A visit to the “beach” in Leavenworth
The award-winning 'Barn' at Barn Beach Reserve in Leavenworth includes green features such as solar-heated water that radiates through the floor for winter heating.
If you haven’t been to Leavenworth lately, here’s a really good reason to go: Visit Barn Beach Reserve.
The reserve spans eight acres overlooking and adjacent to the Wenatchee River. A group of conservation-minded citizens established the reserve in 2002 to help protect the river ecosystem and, according to the Barn Beach website, “to promote the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the Greater Wenatchee Valley through educational programming and stewardship bridging environment, arts and cultural history.”
Executive Director Jeff Parsons has been with Barn Beach since its inception in 2002.
This they do through exhibits, programs and community events along the river at the focal point of the reserve, the 107-year-old River Haus, home to the Upper Valley Museum and Icicle Arts as well as Barn Beach Reserve. Jim White, senior energy services engineer for Chelan PUD, conducted an audit at the historic former home last month to recommend ways to save energy.
That’s not necessary at “The Barn,” the new, green-built education and environmental center constructed on the foundation of a 1960s-era home on the property. The facility features
The century-old River Haus is home to Barn Beach Nature Center, Icicle Arts and the Upper Valley Museum at Leavenworth.
countertops made from recycled paper, low-VOC pressboard cabinets, recycled corrugated metal, and acoustic “cloud” ceiling panels made of remnants from a Hanes underwear factory. Solar energy is collected in two systems, one to heat the building and another to provide electricity. A simple, passive convection ventilation system operates in mild weather. In summer heat, cool air from a basement is circulated to the main floor of the 4,000-square foot building.
The American Institute of Architects named “The Barn” one of the top 10 green building projects in the Northwest in 2009.
If Barn Beach Executive Director Jeff Parsons isn’t there to show you around, interpretive signs can guide visitors through the building and its green attributes.
The reserve is adjacent to the city park and Blackbird Island, a popular stop on Audubon’s Great Washington Birding Trail. Check out upcoming events at the reserve here.
