Barbed Wire Removal Work Parties
When: regularly throughout the 2025 field season
Where: on the Sunny M Ranch
We are removing miles of derelict fencing that crisscrosses the Sunny M Ranch and is a hazard to wildlife because it is down on the ground, intertwined with foliage, and/or sagging, presenting entrapment potential. Or it is simply no longer needed and we're able to improve wildlife habitat by removing it.
Details and registration HERE
When: Saturday, May 31, 9am-1pm
Where: Sunny M Ranch, location TBD after you register
Honor quiet. Slow down. Take in the details of your surroundings. Connect to the natural world.
Join Beth Glosten in a half-day of guided meditation immersed in the wild surroundings of the Sunny M Ranch. After a silent walk (1/2 mile or less), we’ll settle, maintain silence, and Beth will guide you in a series of meditations practices aimed at facilitating a deeper connection to the out-of-doors and the ranch.
Details and link to registration HERE
When: Monday, December 9, 2024, 5:30-7pm
Where: Winthrop Library
The Methow Conservancy invites you to join us at our next public information session about the potential for an affordable neighborhood on the Sunny M property near the Town of Winthrop.
This in-person info session is free and open to the public. Zoom participants must register HERE.
Questions? Email us at sunnym@methowconservancy.org.
Photo: Benj Drummond
Sunny M Spring Creek Wetlands Complex Restoration Work Party
Help us to restore the banks of the Spring Creek wetlands complex on the Sunny M by planting a variety of native plant species and installing deer exclusion fencing. October 16 and/or 18 from 9am-12pm. Attend one or both days!
Register HERE.
Painting the Sunny M Ranch Buildings
The crew at Twisp River Painting has completed the pressure washing of the Sunny M barn and outbuildings and is now priming and starting first coats of paint.
Itching to brush up on your painting skills on behalf of Sunny M? Join us for our painting party on Wed. Aug. 7th. Registration required: HERE.
Stewarding the Sunny M Ranch
We have Sunny M Weeding Parties coming up on July 11 and July 18. Join us for a focused effort on removing Russian thistle from key areas!
Thu. July 11 MORE INFO
Thu. July 18 MORE INFO
Email Conservation Project Manager Daniel Senner with questions (daniel@methowconservancy.org).
Volunteer Registration HERE.
Sunny M Ranch Report Public Info Session
When: Mon, July 1, 2024, 5:30-7pm
As we near our one-year anniversary of caring for Sunny M Ranch on behalf of the community, we want to thank you for your support and give you an update on current activities on and future plans for the land, as well as our management and stewarding of it. We'll also make time to answer your questions.
The general topic areas we'll address will be wildlife habitat, trails, agriculture, and the exploration of a neighborhood that will be affordable for locals.
Affordable Housing Public Info Session #2
When: Mon, Jan 29, 2024, 5:30-7pm
The Methow Conservancy invites you to join us at our second public information session about the potential for an affordable neighborhood on the Sunny M property near the Town of Winthrop. As we work on a vision for the neighborhood, we want to hear from you about what matters to the community. If you attended the first session, please continue with us and attend this meeting. We have new questions for you!
Sunny M Work Party: Barbwire Removal #2
When: Fri, Oct 20, 10am-2pm
Help us remove a section of derelict barbwire on the Patterson Hillside area of the Sunny M Ranch to allow for free movement of wildlife. This area is steep and rugged and will require good fitness and steady footing to access.
Affordable Housing Public Info Session
When: Mon, Oct 30, 6-7:30pm
The Methow Conservancy invites you to join us at our first public information session about the potential for an affordable neighborhood on the Sunny M property near the Town of Winthrop. We will share some basic information about the site, explore data about existing housing needs and inventory, and gather input from you that will help determine how the Sunny M Ranch can best serve as a piece of the solution to our Valley's affordable housing crisis.
Sunny M Work Party: Barbwire Removal #1
When: Thu, Oct 12, 10am-2pm
Help us remove a section of derelict barbwire on the Patterson Hillside area of the Sunny M Ranch to allow for free movement of wildlife. This area is steep and rugged and will require good fitness and steady footing to access.
Sunny M Work Party: Collapsed Shed Clean Up
When: Thu, July 13, 8-10am
Join us for our first volunteer work party on the Sunny M Ranch since we have taken over ownership! We will be cleaning up the debris from an old woodshed that collapsed under last winter's heavy snow.
