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WENAS CAMPOUT HISTORY
| HOW DID THIS ALL COME TO PASS? In 1963, Bea Buzzetti, Ruth Anderson and Hazel Wolf wandered serendipitously into the Wenas Creek area on a Memorial Day camping trip. They were so impressed with the variety of wildlife that they convinced owners Boise Cascade to make the campground available to Audubon campers on Memorial Day. This was the beginning of an annual, state-wide (now regional) Audubon tradition that is the largest such event in the country. With the good will and cooperation of the Audubon community, it will continue indefinitely. |
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As soon as you set up camp, locate the Larrison Tree, a large pine near the creek. It is named in honor of the late Earl J. Larrison, a gifted and dedicated teacher, author, natural historian and conservationist who gave generously of his time and energy each year to make the Wenas Campout a memorable experience. The Larrison Tree is the headquarters and focal point for many Wenas activities. There you will find a sign-in sheet, bulletin board, trip sign up sheets, programs, maps, bird lists and wildflower display boards. The Larrison Tree is also the rallying point for field trips and workshops.
Evening campfire programs are held at the Hazel Wolf Campfire Circle in the meadow across the road from the headquarters area. The Hazel Wolf Campfire Circle was named for Hazel Wolf on the 30th anniversary (1993) of the Wenas Creek Campout in the year of Hazel's 95th birthday. The naming of the circle in her honor recognized her many years of organizing the campout, her dedicated service in helping the event run smoothly and her bright and witty presence at campfire programs. Hazel realized her goal of living in three different centuries on New Year’s Day 2000. She passed away January 19, 2000.
2007 WENAS REPORT
The 2007 Wenas Campout was great. About 200 people, including families with kids, enjoyed the nice weather and good program.
The Field Trips went up the canyons, on the ridges, to the Lake, and all around Wenas Creek and the Important Bird Area (IBA). Besides day trips there were night-time owl prowls, bat-watching, and bug-watching with the "black light".
At our Campfire programs Wildlife Biologist WDF&W Ken Bevis gave us good hope that the Wenas Important Bird Area will be protected by the DNR Land Swaps.
Inspiring Nature Teacher Rob Sandelin did a "Tribal Values" program. He reminded us of the uniqueness of our Audubon Campout and the impressive 3-generation run the event has enjoyed.
Native Plant Society's Don Knoke talked about the flora of the Wenas Creek drainage, and what a good year this has been for wildflowers.
Michelle Noe, Bats Northwest, talked about the Bats we see in our state and showed her high-tech instrument that translates bat sounds to frequencies the human ear can hear.
Richard Repp of Yakima Valley Audubon talked about the Bluebird Trail, and how we might help monitor the numbered boxes.
Don Norman, Consultant on all things natural, and his crew of bird-banders were set up along the Creek in camp and at Hardy Canyon.
Helen Engle, hengle@iinet.com, June 7, 2007