Methow Conservancy

08/12/2026

Y'all liked Jack McLeod's last night sky photo so much we thought we'd share another. Dark skies, clear skies--we're all hoping for better days ahead.

Photo: Jack McLeod

08/08/2026

Well darn it, we just made the call to CANCEL our Star Party tonight.

We had a brief period of glorious clean air but the "purple air bubble" is moving rapidly down valley and even though at this very moment it is clear in Twisp, we have been charting the smoke's progress over the past two hours and it seems to be headed directly to the site of our Star Party. We are so sorry to miss our usual star gazing gathering. Let's hope for clearer skies ahead at some point.

As a reminder of some of the beautiful skies that this valley usually delivers, please enjoy one of Jack McLeod's night sky photos. Ahhh!!!

08/05/2026

Our audience mooned over physics professor Shane Larson's talk last night at the Twisp Valley Grange.

Did you know that in 500,000 years, there will be no more full solar eclipses because the Moon is slowly moving away from the Earth? (Very slowly, don't panic!) Did you know that only 12 people have walked on the Moon and only 4 of those are still with us? Did you know that in addition to the Man in the Moon, there is....a rabbit?

Part myth and legend, mostly science, Shane's talk launched us into a state of wonder and curiosity about that shiny silver orb in the night sky. Check out Shane's blog at: https://writescience.wordpress.com/

07/30/2026

Join us at the Twisp Valley Grange for a First Tuesday talk by astronomer and astrophysicist Shane Larson about the past, present, and future of earth's only moon!

Astronomer and astrophysicist Shane Larson is back in the Methow Valley this August to teach us about the Moon! This event is free and open to the public. Reach out to Bridger with any questions about the event.

07/29/2026

Join us for a star viewing event on August 7 in Twisp! This event is a unique chance to see the night sky, very literally, through an expert's lens. This event requires a free RSVP. Click the link for full details!

This event is a unique chance to see the night sky, very literally, through an expert's lens. Shane Larson is going to stay in the Methow for an extra day after his First Tuesday talk; Shane will team up with the Conservancy and a team of local astronomers to offer a star viewing party. We're fortun...

07/28/2026

We're in a month of duality. High alpine hikes, swimming holes, and garden bounty paired with raging fires, heat warnings, and relentless winds. It's not just lovely, it's not just painful, but it is July. Perhaps the most important duality this time of year is the fact that smoke and wildfire inherently create opportunities for community building. They present chance after chance to show up for each other. Perhaps you'll let your air conditioning keep your neighbors cool on a hot day, or use your dollars to support local farmers who can't take refuge from the smoke. Maybe you'll find ways to contribute to fire relief efforts on the Colville Reservation, or you'll share your raspberry harvest with a stranger. Actions big and small make a difference this time of year. Some things we can navigate alone, but fire season is something we have to navigate together.

~ Bridger Layton, Education Programs Manager

Photo: Adrian Kirkman

Read the rest of our July Backyard Bulletin here: https://mailchi.mp/methowconservancy/july-backyard-bulletin-jfgo4wkthi

07/22/2026

Y'all seem to like our Sunny M bears so much that we are going to shamelessly use one to remind you that the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Nespelem and the surrounding area has burned almost 80,000 acres of wildlife habitat, as well as many homes and other structures.

The official way to make monetary donations to wildfire relief efforts is through the Cedar Fund of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. There are other ways to help as well. Donations will help meet immediate needs—including emergency shelter, food, clothing, household essentials, and other critical support—while also assisting families as they begin the long process of rebuilding their homes, restoring their lives, and strengthening their communities.

Donate to the Cedar Fund here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/cedar-fund-wildfire-recovery-campaign

07/21/2026

The Cedar Fund of the Colville Indian Reservation has established the Colville Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund to provide direct assistance to individuals, families, and communities impacted by recent wildfires on the Colville Indian Reservation. Donations will help meet immediate needs—including emergency shelter, food, clothing, household essentials, and other critical support—while also assisting families as they begin the long process of rebuilding their homes, restoring their lives, and strengthening their communities. Every contribution makes a difference. Together, we can stand with our neighbors, honor our shared responsibility to one another, and help the people of the Colville Indian Reservation recover with dignity, resilience, and hope.

Click here to donate: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/cedar-fund-wildfire-recovery-campaign

Or if you prefer to donate to relief efforts through the Methow Valley Interpretive Center, they will make sure your donation is directed to those doing relief work for the fires in and near Nespelem. Please write "wildfire relief" in the memo or comment field. https://www.methowvalleyinterpretivecenter.org/

Colville Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund ***OFFICIAL KAISER CANYON FIRE DONATION ACCOUNT***The Cedar Fund of the Colville Indian Reservation has established…

07/16/2026

Someone on the Sunny M Ranch has the right idea about staying cool on these hot days.

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