Field Notes from the North Cascades / March 2023 eNewsletter
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Just as we were beginning to see signs of Spring emerging, a late February snowstorm passed through our region—a reminder that Winter is not relinquishing its grip quite yet. The Winter wonderland at the Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake was the enchanted setting for the first day of Mountain School with 5th graders from the Skagit Valley’s Conway Elementary. We are so thrilled to have young students back on our campus learning about the natural world around them. Most excited is the new team of instructors who have been training and preparing for Mountain School for several weeks—you can meet this new crew of passionate educators who have arrived from points all across the country in this blog post.
MARCH 2023
▸ UPCOMING FIELD & ONLINE CLASSES
▸ FAMILY GETAWAYS AND BASE CAMPS ON DIABLO LAKE
▸ SPRING STEWARDSHIP WEEKEND AT THE LEARNING CENTER
▸ MEET OUR NEW INSTRUCTIONAL TEAM!
We have lots of learning opportunities for adults and families too. We are taking registrations for Base Camp Learning & Lodging stays, including discounted “shoulder season” pricing for bookings in March-May—staying in the heart of North Cascades National Park before Highway 20 reopens and campgrounds get busy is a very peaceful experience. Our summertime Family Getaways are filling up too. And of course, we have a robust slate of classes both online and in-person and invite you to join us to learn about photography, wolves, orcas, wilderness survival, grizzly bears, edible seaweeds and more.
Looking ahead, we will have announcements about Diablo Lake Boat Tours next month, as well as an interesting schedule of author readings at Village Books as part of the Nature of Writing Speaker Series—stay tuned!
We are so excited that our long-running Mountain School program returns this month for its 33rd year! Did you know that we serve over 2,400 students each year with 95% of schools receiving financial aid? Please help us continue to provide the gift of nature and lifelong memories with your support today.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES: Now Accepting Applications
Youth Leadership Adventures Summer 2023 trips are for motivated high schoolers seeking a fun and challenging adventure in the North Cascades! Our 9-day field courses connect 9th-12th grade students to the natural world while engaging in conversations about climate change and solutions. Participants will canoe-camp on Ross Lake, backpack and complete stewardship projects while discovering their unique leadership skills, building community with peers, and identifying pathways to a hopeful and sustainable future. Applications are due May 4.
Gear, food, and transportation from Skagit and Whatcom counties are provided and no prior experience is necessary. Scholarships are available!
BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the North Cascades waking up to spring with a Base Camp stay at the Environmental Learning Center. Included in your reservation:
- Private room in our guest lodges
- 3 delicious meals
- Seasonal educational explorations of the natural and cultural history of this spectacular region
Special "shoulder season" pricing applies March through May—starting at $85 per person. Season kicks off March 10!
Please note that we are no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for Base Camp stays
Learning Opportunities
FIELD EXCURSIONS, LEARNING CENTER and ONLINE CLASSES
March 19: Christopher Preston's "Tenacious Beasts" - Village Books - free!
March 23: Minds in Natural Spaces with Dr. George Conesa - ONLINE*
April 5: Wilderness Survival Essentials with Jason Knight - ONLINE *
April 26: Wolves in Washington with the Wolf Advisory Group - ONLINE *
April 28-30: Spring Stewardship Weekend - ELC
April 29: Birding the Salish Sea on the Snow Goose with Amanda Colbert
May 6: Waterfall and Stream Photography with Juan Aguilera
May 7: Salish Seaweed Garden with Jennifer Hahn - full, waitlist avail
May 10: Exploring Connections with Corvids with Dr. Kaeli Swift - ONLINE *
May 12-14: Discovering Biodiversity with Ed Grumbine - ELC
May 12-14: Spring Birding in the North Cascades with Libby Mills - ELC
May 14: Spring Snake Count in the Methow Valley with Rohrer and Fitkin
May 17: Grizzly Bears with Frances Backhouse and Joe Scott - ONLINE*
May 24: Killer Whales of the Salish Sea with Monika Wieland Shields - ONLINE*
* Can't make the specific date? We'll send you a link to watch the video on your own time! Military, Student and Disability discounts and scholarships may be available.
Please note that we are no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for in-person programs.
Birding the Salish Sea |
Spring Stewardship Weekend |
Institute News
WE SUPPORT OUTDOOR SCHOOLS FOR ALL!
Outdoor Schools for All is a collaborative effort between Outdoor Schools Washington, the Washington Outdoor Schools Coalition, and the Washington School Principal's Education Foundation. The Institute is a proud member of the coalition and our Associate Director Jeff Giesen and Donor Relations Manager Catherine Endicott both serve on the coalition’s board. Thanks to the advocacy efforts of all of those involved, the Washington State Legislature passed historic legislation in 2022 (House Bill 2078) establishing a statewide Outdoor School program. This is a significant step towards making outdoor, overnight education a reality for all students in Washington State!
MEET OUR 2023 INSTRUCTORS
We’re excited to welcome our new team of Environmental Program Instructors who will be serving 2023 programs! Hailing from diverse backgrounds and locations, get to know a bit about them on our blog.
FAMILY GETAWAYS: 5 weekends in July & August
Come enjoy the great outdoors with your family in the heart of North Cascades National Park and start a new tradition! Situated on the wooded shores of Diablo Lake—3 hours from Seattle or 2 from Bellingham—the Environmental Learning Center beckons with cozy lodges and reading room, lakeside dining hall and network of trails. Institute naturalists provide hands-on activities to engage the whole family: scientific explorations, outdoor games, nature arts & crafts, and lots more. You'll return home feeling inspired, refreshed and grateful for new family memories!
SHOP AND SUPPORT THE INSTITUTE
From North Cascades National Park apparel, patches and magnets, to a wide variety of books, art prints, jewelry, toys and activities for kids—shop in our online store and feel good knowing that your purchases benefit youth education in the North Cascades!
