WASHINGTON STATE WENAS CREEK AUDUBON CAMPOUT

Washington State Wenas Creek Audubon Campout
Hazel Wolf Wenas Bird Sanctuary/Boise Cascade Campground
44th Anniversary (1963-2008)
Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26, 2008

Website: www.wenasaudubon.org

Hazel Wolf , 1898-2000. In 1966 Boise Cascade designated the Wenas campground area as a bird sanctuary. In her centennial year of 1998, the company joined Wenas campers in honoring Hazel Wolf--Wenas founder, extraordinary Audubon mentor and all-purpose environmental activist--by naming the campground area the Hazel Wolf Wenas Bird Sanctuary. Her spirit continues with us at this Memorial Day event.

The purpose of the Wenas Campout is to provide Auduboners and their friends with a variety of natural history and recreation opportunities in a beautiful area that supports a fascinating assortment of spring flora and fauna and offers the spiritual fulfillment of simply being outdoors in the spring. We do not charge fees for the Wenas outing itself. Committee expenses are covered by voluntary contributions.

In 1963, Bea Buzzetti, Ruth Anderson and Hazel Wolf wandered serendipitously into this Wenas Creek area on a Memorial Day camping trip. They were so impressed with the variety of wildlife that they convinced Boise Cascade to make the campground available to Audubon campers on Memorial Day. This was the beginning of an annual, statewide (now regional) Audubon tradition that is the largest such event in the country.

The Wenas Committee is pleased that you have come. 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, programs, maps, bird lists and a wildflower display.

The Larrison Tree is also the meeting place for field trips. If you read about a trip that interests you, we encourage you to go along. Everyone is welcome. If you prefer to explore on your own or just stay in camp, feel free to do so. Evening campfire programs are held at the Hazel Wolf Campfire Circle in the meadow across the road from the Larrison Tree. 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 was in recognition of 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. She passed away January 19, 2000.

1. BRING YOUR OWN WATER. Do not use creek water for drinking. It is unsafe.

2. Do not pick wildflowers and plants. There is a flower display, at the Larrison Tree for all to enjoy.

5. Protect wildlife. Respect nesting sites...especially birdhouses and nesting cavities.

6. Do not let dogs roam free. Keep them on a leash. It is not a good idea to take them on field trips.

7. Respect your neighbors. Do not play loud music at any time. No noisy activities, or generators after 10:00 PM.

8. Please carpool. Many areas have limited parking, so pool, save gas and cut down on dust.

9. Please sign the register at the Larrison Tree, but you need attend only those activities that interest you. Although we try to plan activities for everyone, you are free to schedule your own activities this weekend.

7:30 PM :: EVENING PROGRAM @ Hazel Wolf Campfire Circle: Wenas Committee members meet with campers informally for announcements, trip descriptions and updates, answering questions, taking suggestions and talking to trip leaders.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: We rent chemical toilets and must pay rental fees with donations from those who use these useful facilities. A "potty kitty" will be passed at campfire. Thanks for your generosity again this year.

5:30 AM :: EARLY BIRD WALK [walk]: Leader—Kathy Andrich:: The best time of the day to see birds (so early risers say). Participants return in time for later morning trips.

Anytime :: BLUEBIRD TRAIL MONITORING [drive]: Coordinator—Richard Repp :: The many bluebird houses placed by Yakima Audubon need frequent checking, and you can help. This is a good family activity. Participants will get monitoring instructions and a census sheet. You may select a section of the Bluebird Trail to monitor on your own schedule. The results will become part of Yakima Valley Audubon's extensive database on bluebird nesting. Look for notices at the self-serve box at the Larrison Tree for further information & necessary forms.

8:00 AM :: HARDY CANYON MEADOWS BIRD TRIP [drive]: Leaders--Doris & Burt Johnson (Tahoma Audubon) :: Hardy Canyon is a "must" for the Wenas outing. A level walk in open meadows adjoining cottonwood thickets bordering Wenas Creek for probable sightings of chats, lazuli buntings, orioles and other passerines. Wear appropriate footgear. Back by lunch.

8:00 AM :: BLACK CANYON BIRD TRIP [drive]: Leaders –Brett Wolfe * Traditional Black Canyon trip, back by lunch. Follow the canyon and observe a plethora of East Side birds--chats, lazuli buntings, orioles, etc.

8:30 AM :: HOG RANCH RIDGE BIRD TRIP [walk]: Leader--Bruce Jones :: An easy to moderate morning walk, starting at the campground and going east on Hog Ranch Road along the foot of the ridge. At Dry Creek Road, hikers will ascend a jeep track to the top of the ridge. A good place to see cavity nesters.

8:30 AM :: WENAS CREEK/UPSTREAM BIRD TRIP [walk]: Leader—Carol Schulz :: This trip tours the upper campground, following the creek upstream through riparian woods. Look for usual species and maybe some surprises.

9:00 AM :: MANASTASH FLOWER TRIP [drive]: Leader--Mae Morey (Kittitas Audubon) :: An outstanding display of flowers and plants on open flats a short drive from camp. The leader knows the flowers and the locale. Good birding as well. Bring some lunch, water and sun protection, as you won’t return until early afternoon.

10:30 AM :: Hardy Canyon [drive]: Leader—Lann Kittleson :: A little different twist on Hardy Canyon. We will take a short walk up the canyon and walk out into the field above the riparian zone. Yellow Breasted Chat, Gray Catbird, Warblers, Mountain chickadee, Butterflies and snakes are all possible.

