The Methow Conservancy, in Washington State's Methow Valley
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Events

First Tuesday Lectures
The Methow Conservancy sponsors a monthly “First Tuesday Lecture Series”. The lectures provide a forum to learn about the Methow Valley’s natural characteristics and natural resource issues. Generally "First Tuesday" Lectures are held on the first Tuesday of the month. The place varies so please check each event for the location. All First Tuesday Lectures are free and open to everyone. For more information contact Mary at 996-2870 or info@methowconservancy.org


photographer Mary KiesauFirst Tuesday Lectures Coming Up:

April 6th:  Plants, Insects and Co-Evolution
7:00 - 8:30pm at the Twisp River Pub
Nearly 400,000 species of insects make their living eating plants.  Join us for a talk by Carol Mack, Natural Resources and Agriculture Educator with the WSU Pend Oreille County Extension.  Many plants have developed ways and weapons to defend themselves, and inturn the insects adapt to these defenses.  Find out how this dance of survival between the eaters and the eaten has led to many of the marvelous plant qualities we treasure, and to the fascinating interactions between six-legged herbivores and their green hosts.

The Twisp River Pub will open at 6:00pm for attendees who would like to purchase food or drinks. 

Other Events

March 21st: 8th Annual Susie Stephens Memorial Bike Ride. We'll meet at the Winthrop Park at 11:00 a.m., break up into a couple different groups depending on ability and time, and head out for a ride. We'll meet back in the park after the ride for lunch.

May 13 – 16th:  Spring Naturalists’ Retreat with Instructors Libby Mills & Dana Visalli. Thursday, May 13th at 5pm through Sunday, May 16th at 2pm (or so). 
The Naturalists’ Retreat is an annual celebration of the Methow Valley in springtime!  Come spend a long weekend with us where we’ll enjoy beautiful days in the field and engage in presentations and group dinners in the evenings.  Under the friendly and expert tutelage of ornithologist Libby Mills and botanist Dana Visalli you will be amazed by all that you learn and soak up in this fantastic nature and educational experience!

Mountain bluebird, photographer Mary KiesauArrowleaf balsamroot and many other spring flowers will be at their prime in mid-May, and the neo-tropical migratory birds will be pouring into the Valley after their long journey from South and Central America.  We’ll go to a variety of places throughout the Methow Valley on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to experience all that the natural world of the Methow has to offer.  In the evenings, we’ll share meals and hear presentations from Dana and Libby 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.  Participants should be willing and able to take part in the entire retreat including evenings.  Participants should be in good physical condition, able to complete moderate hikes and spend 6+ hours in the field.  Free tent camping is available at Dana’s property along the Methow River near Twisp or you can 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 a local restaurant where participants will pay for themselves.  Locations for day and evening events will be given shortly before the retreat starts.  Contact Mary for more information or to register 509.996.2870.

May 22nd:  Wildflower and Medicinal Plant Walk with instructor Marlee Mountain, 1- 5pm. Curried Cattails!  Sautéed Grasshoppers?!  Join Marlee for a wild edible and medicinal plant walk from 1- 5pm (includes driving time).  We will take our time wandering trails in forest and riparian habitats.  Marlee will share knowledge of how to forage and prepare wild edible and medicinal plants.  You’ll be able to taste samples of course!  Marlee Mountain has lived in the Upper Skagit Valley for 35 years and visits the Methow often.  She is a self-taught ethno-botanist with a “pocket-full” of surprises for all!  Meeting place TBA. 

Registration is required and the class is limited to 15 people.  If folks would like to help cover some class costs, a donation of $15 is suggested. Contact Mary for more information or to register 509.996.2870.
 
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