No images? Click here
Thank you to the 70+ donors who joined us on Giving Tuesday and helped raise $21,500, surpassing our $15,000 challenge match provided by Sterling & Sandy Clarren and Chris Nosko & Erin Rohan. We’re also grateful to Wander Brewing for generously donating 10% of the proceeds from the Giving Tuesday Pint Night. Whether you gave online, mailed a check, or joined us at the Bellingham gathering, thank you for doubling your impact in support of outdoor learning!
It is suddenly December (!), and the days grow shorter and shorter on our march to the Winter Solstice on Sunday, December 21. Like many of you, we turn to books and cozy spaces this time of the year—including poetry that helps us sink deeper in to winter vibes ...
December 2025
▸ SUPPORT THE INSTITUTE WITH YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING & GIFT CERTIFICATES
▸ NEW! CASCADIA PATHWAYS GRADUATE PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
▸ THANK YOU TO OUR BOARD MEMBERS
▸ WILDERNESS MEDICINE REMT TRAINING AT THE LEARNING CENTER
It was beginning winter,
The light moved slowly over the frozen field,
Over the dry seed-crowns,
The beautiful surviving bones
Swinging in the wind.
—Theodore Roethke
The sun is low now.
Our enormous shadows.
Soon, everything will be overtaken.
—Tomas Tranströmer
This, then, is the gift the world has given me
(you have given me)
softly the snow
cupped in hollows
lying on the surface of the pond
matching my long white candles
which stand at the window
which will burn at dusk while the snow
fills up our valley
—Diane di Prima
If you haven't had a chance to give yet, we invite you to Let Nature Be Your Teacher by making a gift today. With your support, we will connect even more young people to nature and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders!
P.S. The North Cascades Highway closed for the season today!
LYNX ON THE LOOSE!
Wow! Amie and Sean Wheeler of Tandem Wheels Photography shared this incredible photo of three lynx crossing State Route 20 on the east slope of the North Cascades. “We were heading up the pass, admiring some beautiful frozen waterfalls. Off in the distance, we saw something pop out onto the road. I quickly grabbed my camera, and suddenly two more appeared. We couldn’t believe what we were seeing!” What a once-in-a-lifetime sighting! (The uncropped version is on their social media profile.)
In honor of these stunning felines, we’ve made our online class “From Snow to Ash: Wildfire and Canada Lynx” publicly available on YouTube. Join Carmen Vanbianchi, Research Director at Home Range, as she explains the relationship between lynx and wildfire, shares how researchers study such an elusive mountain carnivore (hint: snowmobiles, roadkill deer, and cat toys) and ponders what these findings mean for the future of lynx conservation.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING THAT SUPPORTS THE INSTITUTE
Our online gift shop is full of handpicked items for the nature-lover in your life, including many one-of-a-kind North Cascades National Park mementos! Whether you are shopping for an Urban Birder, Backcountry Explorer, Day Hiker, Bookworm or Junior Ranger, we have gifts for everyone on your list - including yourself! Order by Dec 16 to receive in time for the holidays.
HAND-BLOWN GLASSWARE
North Drinkware is a dedicated supporter of North Cascades Institute and a proud member of 1% for the Planet. As part of their mission to protect the mountains and improve surrounding communities, North Drinkware donates 1% from all sales of their Mount Baker pint glasses & tumblers to the Institute to help inspire others to support environmental stewardship.
Friends of the Institute can use the discount code "PEAKTEN" for 10% off your next order at northdrinkware.com.
Share your love of the North Cascades with friends and family by giving them the gift of getting outdoors next year with North Cascades Institute! Gift Certificates can be used toward 2026 programs including Family Getaways, Field Excursions, Online Classes and Base Camp Learning & Lodging stays at the Learning Center.
To purchase, call 360-854-2599 (Mon-Fri, 9-4) or email info@ncascades.org.
Learning Opportunities
SKAGIT VALLEY WINTER BIRDING with Brendan McGarry |
REMT TRAINING AT THE LEARNING CENTER |
FAMILY GETAWAYS | SUMMER 2026
Bring your family to the Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake for a weekend of adventure, connection, and fun! Each day, Institute naturalists lead hands-on activities—guided 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!
2026 DATES: July 3-5, 10-12, 24-26 and August 7-9, 14-16
CASCADIA PATHWAY GRADUATE PROGRAM
Earn your Master’s degree from Alaska Pacific University while gaining paid teaching experience as a Program Instructor at North Cascades Institute!
The Cascadia Pathway offers a unique opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education (MSOEE) from Alaska Pacific University—while gaining guaranteed, paid employment at North Cascades Institute in your second year. Graduates emerge with a master’s degree, 2 full years of professional work experience, and no tuition debt!
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 1, 2026
Institute News
CELEBRATING OUR DEPARTING BOARD MEMBERS
As we look ahead to a new year for North Cascades Institute, we pause to honor Board members leaving after many years of service—pictured above, left to right: Beau MacGregor, Mona West, and Zimmie Caner. The remarkable leadership and heart of these individuals have helped shape the organization we are today.
BEAU MACGREGOR joined in 2016 and has been a steadfast champion of youth programs and fiscal sustainability through his work on the Finance and Development Committees. His belief in empowering young leaders—and his skill in asking critical questions—has helped inspire our “Next 40” vision.
MONA WEST has been a guiding force since 2013, bringing steady leadership across the Executive, Marketing, and Strategic Planning Committees. Her insight has helped the Institute grow more resilient and impactful.
ZIMMIE CANER, a Board member since 2015, has been one of our greatest ambassadors—introducing the Institute to countless friends and partners. As Chair of the Development Committee and member of Governance and Carbon Impact committees, she’s strengthened our community in lasting ways.
Together, these leaders have shaped the Institute’s present and future. We are deeply thankful for their many years of service and excited for the many ways they’ll remain part of our community.
NOW HIRING FOR 2026
We are looking ahead to another bustling year of outdoor educational programs for people of all ages at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center and recruiting for a wide variety of positions: Program Instructors, Housekeepers, Cooks, an Overnight Incident Commander and other vital roles that make the magic happen!
TAX-SMART GIVING
Make a tax-smart and meaningful investment for the future by year's end by donating through your IRA, Donor Advised Fund, contributing gifts of appreciated stock, or donating unused vehicles. With your support, we will inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. Thank you!
Top Image: Mt. Shuksan and Picture Lake; November 2025 by Christian Martin: instagram.com/moontrolling