Next Generation: Bikes, Beverages, and a Work Party on Sunny M
When: Friday, July 21 @ 4:30pm
Where: Meet at Winthrop National Fish Hatchery
This event is offered in partnership with Methow Trails for the Next Generation of Methow Valley conservationists (ages 18-40). It's a chance to connect with other young people in the Methow, enjoy a bike ride, a beverage, and help clean up historic dumpsites left on Sunny M. Cold drinks will be provided. We will bike approximately 7 miles total, partially on dirt paths and partially on the road. If you would like to join but don't have a bicycle, please reach out and we'll find one for you to ride!
Free RSVP at this link. Contact Bridger with any questions about the event.
Wednesday, July 5, 2023, 9-10am
Meet at the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery - Directions HERE
Learn about the Sunny M Ranch property and ranch buildings as well as the incredible community effort that will result in the Methow Conservancy owning and holding the land on behalf of the community, both human and wild. This is a walking tour of a portion of the property that is generally flat and fairly even, but it is not a paved trail. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring: water, sun hat, sunscreen, bug protection if desired. Carpool to the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery parking area if possible.
Registration required - REGISTER HERE
Monday, July 3, 2023, 9-10am
Meet at the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery - Directions HERE
Learn about the Sunny M Ranch property and ranch buildings as well as the incredible community effort that will result in the Methow Conservancy owning and holding the land on behalf of the community, both human and wild. This is a walking tour of a portion of the property that is generally flat and fairly even, but it is not a paved trail. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring: water, sun hat, sunscreen, bug protection if desired. Carpool to the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery parking area if possible.
Registration required - REGISTER HERE
Sunday, July 2, 2023, 4-5:30pm
Walk some of the wildlife habitat of the Sunny M Ranch property and learn about the animals who call it home. The walking will be moderately strenuous. It's on a double-track trail, but the surface is not entirely even and there are some moderate uphills. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring: water, sunscreen, bug spray or bug shirt, sunhat.
Registration required - REGISTER HERE
A Night for Sunny M
On Saturday, May 6th, Arrowleaf Bistro, East 20 Pizza, Twisp River Tap House, 1908 BBQ & Bourbon, and all three Old Schoolhouse Brewery locations in Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama will provide information at your table about the Sunny M Ranch project.
There won't be an official presentation or donation request. It's simply an opportunity for you to read information about a conservation opportunity on 1200 acres of land near the Town of Winthrop--land that is widely used and loved by the community, land that supports wildlife, farming, and recreation. You could even watch our 6-minute campaign video over appetizers.
Big thanks to our local business sponsor restaurants for helping us share the story of the Campaign for Sunny M Ranch. Collaborations like this are one of the many ways that businesses and non-profit organizations support each other for community benefit.
Interested in learning more about Imagine the Methow: the Campaign for Sunny M Ranch? Join us at one of our upcoming community information sessions. We'll present the project, answer your questions, and listen to your memories of and hopes for this beautiful piece of land. All community information sessions are free and open to the public.
Watch a recorded info session presentation HERE.
Information session & social
Sunday, January 15, 2023 3-5pm
Mazama Community Club, Mazama
Free & open to the public
Information session & social
Friday, February 10, 2023 6-8pm
Twisp Grange, Twisp
Free & open to the public
Information session & social
Sunday, February 12, 2023 1pm
Winthrop Barn, Winthrop
Free & open to the public
Information session & social
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 6pm
Pybus Market Boardroom
Free & open to the public
Information session & social
Sunday, April 23, 2023 4pm
REI, 22 Yale Ave North, Seattle
Free & open to the public
Information session & social
Monday, April 24, 2023 7pm
The Bush School, 3400 East Harrison St, Seattle
Free & open to the public
We’re excited to launch Imagine the Methow: A Campaign for Sunny M Ranch. We have until June 15, 2023 to preserve these possibilities for our community. To join us and to learn more about the Campaign for Sunny M Ranch, visit methowconservancy.org/sunnym. To make a multi-year pledge, contact Executive Director Sarah Brooks to schedule a meeting: email Sarah Brooks or call 509-996-2870. Or click here to access a pledge form.