Getting Squirrely With It: With Matt Danielson - OkaKnowledgy Speaker Series
2026-02-18 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Okanogan PUD Auditorium, 1331 2nd Ave N, Okanogan, wa, 98840
Local wildlife biologist Matt Danielson will present the biology and natural history of western gray squirrels in the Pacific Northwest. The presentation will share how to identify western gray squirrels from other tree squirrels in Washington, and introduce forest management strategies to create and maintain western gray squirrel habitat in Okanogan County.

From Baja Mexico to Okanogan County, western gray squirrels rely on rich, productive forests in dry climates. They depend on acorns from oak trees across their entire range – except in Okanogan County! You are invited to learn what makes Okanogan County a unique and important place for this endangered species.”

Matthew was born and raised in Omak, Washington and continues to work and live there because “it is a microcosm of the American West – the Columbia basin desert meets the North Cascade and Rocky Mountain forests to provide some of the widest ranging habitats on earth!” Danielson received a B.S. in Environmental Science from Western Washington University and spent his college summers working on wildlife survey, timber marking, and wildfire suppression crews for the U.S. Forest Service.

After graduating, he ran around the Inland Northwest supporting different carnivore research projects before finding permanent work for Department of Natural Resources as a timber sale biologist in Washington’s lynx habitat for several years. Matthew is excited to apply his experiences with local communities, wildlife, and forestry to fulfill Conservation Northwest’s mission in this region. During his free time, Danielson birdwatches, hunts, and fishes, while trying to balance or incorporate biking, skiing, and kayaking. He lives with his wife, their cat, and a community of native birds and insects he tries to support through gardening.

Come learn all about these great little forest friends – and get squirrley with us!!

Warm refreshments and sweet treats served. And a Small Bills Raffle could win you some OLT Gear!

Life in a Peat Wetland: Bonaparte Meadows - OkaKnowledgy Speaker Series
2026-03-18 18:30 - 19:30 | Okanogan PUD Auditorium, 1331 2nd Ave N, Okanogan, wa, 98840
ELife in a Peat Wetland: Bonaparte Meadows – A Very Special OkaKnowledgy Eventver wondered what the difference between a bog and a fen is? What lives in a fen? Or how peat forms? If you have — or you do now — then this presentation is for you!
Calcarious or alkaline fens are an extremely rare habitat type in Washington State, and the Okanogan Highlands are home to three of them. This talk by three experts in botany, wetland ecology, and ecological restoration, explores the geology, botany, and human history of Bonaparte Meadows, the largest calcarious fen in our region (that we know of!). Although impacted by a history of human disturbance, this remarkable place still holds extraordinary benefits for rare plantlife, for wildlife, and the surrounding landscape, as well as tremendous potential for restoration.
Join us for this important event! The greater work of this project will be covered, as well as the ways you can participate. We will have related future events to get you on the land with us, so stay close!
Come learn about this rare and special place and the current efforts to protect it!

Julie Vanderwal is a Certified Ecological Restoration Planner based in Twisp
Josh Wozniak is a professional wetland biologist with over 25 years experience delineating wetlands in the Puget Sound region and throughout the western US.
Dana Visalli is a botanist and editor of the Methow Naturalist.

2026-03-29 17:00 - 18:30 | Methow Valley Interpretive Center, 210 5th Ave, Twisp, Washigton, 98856
For Methow-based supporters of conservation and those who can’t make this special presentation on March 11th in the Okanogan Valley, Okanogan Land Trust is crossing over the mountains to present this three-part talk by speakers Julie Vanderwal, Josh Wozniak and Dana Visalli. Come hear this expansive educational talk at the Methow Valley interpretive Center in Twisp, WA, happening on Sunday, March 29th. We invite you to wrap yourself into the folds of our latest conservation campaign: For the Fen!

Ever wondered what the difference between a bog and a fen is? Or how peat forms? Or what the story of that broad, flat valley south of Bonaparte Lake might be? If so, this presentation is for you!

Join Okanogan Land Trust for this highlighted event and learn all about our newest community conservation initiative: the campaign to buy, protect, and restore Bonaparte Meadows.

Calcareous fens are one of the rarest wetland types in the United States, and the Okanogan Highlands are home to several of these unique places. This talk — by not one but three local experts — explores the geology, botany, and human history of Bonaparte Meadows, the largest calcarious fen in our region (that we know of!). Although impacted by human and natural disturbance, this remarkable place still holds extraordinary benefits for rare plant life, for wildlife, and the surrounding landscape, as well as tremendous potential for restoration.

Presenters:

Julie Vanderwal is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner.