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM:: Wenas Creek Riparian and Beaver Pond Hike: Leader: Gene Hunn (Seattle Audubon) [walk] :: We'll walk from camp along the creek to the beaver pond and upstream observing Cascade frogs, birds and their nests, and whatever else we can find. Be prepared to walk over rough terrain and also to wade. Kids welcome!

1:00 PM :: Flowers Around the Campgrounds [walk]: Leader--Don Knoke :: Flowers, flowers

everywhere. Can you call them by name? What else do you know about them? Learn about the flowers that

Introductions, Announcements, Passing the hat, business meeting, - Doris Johnson, Recruitment - Rose Wakeman (Seattle Audubon)

· Sing-a-along: a Wenas Campout tradition. Carrie Aiken (Seattle Audubon) will lead group singing of action songs

· Roll Call, Helen Engle (Tahoma Audubon) & Introduction of Audubon WA staff & Steward

· Candle Memorial for Patrick Sullivan – led by Kathy Andrich & Wilson Cady

· Guest Speaker – Gene Hunn, (Seattle Audubon) Professor Emeritus in the Department of Anthropology, UW.
Title: “The Nachish-hlama, Native people of the Wenas: An Ethnoecological Perspective.

· BLACK LIGHT INSECT WATCH :: Leader—Rob Sandelin (Pilchuck Audubon) – Join us near the camp center under the blacklight for an up close and personal adventure with the night fliers.

· OWL PROWL [walk, stealthily]: Prowl Leaders—Brett Wolfe :: Possible species are Flammulated Owl, Western Screech Owl, Long-eared Owl, Great Horned Owl, Northern Saw-whet, Northern Pygmy Owl, as well as Common Poorwills. The trip involves walking in the dark over uneven ground and quiet listening. Dress warmly, wear very supportive shoes or hiking boots. Walk is done without flashlights, but bring one for emergency. Repeats Sunday.

· Bat Walk :: Leader – Michelle Noe At night, the birds give way to other creatures who fill the sky. With proper equipment, one can hear the bats before they can be seen. Join us for an exploration of the night time flyers. Mist netting of bats will take place, weather permitting.

Sunday, May 25th

5:30 AM :: EARLY BIRD WALK [walk]: Leader--Doris Johnson (Tahoma Audubon) (see Saturday's description).

6:00 AM ~ NOON BIRD BANDING: Banders – Don Norman, Andrea Wuenschel, Clarice Clark :: Upper, or west, end of the campground. Wonderful chance to see our birds in hand, up close.

7:00 AM :: WENAS DOWNSTREAM :Leader –Kathy Andrich [walk]: Short walk from camp downstream as far as Dry Creek through the area of the bridge and beyond. Many birds found working around the bridge area. Warblers, shorebirds and a western tanager nest were spotted in prior years.

8:00 AM :: UPPER WENAS ROAD [walk]: Leader—Brett Wolfe :: The trip would focus on riparian birds. We will start at camp and walk downstream to the bridge, then cross the creek and go up the other side. As the road ascends the ridge, it climbs to tree top level, where we can look at warblers at eye level with the sun at our backs.

8:30 AM :: HOG RANCH RIDGE [walk]: Leader—Gene Hunn :: See Saturday's trip description.

8:30 AM :: FLOWER WALK up DRY CREEK [walk] Leader--Don Knoke :: Bring a lunch and enjoy a leisurely stroll. Up to 150 special of plant may be seen above the gate. We’ll hike up the left side then see a different set of plants as we hike back on the right side of the canyon. Great area for flowers and birds.

9:30 AM :: Hardy Canyon via the back door [drive]: Leader – Rich Repp (Yakima Valley Audubon):: A combination drive/walk for a leisurely look at Wenas Creek and a bit of shrub steppe nearby. Probe next boxes for Western Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and House Wrens. Wear appropriate footgear. Back around 1:00 pm.

10:00 AM :: BUG OUT [walk]: Leader—Rob Sandelin :: Meet at the Larrison tree to go on an insect safari along the creek as we look for the 6 legged majority. Kids of all ages welcome.

1:00 PM WENAS LAKE [drive]: Leader—TBD :: If you haven't seen Wenas Lake, you'll be surprised by this sight. A short drive to Wenas Lake, then an easy walk along the inlet marsh to spot ducks, grebes, shorebirds, yellow-headed blackbirds and more. A good opportunity to add water birds to your list. The trip will last about two hours.

12:30 PM :: BEGINNER CLASS & BIRDWALK :: Leader – Lann Kittleson :: Basics for all ages. Learn anew or refresh what you already know.

2:00 PM :: WATER BUG SAFARI. [walk]: Leader—Rob Sandelin :: Meet at the Larrison tree for a search for the insects that live in Wenas Creek. Note, wet feet are likely.

· Wenas Bats – Michelle Noe, (Seattle Audubon) Vice President of Bats Northwest.

· Don McIvor, Science Coordinator, Audubon WA.
Title: Wenas is an IBA and what that means.

5:30 AM :: EARLY BIRD WALK [walk]: Leader—Brett Wolfe :: Same as Saturday.

6:00 AM - 10:00 AM+ :: BIRD BANDING: Banders – Don Norman, Andrea Wuenschel, Clarice Clark :: Drop by and see the Wenas Creek birds up close.

8:00 AM :: HARDY CANYON [Drive]: Leader TBD :: See Saturday's trip description.

7:00 PM :: EVENING PROGRAM @ Hazel Wolf Campfire Circle: Informal program; this is a good time to unwind, laugh, share Wenas experiences and enjoy the last night. Bring ideas, stories, jokes (and the usual, cookies, s'mores, etc.). This is the final treasure of the weekend!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Friday, May 23th

Saturday, May 24th

Sunday, May 25th

Monday, May 26st