Hunt on Sunday, May 3rd in Mazama and on Monday, May 4th in Twisp.
Terry began the project three years ago, interviewing at least a dozen local farmers and filming their farms, gardens and ranches. ”My main interest was in learning why people do what they do,” he said. The 65-minute documentary about sustainable farming and growing in the Methow Valley profiles the Valley's unique sustainable agriculture community, portraying the dedication and hard work of local farmers and ranchers, while addressing some of the joys and sorrows of this disappearing lifestyle. A suggested donation of $5 or more is welcomed but not required. Donations will go towards the film's production and distribution.
The May 3rd program will be at the Mazama Community Center from 7:00 – 8:00pm. Doors open at 6:30.
The May 4th program will be at the Twisp River Pub from 7:00 – 8:00pm. The pub will open at 6:00 p.m. for attendees who would like to purchase drinks or something from the light menu.
Friday, May 15th, 7:30pm at the Merc Playhouse in Twisp (doors open at 7pm)
Paul Bannick is returning for an encore presentation of the fabulous talk he gave in February! Join us at the Merc Playhouse for an evening of stunning bird images with award-winning, Seattle-based photographer and naturalist Paul Bannick as we celebrate the release of his first book The Owl And the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America's Most Iconic Birds. 
Paul will present a slideshow featuring amazing photographs from the book, which profiles all 41 of North America's owl and woodpecker species across 11 key habitats, from familiar birds like the northern flicker and great-horned owl as well as rare ones such as the ferruginous pygmy-owl, red-cockaded woodpecker and northern hawk owl. His presentation will provide an inside look at the way owls and woodpecker define and enrich their habitat and how the life-histories of these cavity-dwellers are intertwined. The images will be accompanied by natural history information and Paul's field stories distilled from thousands of hours in the field observing owl and woodpecker behaviors. Books will be sold and signed following the presentation. Feel free to bring a book you've already purchased!
The Merc doors will open at 7pm and the presentation will start at 7:30pm. Refreshments will be available to purchase. Come early to get a seat! This Methow Conservancy event is free and open to everyone. Donations will be accepted.
Call us crazy but we think spring in the Methow should not pass without you spending some quality time out amongst the wildflowers, sharing the land with birds, fish and other animals, and learning something new about this wonderful place. We’ve created numerous opportunities for you (and kids), so get out there and see the Methow from a new perspective! For more information or to register, contact Mary at 996-2870 or info@methowconservancy.org.
Nature Journaling & Field Sketching Class with Instructors Hana Baker & Sarah Varick
Saturday, May 9th, 10am – 3pm. 
Learn to observe, explore and connect with the natural world through natural journaling and sketching. Local school teachers, Hana Baker and Sarah Varick will introduce basic journaling, drawing and watercolor techniques, and help you create vibrant drawings in a trail-side setting. No experience necessary. Adults and kids (ages 10 and up) welcome. Registration is required and the class is limited to 15 people. Bring a blank-paged journal, and if you have them, colored pencils and/or watercolors. Suggested donation of $10/person.
Spring Naturalists’ Retreat with Instructors Libby Mills & Dana Visalli
Thursday, May 14th at 5pm through Sunday, May 17th at 2pm
The Naturalists’ Retreat is an annual celebration of the Methow Valley in springtime! Arrowleaf balsamroot and many other spring flowers will be at their prime in mid-May, and the neo-tropical migrant birds will be pouring into the valley after their long journey from South and Central America.  With the friendly and expert guidance of ornithologist Libby Mills and botanist Dana Visalli, encounter more birds, flowers and other aspects of nature than you would have thought possible, and gain insights into the secret lives of many different forms of wildlife. In the evenings, share meals and presentations on the Methow’s natural history as well as the life and times of Methow birds. Registration is required and the retreat is limited to 20 people. The retreat cost is $130/person. Free tent camping is available at Dana’s property along the Methow River near Twisp or make your own lodging arrangements. Thursday evening's dinner is a potluck. Friday's dinner is a shared meal provided by the Methow Conservancy (included in the retreat fee). Saturday's dinner is a group function at Local in Twisp and participants pay $15 for themselves. Contact us for more information or to register.
Nature Expeditions for Kids
Hosted by the Methow Conservancy at Pearrygin Lake State Park Monthly May - July. Free.
Kids ages 6 and up are invited to join the Methow Conservancy for an on-the-ground exploration of Pearrygin Lake State Park, with games and environmental education. Volunteers from the Methow Conservancy will lead the outing and teach cool, fascinating facts about plants and wildflowers, animals, and water. At least one parent must accompany the children they bring.