Josh Wozniak is a professional wetland biologist with over 25 years experience delineating wetlands in the Puget Sound region and throughout the western US.

Dana Visalli is a botanist and editor of the Methow Naturalist.

Learn more here: okanoganlandtrust.org/Bonaparte

Visit and Support the Methow Valley Interpretive Center

Tribal River Restoration: Overview of Klamath River Dam Removal
2026-04-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Okanogan PUD Auditorium, 1331 2nd Ave N, Okanogan, wa, 98840
We are pleased to introduce DJ Bandrowski of the Yurok Tribe Fisheries Department – Northern California. The Yurok tribe is happy to bring us up to speed on the huge undertaking of removing four dams on the Klamath River, crossing the border of southern Oregon into northern California. The Tribe has successfully completed the largest dam removal project in U.S. history; celebrating the recovery and restoration of 400 previously blocked miles of salmon spawning habitat. The waters of the Klamath Basin cover 15,751 miles before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The Klamath River Dam Removal Project is an important example of American river stewardship and Tribal ingenuity, reclaiming and releasing the natural landscape to its original design.

As Senior Project Engineer, DJ will give us an invaluable view into the perils and punctuations that came with this endeavor, as well as the nuance of a first people’s perspective. From planning to planting wildflowers, this speaking event is not to be missed! Join us in welcoming Mr. Bandrowski to the Okanogan Valley!

DJ Bandrowski, Senior Project Engineer / Program Manager for the Yurok Tribe, is a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) that is responsible for managing the Design and Technical Services Program within the Yurok Tribes Fisheries Department and Natural Resources Division. He has the responsibility for the planning, design, and implementation of large-scale ecosystem restoration projects across Northern California on the Upper Klamath River, Trinity River, Sacramento River, and supporting the Klamath Dam Removal Project operations. He oversees all phases of project implementation including planning, data collection, design, analysis, heavy civil construction, and revegetation/planting operations. He serves as the lead design engineer on many of the restoration projects performing engineering and design analysis for various components but specializing in large wood and habitat implementation aspects.

Salmon spawning photo by Paul Wilson/Klamath Tribes

Save Bonapart Meadows-Music Fundraiser
2026-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Community Cultural Center, 411 Western Ave, Tonasket, Washington, 98855
Gather with friends, neighbors, and community members for an evening of dinner, live music, and dancing with Brock Hires in support of Bonaparte Meadows.

This family-friendly community fundraiser will be held at The Community Cultural Center Auditorium in Tonasket. Dinner begins at 6:00 PM, followed by live music and dancing at 7:00 PM.

Proceeds from the evening will support the effort to protect Bonaparte Meadows, a rare and ecologically important peatland in the Okanogan Highlands.

This is a no-ticket event. Donations will be accepted at the door, and all proceeds will benefit For the Fen!

Questions?

Please Contact the event organizer:

Anne Mac Donaugh

P: 509-486-1167

Wetland Stories: Fen Formation
2026-05-17 11:00 - 16:00
Co-organized with the Okanogan Highlands Alliance

Wetland Stories: Fen Formation

With Dr Karl Lillquist, Geographer, Ice Age Specialist, and Researcher with Central Washington University

What is that soft, squishy stuff under your feet in a wetland? What can it tell us about past climate change (including glaciation & fires), Cascade volcano eruptions, and the evolution of wetlands and lakes? We will use simple corers to get muddy* and collect sediment cores so we can learn about past environments in the Lost Lake and Bonaparte areas.

Saturday May 16, 2026 11am – 4pm

Collecting and Interpreting Sediment Cores – For K-12 Educators!

Location: Lost Lake Wetland and Wildlife Preserve

Hosted By: Okanogan Highlands Alliance

Clock Hours Available: 6

Space is limited, to reserve your spot and receive ALL the details, email: info@okanoganhighlands.org

*We will be out in the wetland, you will get muddy!

Sunday, May 17, 2026 1pm – 3pm

A Geological Ramble – For All Community Members!

Location: Bonaparte Meadows

Hosted By: Okanogan Land Trust

Free and Open to All

Space is limited, to reserve your spot and receive ALL the details, email: info@okanoganlandtrust.org

*Getting muddy is optional”

What To Bring: clothing layers, water, snacks or lunch, sturdy shoes or boots for walking on uneven and wet ground, whatever you need to be comfortable for several hours outside of cell phone service.

Carpooling to both events is strongly encouraged! For the May 17th ramble, meet at 12:15pm at the Tonasket Elementary School parking lot to offer space in your vehicle to others or catch a ride with someone else.

We will send driving directions and parking location at the site when we receive your email reserving your place on the trip.

