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May brought a full stretch of the season, with a mix of community gatherings, time in the field, and hands-on care for the places we share.
We were especially honored to welcome Institute co-founders Tom Fleischner and Saul Weisberg for two 40th anniversary events in Seattle and Bellingham. It was a pleasure to gather with so many of you—during happy hours and at the actual events—to reflect on the Institute’s early days and celebrate Tom’s new book Astonished By Beauty. (Photo by Jason Ruvelson.)
June 2025
▸ NOW BOOKING FOR SUMMER: FAMILY GETAWAYS, BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING, DIABLO LAKE & LUNCH TOURS
▸ FREE SUMMER CLASS SERIES AT BACKCOUNTRY ESSENTIALS IN BELLINGHAM
▸ NEW CLASSES: WATERSHED DATA ART, SKAGIT RIVER GEOLOGY FLOAT, NARRATIVE NATURE WRITING, BEAT POETS HIKE, FOREST BATHING & MORE
At the Environmental Learning Center, we welcomed a range of groups to campus, including Seattle Children’s Hospital patients and their families and the Swinomish preschool graduates, whose visit marked both a celebration and the start of a new connection to place.
We were also glad to see the return of Stewardship Weekend after several years on hiatus. Sixteen participants helped repair winter flood damage on campus trails—work that will benefit everyone who visits in the months ahead.
Out in the field, learning took many forms. Aboard the Orion, participants observed orcas, harbor porpoises, and a wide range of marine life while exploring the ecosystems of the Salish Sea.
In the Methow Valley, a Snake Count participant faced a long-held fear—leaving the course having handled four species and with a new appreciation for these often-misunderstood animals.
Moments like these reflect the connection, curiosity, and growth at the heart of our work. Relive the season through our lens — browse the latest field excursion and Learning Center photos in our Flickr Gallery. We hope to see you out there this summer!
MEASURING OUR IMPACT: 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
More young people are discovering that they belong in the outdoors—and North Cascades Institute is helping make it happen. In 2025, we served 8,478 participants through environmental education programs across the region, from Mountain School and Youth Leadership Adventures to family getaways, field seminars, and community partnerships.
Your support made this possible. Read the 2025 Annual Report to see exactly how — from the young people who found their place in the outdoors to the communities we served across the region.
Learning Opportunities
FIELD EXCURSIONS, ELC SEMINARS & ONLINE LEARNING
June 13 | Natural Dyes Workshop with Jazmen Yoder - full (waitlist available)
June 20 | Amphibians of PNW Wetlands with Vikki Jackson and Stephen Nyman - Van Zandt
June 28 | A Naturalist's Journey Up Sauk Mountain with Hannah Black
July 18 | North Cascades Night Sky Photography with Juan Aguilera
July 22 | Editing Night Sky Photography with Juan Aguilera - online
Aug 1-2 | Narrative Nature Writing Workshop with Lance Garland - ELC
Aug 13-14 | Exploring the Geologic History of the Skagit River By Boat with Jon Riedel
Sept 5 | Wild and Fire: Illustrating Poetry with Sarah Gilman - ELC
Sept 12 | Forest Bathing AM & Forest Bathing PM with Mileva Huljev - St. Eds State Park
Sept 19 | Data Art Inspired by the North Cascades with Jill Pelto - Artist Point
Oct 3 | Beat Poets of the North Cascades with Nathan Drapela
Oct 16-18 | North Cascades Fall Naturalist Seminar with Chris Byrd - ELC
Oct 31 | Baker Lake Fungal Foray with Erin Moore
Nov 14 | Introduction to Tracking with Matthew Fortin - ELC
Scholarships + military, student and disability discounts are available for most programs
Questions? Contact us at info@ncascades.org or (360) 854-2599
AMPHIBIANS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST |
NATURALIST'S JOURNEY UP SAUK MOUNTAIN |
2026 FAMILY GETAWAYS
Bring your family to the Environmental Learning Center this summer for a weekend of adventure, connection, and fun! Each day, Institute naturalists lead hands-on activities — hikes, nature crafts, outdoor games, big canoe explorations, songs by the campfire, and stargazing the night sky. Lodging and meals included, and anyone you call family is welcome!
Spots are limited — early booking is recommended.
2026 DATES: July 3–5, 10–12, 24–26 and August 7–9, 14–16
BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING: Now Registering Summer Stays!
Looking for an overnight adventure in North Cascades National Park? BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING at the Environmental Learning Center offers guided learning activities with Institute naturalists, three meals and overnight accommodations in our guest lodges. Solo travelers, couples, friend or family groups—come for a night or an extended stay and let us show you the best of the North Cascades!