* Sunday, May 24th, 3:00 – 4:30 pm, wildflower walk and treasure hunt
* Sunday, June 21st, 3:00 - 4:30 pm, solstice hike and tree measuring
* Wednesday, July 15th, 10:00 – 11:30 am, lake walk and water exploration
3rd Annual River Ecology Raft Trip
Sunday, June 14th, 9am to 4pm on the Methow River
This is the Methow Conservancy’s unique, on-the-water exploration of the Methow River from Mazama to Winthrop. The float trip, guided by the trained, local river guides of Osprey River Adventures, will meander through wildlife habitat, floodplain development, and pristine, tranquil areas on unique and ever-changing river channels. From a variety of instructors, learn about salmon migration, riparian ecology, river dynamics (hydrology and geology) and more. A catered lunch of local food is included. The cost is $80/person and registration is limited.
"The Art of Wildlife Tracking" Summer Field Workshop with Instructor Gabe Spence Saturday, June 27th
Explore the Methow’s wild side with professional wildlife tracker, Gabe Spence. Learn the six arts of tracking wildlife, including how to identify and interpret tracks and signs. Find ways to learn more about and connect with the hidden lives of the creatures that share this land with us! This unique outdoor class costs just $30 but registration is necessary and space is limited.
In last month’s E-News, we announced this great new monthly workshop series. The April class was full and the future classes are filling. The series provides landowners with hands-on experience in planning, designing and implementing native plant restoration and landscaping projects around their house. Through the workshops you will learn do-it-yourself, low-cost strategies to beautify your surroundings, attract birds and butterflies, and help native plants thrive. Topics include site design, plant identification, weed control, irrigation, seed collection and propagation. People can attend the entire series or individual classes, which will be held once a month through September. Each class is on a Saturday, from 9am to noon at Methow Natives. The next class is May 9th! For all the details, including a list of workshop dates and topics, and how to sign-up, click here.
Last year we began a 3-year “Cage-A-Tree” program with funding from the Chelan/Douglas P.U.D. Tributary Fund for restoration work within riparian forest habitats of the middle Methow and lower Twisp Rivers. We had several great work-parties in 2008 and many of you came out to help. Spring is here and we could use your help again!
This project works to improve the health of degraded riparian habitats by caging naturally regenerating tree saplings and shrubs to prevent over-browsing by the large deer populations in the Methow and Twisp River drainages. The goal is to give young saplings a fighting chance to create some of the riparian forests of our future.
Our next work-party is Wednesday, May 13th from 9am to noon at the Hottell’s property on the Twisp River. If you can help out, or if you’d like more details, please call the Methow Conservancy at 996-2870 or email us.
We will have more volunteer opportunities like this over the summer. If you’d like to be personally notified via our “volunteer opportunities” email distribution, tell us to add you to that list (see phone and email above).
There are continued opportunities to play a role in planning for the future of the Methow Valley. Please take the time to get informed and participate in the following public processes:
Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan
The Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan process continues to move forward with a new draft of the plan expected in early May following several weeks of Planning Commission deliberation. Watch for updates to the Draft Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Map, and the proposed Zoning and Subdivision codes by clicking on the “Comp Plan” link at: http://www.okanogancounty.org/planning/. The Methow Conservancy has been informed that additional public hearings could be held in late May or early June.
Methow Valley State Airport – Airport Layout Plan
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has recently announced their planning process for future improvements and possible expansion at the Methow Valley State Airport located between Winthrop and Twisp. WSDOT will hold a public meeting to discuss draft alternatives to the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) on Wednesday, May 20th from 3 – 5 pm at Sun Mountain Lodge.
During the meeting, WSDOT will present background information on Methow’s ALP and review the  public comments received on three draft alternatives. The meeting will include an open house followed by a presentation and discussion. WSDOT will offer another 30-day public comment period on the refined alternative from May 20 – June 19. WSDOT will choose a preferred alternative by July 1.
For the meeting agenda, more information, and downloadable maps of the draft alternatives being considered by WSDOT, visit the Methow’s ALP Web page, or contact Eric Johnson at 360-651-6303 or johnsel@wsdot.wa.gov.
Visit the Methow Conservancy Hot Topics page to see the Methow Conservancy’s April 13th comment letter to WSDOT, as well as for the response letter received from Washington State Department of Transportation.
Please feel free to contact Executive Director Jason Paulsen at (509) 996-2870 with questions regarding either of these processes.
Thank you to our new members who donated in the month of April: Doric, Inc.,
Sheila Marshall,
Karen Townsend Mercer and
Methow Suites.
Below, you'll find announcements about events or publications (ours and those of other organizations) that we think you might find interesting.
May 3rd:  Methow Conservancy Program “With Respect to Farming” 7pm at the Mazama Community Center. Terry Hunt’s film about sustainable growing in the Methow Valley. Doors open at 6:30. See above for more details.
