Field Trip: Methow Valley Bioblitz
When: Friday, April 24 from 12-4pm
Where: Riser Lake / Lewis Butte Trailhead (Get Directions)
RSVP Required. If you'd like to join the Riser Lake Walk, register here. If you'd like to join the Lewis Butte Hike, register here.
Join the Methow Conservancy and Western Washington University's Sustainability Pathways program for an afternoon of public education exploring the beautiful biodiversity of the Methow Valley! Plan on meeting at the Lewis Butte / Riser Lake trailhead at noon on Friday, April 24 for a guided hike led by local naturalists. There will be two excursions to choose from including:
- An easy 1-3 mile walk at Riser Lake with Kent Woodruff and Daniel Senner - Bird Focus
- A moderate 4-6 mile hike up Lewis Butte with Mack Laverick - Botany Focus
Before we split into groups, we’ll chat about the importance of monitoring phenology, protecting biodiversity, tips and tricks to making good observations on iNaturalist, and help you identify the local flora and fauna of the area. The goal is document as many species as possible!
We’ll be sticking to the trail, but it’s recommended you bring sturdy hiking boots, snacks, and water. If you have a hand lens (10x recommended), binoculars, camera, and any ID books you’d like to bring please do. If you feel generous, please bring some treats to share during the wrap up at the end of the event!
Can't join on Friday? No worries! Join the iNaturalist project for this event and all your observations during April 24 - 27th found in the Methow will be added as part of the Global City Nature Challenge.
Please reach out to Bridger with any questions about event logistics, and reach out to Mack with questions about iNaturalist. Happy exploring!
Facilitator Biographies:
Mack Laverick (she/they): Community Resiliency Fellow for Western Washington University. Mack has been living in the Methow the last several years after receiving her Msc. in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Biodiversity, and Conservation at the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. She received her BS. from the University of Vermont in Botany and has worked various field jobs in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Vermont.
Kent Woodruff (he/him): Retired wildlife biologist with a passion for birds, beavers, and more!
Daniel Senner (he/him): Methow Conservancy Conservation Project Manager; lifelong birder and naturalist.
More information:
Click here to join the iNaturalist group.
Click here to view the National Phenology Network ‘status of spring’.
