Field Notes from the North Cascades / June 2023 eNewsletter
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Memorial Weekend was a taste of summer to come in the North Cascades and across the Pacific Northwest. We just wrapped up the final week of Spring 2023 Mountain School with 5th grade classrooms from Bellingham and Mount Vernon— our first “normal” season with continuous overnight sessions at the Environmental Learning Center since 2020.
This Spring, we’ve also offered Field Excursions learning about seaweed harvesting, wildlife tracking, nature photography and the birds of Bellingham Bay; Online Courses featuring experts presenting on corvids, orcas, grizzly bears and wolves; and at our campus on Diablo Lake, a Spring Dinner, Base Camp Learning & Lodging stays and seminars on migratory birds and forest biodiversity. It’s been thrilling getting back into our pre-pandemic groove, being able to connect with so many people of all ages.
June 2023
▸ UPCOMING FIELD, LEARNING CENTER & ONLINE CLASSES
▸ GIFT SHOPS OPEN IN NEWHALEM AND AROUND THE PARK
▸ DIABLO LAKE BOAT TOURS NOW REGISTERING FOR SUMMER AND FALL
▸ BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING SUMMER STAYS
We’ll barely have a moment to catch our breath before we pivot to a busy season of Diablo Lake Boat Tours, Family Getaways (which are now sold out), Youth Leadership Adventures trips in the backcountry, a handful of rare peak-summer Base Camps and a variety of conferences and weddings.
As you make your plans for the summer, we hope to see you in the North Cascades!
Thank you for Giving BIG last month!
Thank you to the 216 donors who supported our Give Big for Youth campaign! We were able to raise over $132,000—including $35,000 during the two-day GiveBIG event—exceeding our $33,000 challenge match! These funds will go toward providing more equitable outdoor experiences for young people to discover, heal, learn, grow and thrive.
North Cascades Institute, in partnership with Seattle City Light, offers visitors fun, interactive boat tours aboard the Alice Ross IV in the heart of North Cascades National Park. Experience the jaw-dropping beauty of Diablo Lake, enjoy stunning views of glacier-clad peaks and hidden waterfalls, keep an eye out for wildlife and birds, and learn about the fascinating natural and cultural history of the area.
All ages are welcome and tours are wheelchair accessible. For more information, call (360) 854-2589.
▸ Diablo Lake & Lunch Tours: June 29-Sept 4
Thursdays - Mondays with a delicious lunch at the Learning Center
▸ Diablo Lake Afternoon Tours: June 30-Sept 3
Fridays - Sundays
▸ Fall Morning Tours:
Sept 9-Oct 1
Saturdays & Sundays
Learning Opportunities
FIELD EXCURSIONS, LEARNING CENTER and ONLINE CLASSES
June 17: Forest Bathing and Sketching with April Claxton and Beverly Choltco-Devlin
July 15: Summer Tracking with Chris Byrd
August TBD: Pollinators with Bob Gillespie
Sept 13: Historic Trails in the North Cascades with Judy Bentley - ONLINE*
Oct 13-15: Wild Mushrooms and Culinary Ventures with Erin Moore - Learning Center
Oct 13-15: Nature & the Practice of Presence with Kurt Hoelting and Holly Hughes - Learning Center
Oct 13-15: Watercolors with Molly Hashimoto - Learning Center - full, waitlist available
Oct 21: Baker Lake Fungal Foray with Erin Moore
Nov 5 & 15: The Art of Maps - Online with Véronique Robigou-Nelson
* 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.
FOREST BATHING & SKETCHINGJoin forest bathing teacher, April Claxton and landscape artist, Beverly Choltco-Devlin at beautiful Rockport State Park in the Skagit Valley—a preserve notable for its nearly 600 acres of lush old-growth forest—for a day of mindfully walking, sitting, seeing, listening, sketching and feeling our way to a deeper relationship with this special place. |
SUMMER TRACKINGMaster tracker Chris Byrd will reveal the hidden goings on of wildlife by teaching basic tracking skills at Northern State Recreation Area. We'll cover identification of genus and species so we know who's out there, gait interpretation so we understand what was happening, aging tracks for a sense of time, and behavior to add nuance to the story that emerges. |
BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING
Base Camp offers overnight learning adventures, meals and accommodations in the heart of North Cascades National Park. Come explore “the American Alps” while enjoying the comforts of our campus on Diablo Lake. Each night includes:
▸ Learning activities with Institute naturalists
▸ Private rooms in our guest lodges
▸ 3 delicious meals made with organic ingredients
Institute News
GIFT SHOPS ARE OPEN in North Cascades National Park
On your next visit to the North Cascades, be sure to say Hi! to us in the Institute-operated shops in the park and check out our eclectic selection of souvenirs and gifts. Browse North Cascades National Park apparel, patches, magnets, a variety of books, maps, art, jewelry, toys, and more.
You can also shop online with us and feel good knowing your purchase benefits youth education in the North Cascades!
GET MARRIED IN THE NORTH CASCADES
Surrounded by glacier-clad mountain peaks, deep forests and pristine Diablo Lake, the Environmental Learning Center is an ideal venue to create your memorable outdoorsy wedding weekend. Packages include indoor/outdoor facilities, support staff, dining and lodging for friends and family. Now booking for 2023 and 2024 weekends!
Top photo: Karoline Cullen; Wedding photo: J. Tobiason Photography