May 4th: Methow Conservancy Program “With Respect to Farming” 7pm at the Twisp River Pub. Terry Hunt’s film about sustainable growing in the Methow Valley. Doors open at 6:00. See above for more details.
May 9th: Methow Conservancy Nature Journaling and Field Sketching Class, 10am – 3pm. Learn to observe, explore and connect with the natural world through natural journaling and sketching. Registration is required. See above for more details.
May 9th: Methow Conservancy & Methow Natives Workshop Series Restoring a Native Landscape around the Home. Class #2 - “What to plant?” 9am – noon at Methow Natives. See our workshop series page for more details.
May 12th: Methow Conservancy “1st Tuesday” Program, “Why do Weeds Invade Abandoned Agricultural Fields?: 10 Years of Data from the Methow Valley” 7– 8:30pm at the Twisp River Pub (on the second Tuesday!). Doors open at 6p.m. See above for more details.
 May 14th – 17th: Methow Conservancy Spring Naturalists’ Retreat with instructors Libby Mills and Dana Visalli. This fantastic educational field class is limited to 20 people and costs just $130. See above for more details.
May 15th: “The Owl and The Woodpecker: Encounters with North America's Most Iconic Birds,” a Methow Conservancy slideshow and talk with award-winning photographer Paul Bannick,7:30pm at the Merc Playhouse in Twisp. Paul is returning for an encore presentation of the fabulous talk he gave in February. See above for more details.
May 20th: Methow Airport Layout Plan Update Public Meeting, 3– 5pm at Sun Mountain Lodge. See above for more details.
May 23rd: A Conservation Hoedown with “Jo Miller and her Burly Roughnecks” ~ A Benefit for the Methow Conservancy's Imagine the Methow Campaign . Saturday, May 23rd at 6pm. at the Winthrop Barn. Join us for a really fun evening marking our historic effort to protect the rural character and natural beauty of the Methow Valley. See above for more details and mark your calendar!
May 24th: Nature Expeditions for kids ages 6 and up hosted by the Methow Conservancy at Pearrygin Lake State Park, 3– 4:30pm. See above for more details.
May 31st: The Crown S Ranch Annual Farm Tour and Potluck. The Crown S Ranch was protected with a Methow Conservancy conservation easement this year. Crown S Ranch produces organic beef, pork, poultry, eggs, and vegetables through a pasture-based, grass finishing operation using management-intensive pasture rotation, sometimes called grass farming. Take a free tour of this amazing local farm and hear first-hand farming stories from Louis Sukovaty and Jennifer Argraves. Tours will be held at 10am, 1pm and 3pm with the potluck at noon. Crown S will provide meat and beverages. Bring a side dish and join the fun! This event is free and open to everyone. For more information contact Crown S Ranch at 996-3849. (If you miss this event or want to come again, see our July 1st Tuesday program!)
June 2nd: Methow Conservancy “1st Tuesday” Program, “Feathered Architects: The Fascinating World of Bird Nests” with Idie Ulsh, 7pm. Place TBA.
June 14th: 3rd Annual River Ecology Raft Trip on the Methow River, $80 includes lunch, space limited. See above for more details.
June 14th: Hands-on Class at Crown S Ranch: “Build a Walk-through Passive Horn Fly Trap,” 1 - 4pm at Crown S Ranch. Louis Sukovaty of Crown S Ranch modeled his livestock horn fly trap on the original research of Willis Bruce in the 1930s. This type of passive trapping has been largely forgotten since the advent of modern chemical insecticides. Louis’ class will provide an interactive, hands-on forum where participants learn basic theory and design concepts while building an actual horn fly trap. Class size is limited and costs $10/person. Call Crown S Ranch at 509-996-3849 to confirm attendance.
June 21st: Nature Expeditions for kids ages 6 and up hosted by the Methow Conservancy at Pearrygin Lake State Park. 3– 4:30pm. See above for more details.
June 27th: The Art of Wildlife Tracking Summer Field Class with instructor Gabe Spence, $30, space limited. See above for more details.
July 7th: Methow Conservancy “1st Tuesday” Program, “A Day on the Farm: A show-and-tell of traditional animal husbandry and local food production at Crown S Ranch,” 7– 8:30pm at Crown S Ranch.
July 11th: Conservation Education Fair, 9am to 1pm, in the Twisp Commons.
July 15th: Nature Expeditions for kids ages 6 and up hosted by the Methow Conservancy at Pearrygin Lake State Park. 10– 11:30am.
August 12th: Methow Conservancy “1st Tuesday” Program, “Bound for the Methow: A Pictorial History of the Methow Valley,” with Kit Cramer and Karen West, 7– 8:30pm at the Shafer Historical Museum.
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