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Summertime ... enjoy it while you still can! Here at the Institute, our attention is turning towards the fall as we plan for Fall Base Camp Learning & Lodging stays at the Environmental Learning Center, Fall Morning Cruises on Diablo Lake with Skagit Tours, the return of our Nature of Writing Speaker Series, and an exciting event with author and climate activist Bill McKibben at Seattle's Town Hall September 16. Also, applications are open for Youth for the Environment and People (YEP!) cohorts this fall.
Keep reading for details for all of these programs and events, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
The Youth Leadership Adventures season is halfway complete already. We have wrapped up our canoe camping time on Ross Lake, and are transitioning towards backpacking trips for the rest of the summer.
August 2025
▸ NOW BOOKING FALL MORNING CRUISES ON DIABLO LAKE SEPT 6-28
▸ STAY & PLAY IN THE NORTH CASCADES AUG-OCT WITH BASE CAMP AT THE LEARNING CENTER
▸ SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER BY SUBMITTING A COMMENT TO THE NPS
▸ BILL MCKIBBEN BRINGS HERE COMES THE SUN TO SEATTLE SEPT 16
Highlights for the participating local 8th - 12th grade students so far have included lots of stargazing, games around camp, and time spent connecting with the North Cascades. Together we're also engaging in conversation about climate change and climate solutions, empowering the next generation of conservation leaders.
There are interesting new posts up on our blog: "Floating the Skagit River’s Geologic History" by Dr. Jon Riedel, looking at how ice ages and volcanic eruptions have shaped the Skagit Valley, and "The Outdoors is for Every Body"—in recognition of Disability Pride Month in July—by Britt Coy.
Finally, we are hiring for a Field Programs Coordinator, an exciting opportunity to support our Adult & Family suite of programs by coordinating Seminars at the Environmental Learning Center, Field Excursions at locations around the region, and online classes throughout the year.
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE NORTH CASCADES!
Comments due August 11
The National Park Service is inviting public input on a new frontcountry planning process for the Ross Lake National Recreation Area along State Route 20—the most accessible part of the North Cascades National Park Complex. This area includes Ross, Diablo, and Gorge Lakes; campgrounds such as Newhalem Creek, Colonial Creek, and Goodell Creek; the North Cascades Visitor Center; and the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.
This is an opportunity for you to express your support for North Cascades Institute as the operator of the Environmental Learning Center and encourage National Park Service support for our operations and programs in the future.
Your feedback will directly inform how the National Park Service serves visitors into the future, including people of all ages and backgrounds attending educational activities at the Environmental Learning Center. NPS would love to hear your thoughts on the future of trailheads, parking lots, camp grounds, visitor centers and a potential shuttle service to the busiest areas of the park.
Learn more about this planning process and proposed changes, find our suggested comments to support North Cascades Institute, and access a link to the NPS Comment Form on our blog. Thank you for your support!
Learning Opportunities
2025 PROGRAMS
Aug 17 | A Naturalist's Journey Up Sauk Mountain with Hannah Black - waitlist available
Aug 22 | Floating the Skagit River's Geologic History with Jon Riedel - waitlist available
Sept 3 | Wildfires and Lynx with Carmen Vanbianchi - Online
Sept 5-7 | North Cascades Naturalist Seminar with Chris Byrd - waitlist available
Sept 5-6 | Watercolor Wildflowers Seminar with Molly Hashimoto - waitlist available
Sept 20 | Writing and the Natural World with Holly Hughes
Sept 27 | North Cascades Carnivores with Bill Gaines
Oct 18 | Baker Lake Fungal Foray with Erin Moore
Oct 26 | Befriending Fungi with Evan Holstrom
Nov 16 | Drawing Mountains in Ink with Claire Giordano - Online
Scholarships + military, student and disability discounts are available for most programs
Questions? Contact us at info@ncascades.org or (360) 854-2599
WILDFIRES & LYNX |
NORTH CASCADES CARNIVORES |
STAY & PLAY IN THE NORTH CASCADES
Looking for an overnight adventure in the North Cascades? BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING at the Environmental Learning Center offers guided seasonal learning activities with Institute naturalists, three meals and overnight accommodations in our guest lodges. Come for a night or an extended stay! Available dates include:
- End of summer: August 13-17, 20-24, 27-29
- Fall Larch season: October 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 22-26
- Spooktacular Halloween weekend: Oct 31-Nov 2
There are still spots left for you to take an Afternoon Cruise or Fall Morning Cruise on the Alice Ross IV in August and Septemeber. North Cascades Institute, in partnership with Seattle City Light, offers visitors fun, educational tours of Diablo Lake all summer. Experience jaw-dropping views of glacier-clad peaks, learn about the colorful history of the Upper Skagit Hydroelectric Project and soak in the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake at the peak of its' glacial-fed hues!
For personalized assistance or questions, contact our registration team Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at (360) 854-2599.
Institute News
AN EVENING WITH BILL McKIBBEN, SEPT 16
North Cascades Institute is proud to sponsor an evening with renowned environmentalist and author Bill McKibben on Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30 pm, presented by Seattle Arts & Lectures, Grist, and Third Place Books.
At Town Hall Seattle and streaming online, McKibben will share insights from his new book, Here Comes the Sun—a powerful call to embrace solar energy and reshape our scientific, economic, and political future. He tells the story of renewable energy’s rapid rise—and the fossil fuel industry’s fierce efforts to stop it.
WELCOMING GROUP GATHERINGS AT OUR LAKESIDE MOUNTAIN VENUE
North Cascades Institute invites you to reserve space at the Learning Center for conferences, retreats, workshops, trainings, reunions and other group gatherings.
Located on the wooded shores of Diablo Lake in the heart of North Cascades National Park, our unique venue offers:
Lodging for 10-92 guests, including bed and bath linens
Meals served in our lakeside dining hall
Conference rooms, outdoor shelters, lounges and library
Guided canoeing and hiking opportunities
High-speed wireless Internet and audio-visual equipment
An onsite coordinator to help with your event
Call 360-854-2583 or use our Request Information Form
NATURE OF WRITING FALL 2025
Our Nature of Writing speaker series is back this Fall with another season of authors, artists and poets sharing the wonders of nature in the pages of their latest works. We will release the full schedule soon at ncascades.org/events, but here is what's up first:
- Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest by Natalie Hammerquist
Sept 2, 7 pm at Third Place Books, Seward Park
- Family Story Hour: Blue by Suzanne Kaufmann & Families of a Feather by Fern Wexler
Sept 6, 11 am at Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park
Sept 7, 1 pm at Village Books, Fairhaven
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: Barbie Eisenberg
We want to thank Headwaters Club Legacy Circle member Barbie Eisenberg (shown here with her daughter Melissa), who confirmed in 2020 that she named the Institute as a beneficiary in her estate plans. Additionally, Barbie gives annually in memory of her late husband Len.
“Having the Institute in our will only makes sense. We want to support that which gives many joy and purpose, hope for our future generations. The Institute has been a part of our family almost since its inception. Thinking about NCI is like thinking of Len.”
NATIONAL MAKE-A-WILL MONTH
Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month? No matter what age you are, it’s never too early to start planning for the future. By updating your estate plans, you’ll help take care of your loved ones and benefit the causes you care about. Join our Headwaters Club Legacy Circle today and make a lasting impact by naming the Institute as a beneficiary in your will, life insurance plan, retirement account, or trust.
Top Image: Ruth Creek, Mt. Shuksan and the headwaters of the North Fork
of the Nooksack River by Christian Martin