Birds Of Bonaparte
2026-06-20 06:00 - 08:00
A Guided Birding Field Trip with Matthew Danielson

Photo: Ruddy Duck in breeding plumage, Karen Edwards

Join Matthew Danielson of Conservation Northwest for a guided birding field trip at Bonaparte Meadows.

From wetland birds and meadow nesters to migratory visitors moving through the Okanogan Highlands, we’ll explore the species that rely on this rare peatland landscape and learn how habitat, water, and wildlife are connected.

Bird surveys continue to reveal just how much birdlife this landscape supports. On May 20, volunteers and partners from the North Central Washington Audubon Society documented 78 bird species across the property during a day-long survey. Observations included Species of Greatest Conservation Need such as Barrow’s Goldeneye, Cinnamon Teal, and Bald Eagle.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or just beginning to notice the birds around you, this field trip offers a chance to practice observation, listen for calls, and learn more about the species using Bonaparte Meadows.

Birders of all experience levels are welcome.

Getting There

Carpool Option Meet at 5:15 AM in the Tonasket High School parking lot.

Meet On Site Parking is available at the former peat extraction site. A location pin and directions will be provided upon registration.

What to Bring

Binoculars (if you have them)

Weather-appropriate clothing

Sturdy footwear

Water

Trip Leader: Matthew Danielson, Conservation Northwest

Registration required. Space may be limited.

Birds of Bonaparte Event Registration
* indicates required
Email Address *
First Name
Last Name

This field trip is offered as part of the For the Fen! campaign. Donations are welcome and help support the effort to protect and restore Bonaparte Meadows. Donate Here

Butterfly Walk at Bonaparte Meadows
2026-06-20 09:00 - 10:00
Butterfly Walk at Bonaparte Meadows

A guided field trip with Cheryl Bellin and Jim Rauh

Join lifelong butterfly enthusiasts Cheryl Bellin and Jim Rauh for a guided butterfly walk at Bonaparte Meadows.

As the day warms, we’ll explore the meadow in search of butterflies and learn more about the species and habitats that make Bonaparte Meadows such a remarkable place. From wet meadow edges and flowering plants to the larger fen landscape, this walk offers a chance to slow down, look closely, and notice the small winged life moving through the meadow.

Cheryl and Jim are members of the Washington Butterfly Association and experienced field trip leaders. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will help participants learn what to look for, how to observe butterflies in the field, and how these species connect to the larger habitat around them.

Butterfly watchers of all experience levels are welcome.

Early Morning Field Trip Option: Before the butterfly walk, you’re invited to join Matthew Danielson of Conservation Northwest for a guided birding field trip at Bonaparte Meadows from 6:00 to 8:00 AM.

Afterward, participants can linger for snacks, cold drinks, and time to visit before the butterfly walk begins.

Schedule

6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Optional early birding field trip with Matthew Danielson

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Snacks, cold drinks, and time to visit

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Butterfly Walk with Cheryl Bellin and Jim Rauh

Getting There

Carpool Option
Meet at 5:15 AM in the Tonasket High School parking lot.

Meet On Site
Parking is available at the former peat extraction site. A location pin and directions will be provided upon registration.

What to Bring

Binoculars, if you have them
Weather-appropriate clothing
Sturdy footwear
Water
Sunscreen
Hat

Registration Options
Choose the field trip option that works best for you:

Register for Butterfly Walk
Register for Birding
Register for Both

This field trip is offered as part of the For the Fen! campaign. Donations are welcome and help support the effort to protect and restore Bonaparte Meadows.
Donate here.

Butterfly Walk Event Registration

* indicates required

First Name

Last Name

Email Address *

Birds of Bonaparte Event Registration

* indicates required

First Name

Last Name

Email Address *

Birds & Butterflies Event Registration

* indicates required

First Name

Last Name

Email Address *

Art in the Wild: An Evening of Community & Bluegrass
2026-06-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Bonaparte Meadows, Tonasket, Washington
Methow Arts Alliance in Partnership with Okanogan Land Trust

Come together to enjoy a fun evening of bluegrass with local favorite Sandy Vaughn & the Welter Brothers & their band of merry musicians. Their show focuses on bluegrass classics & old time melodies.

This special event is presented by Methow Arts Alliance in support of For the Fen! Okanogan Land Trust’s campaign to acquire and preserve this unique landscape.

We hope that you plan the weekend in the Highlands, there are plenty camping & lodging opportunities, cool murals in Tonasket, the new Bonaparte Creek distillery to explore, & plenty of hiking and biking opportunities.

No dogs allowed

ADA access available

Adult Tickets: $25Youth Tickets: $10

Tickets will be limited for this intimate event.

Purchase Tickets Here