Beginning JULY 3, the Alice Ross IV sets sail on the azure waters of Diablo Lake in the North Cascades! North Cascades Institute, in partnership with Seattle City Light, offers visitors fun, educational tours of Diablo Lake July through September. Experience jaw-dropping views of glacier-clad peaks, learn about the quirky history of the Upper Skagit Hydroelectric Project and enjoy lunch at the Environmental Learning Center!
For group bookings or questions, contact our registration team Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at (360) 854-2589.
Institute Events
READY, SET, EXPLORE! FREE OUTDOOR SKILLS CLASSES IN BELLINGHAM
This summer, North Cascades Institute and Backcountry Essentials are offering FREE outdoor skills classes to help you learn backpacking and leave-no-trace basics, map out your summer adventures with local trail tips, and discover the PNW's unique seasonal wonders.
June 24, 7 PM: Backpacking 101/Leave No Trace
July 25, 7 PM: Great Hikes in the North Cascades
Sept 17, 7 PM: Larch Madness - Where to Go
Hosted at Backcountry Essentials in Bellingham, no registration required. Join us for gear demos, pro tips, swag giveaways, and more!
GATHERING OF SE'SI'LE SEVEN SISTERS
June 27, 6 pm, Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle
The Seven Sisters Campaign, led by Se’Si’Le, uplifts the leadership of Indigenous women addressing biodiversity loss, climate disruption, and environmental injustice. Through nationwide events from the PNW to New York and DC, the campaign invites communities to rethink our relationship with nature and each other. You are invited to join Se’Si’Le, North Cascades Institute and other organizational & Tribal partners to discover pathways toward resilience and a renewed commitment to caring for future generations.
Institute News
NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE AT SKI-TO-SEA
Team North Cascades Institute had a fantastic time in Whatcom County's annual Ski to Sea race last weekend. Representing our programs, operations, and development teams, eight staff members made their way from Mount Baker Ski Area to Bellingham Bay—skiing, running, biking, and paddling under sunny skies (and into some challenging wind).
We were honored to be selected as this year’s community team and grateful to Whatcom Events for the chance to celebrate our 40th anniversary alongside fellow racers and the landscapes that inspire our work every day. Pictured above: Ocean, Manali, Althea, Maria, Kat, Claire, and Nathan
THANK YOU to everyone who supported the Institute’s Give BIG for Youth spring campaign and helped us reach the $40,000 challenge match! Many thanks as well to Institute supporters Lee Whitford, Eric Hirst, Saul & Shelley Weisberg, Mike & Shannon Flory, Jane Talbot, George Sanders & Karen Aronoff, the Rohan Nosko Family, and Cathy Wissink for providing the challenge match funds.
If you didn’t have a chance to donate during GiveBIG, we gratefully welcome donations any time of the year at ncascades.org/give. Together, we will deepen roots and build a brighter future!
FALL 2026 GROUP GATHERINGS ON DIABLO LAKE
Reserve space this Fall for your family reunion, retreat, group training or other gatherings at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center! Nestled on the wooded shore of Diablo Lake in the heart of North Cascades National Park, this unique venue inspires reflection and connection to the natural world as well as to each other. Lodging for up to 92, delicious meals, and learning opportunities included.
*Now booking November at reduced shoulder season rates! Call (360) 614-7037 or use our Request Info Form.
Available Fall Dates:
- Sept 2-4
- Sept 21-25
- Nov weekends*
- Nov 9-11*
- Nov 30-Dec 6*
SEASONAL HIRINGIn preparation for a busy summer season, we're recruiting candidates to strengthen our Programs and Operations teams at the Environmental Learning Center! These are exciting opportunities for folks who want to support outdoor education and work in beautiful North Cascades National Park: Summer Program Instructor, part-time and full-time Housekeepers, Cook, and Overnight Incident Commander. Housing options are available! |
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERSFor four decades, North Cascades Institute has connected people to the natural world through place-based learning and stewardship. That work continues today, powered by dedicated people like you. Our Volunteer Community Educators help deliver meaningful outdoor learning experiences alongside staff and community partners. Ready to get involved? Fill out our Volunteer Interest Survey today. |
SHOP & SUPPORT THE INSTITUTE
Shop in our online store for North Cascades National Park apparel, patches and magnets, a wide variety of books and field guides, art prints and postcards, jewelry, toys, and activities for kids.
Your purchases online and at the gift shops we operate around North Cascades National Park help fund education opportunities for young people and create the next generation of public lands stewards.
Top Image: Participants relax at sunset during San Juan Island Explorations on the Orion
