Winter 2026 Newsletter
Plans on the Table: Building Design Momentum at WES
Photo Credit: Melinda Kashuba, WES Community
In December, WES Community joined the National Park Service (NPS) and Anderson Hallas Architects for an on-site workshop at WES. Together, we reviewed plans for student housing and the proposed Administration-Safety building, and discussed what upgrades are needed at Hatcher Hall (the WES kitchen and dining facility).
The afternoon brought together Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE) staff plus architects and engineering specialists in utilities, fire safety, lighting, and heating/cooling. WES Community also shared the studies completed to date and the progress toward rebuilding the campus amphitheater. Nathan Fairchild, SCOE Director of Science, and WES Community board members helped the team understand how the residential program operated and how today’s field-trip programs function.
Next, Anderson Hallas Architects will prepare a status report on Hatcher Hall and refine schematic drawings for student housing and the Administration-Safety building, including recommendations for exterior materials that meet NPS standards while balancing durability, appearance, and long-term maintenance costs.
Meet Our New Board Member: Tallianna Richey-Miller
Tallianna Richey-Miller joined the WES Community board last fall. She has been part of Whiskeytown Environmental School since 2014, first as a summer program volunteer.
In 2017, Tallianna began leading environmental education programs at Mount Pisgah Arboretum in Eugene, Oregon. She joined the WES education staff in 2021, and in 2022 she became Lead Science Educator for the Shasta County Office of Education, overseeing daily operations and serving as a liaison between schools, WES, and Schreder Planetarium.
Tallianna also serves on the California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC) North Leadership Team, where she facilitates workshops and professional development.
Tallianna first attended WES as a kindergartner
In 2025, she completed the Environmental Educator Certification Program through the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education and was honored as 2025 Environmental Educator of the Year—Instructor of the Year. Tallianna’s first trip to WES was as a kindergartener. She understands firsthand how a day at WES can spark a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. We’re grateful for her leadership and her commitment to restoring and expanding hands-on outdoor science experiences for all.
Tallianna instructing at WES in 2025. Courtesy: Jim Dowling (photo) and the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (graphic)
Photo Credit: Melinda Kashuba
Curtain Up Soon: Amphitheater to Be Rebuilt This Spring
The long-anticipated amphitheater reconstruction is slated for later this spring, after the heaviest winter rains. SHN Engineers completed structural plans that make the amphitheater fully accessible, and much of the rebuilding will be carried out by NPS facilities staff.
A detail we’re excited to preserve: the original seatbacks that identify amphitheater seating by cabin will be replicated and installed in the new facility. We look forward to celebrating a grand amphitheater reopening later this year.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
On January 22, the Environmental Assessment for the WES campus reconstruction was released for public review. The official announcement can be read at: Whiskeytown Environmental School Rebuild Environmental Assessment - Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) A public hearing on plans for the WES campus will take place at WES (10106 Paige Bar Road, Redding) on Saturday, February 7 between 12 noon and 2 PM. NPS will be collecting substantive comments through February 21 by email or mail. Refer to the above announcement for instructions. The Environmental Assessment document is available at: ParkPlanning - Whiskeytown Environmental School Rebuild Environmental Assessment.
The amphitheater is not part of the Environmental Assessment because it replaces an existing facility within the same footprint. The proposed Administration-Safety building and relocation of student housing on campus are new features, and both qualify for review in the Environmental Assessment.
“Dance Night” Line Dancing and Night Hike
Back to Camp: One Night, Big Heart
The Shasta District Fairgrounds turned out to be a wonderful setting for a taste of the WES Camp experience. The evening included “Dance Night” line dancing led by Better in Boots’ Marlyn Laray Sexton, a lively DJ, delicious BBQ served cafeteria-style, a Night Hike coordinated by Kathy Hill, Cassie Simons, Tallianna Richey-Miller, and former WES naturalist and board member Ted Meyer, plus skits and songs performed by current and former naturalists. By the end of the evening, we raised over $114,000 through ticket sales, silent auctions, raffles, and the live auction.
A heartfelt thank-you to the intrepid members of the Leadership Redding Class of 2024—your energy and hard work helped make Back to Camp a true success. And to our community sponsors: we’re deeply grateful.
For more photos of this memorable evening, visit wescommunity.org/back-to-camp-gallery. Thank you to all the Back to Camp community sponsors. Scroll down on our home page to view our generous visionary and event sponsors.
Photo Courtesy: Mark Ewing
Create a Giving Network with Your Facebook Page
Create a network of awareness and giving for WES Community with your Facebook page. Your birthday, anniversary, or another special day for celebration is the perfect opportunity to support projects you value. It is an easy way for family and friends from afar to honor you with a gift of love to WES Community. We appreciate the many donations we have received from this source.
