2022 Washington State Wenas Audubon Campout

Hazel Wolf Wenas Bird Sanctuary
Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-30, 2022
57th Anniversary (1963-2022) (minus 2 years for COVID)

The Wenas Audubon Campout is back! We hope you’ll join us for the return of this beloved, all-welcome event celebrating the natural beauty of the Wenas Wildlife Area.

2022 Field Trip Schedule
2022 Evening Program Schedule

Welcome to the Annual Wenas Audubon Campout!

The purpose of the Wenas Campout is to provide Audubon Society members, birders and their friends with a variety of natural history and recreation opportunities in a beautiful area with a fascinating assortment of spring flora and fauna. Wenas also offers the spiritual fulfillment of simply being outdoors.We do not charge fees for the Wenas outing.  Camp expenses are covered by voluntary contributions.

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 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 and the largest such event in the country.

The Wenas Organizing Committee welcomes you! As soon as you set up camp, locate the Campout Headquarters, at a designated Larrison Tree, 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 each year to make the Wenas Campout a memorable experience. The designated Larrison Tree is where you will find a sign-in sheet, bulletin board, programs, maps, bird lists and a wildflower display.

On the field trips: If you read about a trip that interests you, we encourage you to go along. If you prefer to explore on your own or stay in camp, feel free to do so. Evening campfire programs are held at the Hazel Wolf Campfire Circle. The Hazel Wolf Campfire Circle was named for Hazel Wolf on the 30th anniversary (1993) of the Wenas Creek Campout in Hazel’s 95th year. Naming the circle in her honor recognized her devotion in organizing the campout, 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. She passed away January 19, 2000 at the age of 102.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  1. BRING YOUR OWN WATER. Do not use creek water for drinking. It is unsafe.
  2. BRING COMFORT ITEMS. Hand sanitizer, extra toilet paper and Clorox wipes for cleaning porta-potties may add to your comfort and enjoyment. A small store at Wenas Lake sells some food, ice, beverages, etc.
  3. YOU MUST HAVE A STATE DISCOVER PASS TO PARK AT WENAS AND FIELD TRIP TRAILHEADS. To locate where to buy a pass, go to http://discoverpass.wa.gov/133/Where-to-Buy.
  4. Do not pick wildflowers and plants. There is a flower identification display for all to enjoy.
  5. Campfires–Unknown at publication whether the state Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) will allow fires.
  6. NO motor vehicles within 100 feet of creeks/wetlands (state DNR rules).
  7. Keep your site clean and pack out your litter when you leave. There is no trash pickup at camp.
  8. Protect wildlife. Respect nesting sites, especially birdhouses and nesting cavities.
  9. Do not let dogs roam free. Keep them on a leash. Please do not bring them on field trips.
  10. Respect your neighbors. QUIET TIME AT 10 PM. No noisy activities, music or generators after 10 PM.
  11. Please carpool to hikes. Many areas have limited parking, so carpool, save gas and cut down on dust.
  12. Come prepared for very cold nights, warm/hot days and maybe rain.
  13. Please sign the register at the Larrison Tree. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY!

While we try to plan activities pleasing to everyone, you are free to schedule your own activities any time.

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