Field Notes from the North Cascades / August 2024 eNewsletter
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We can't believe it is August already! Why does time speed up in summer (but slow down in winter)? We hope you're having a great summer wherever you are reading this and getting plenty of time outdoors with friends and family.
While we have had a smoke- and fire-free season at Diablo Lake so far (knock on wood)—and even a rare day of welcome rainfall last week—there are several fires around the North Cascades region.
Here are some reminders for recreating responsibly during fire season:
AUGUST 2024
▸ ENJOY AUGUST IN THE NORTH CASCADES WITH BASE CAMP
▸ NOW HIRING: JOIN OUR TEAM AT THE LEARNING CENTER
▸ HAPPY BIRTHDAY CIVIL RIGHTS AND WILDERNESS ACTS
▸ YOUTH LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES ON THE TRAIL
🔥 Campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex including North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, all campgrounds along State Route 20, Hozomeen and the Stehekin Valley.
🔥 Stoves or grills that are solely fueled by liquid petroleum fuels for the purpose of cooking are allowed in all locations while cooking.
🔥 Make sure to check for the latest road and trail closures if any before heading out.
Please recreate responsibly to help reduce the chance of human-caused wildfires in places you hold dear. Our well-wishes go out to Stehekin, the Methow Valley and everywhere else people are impacted—stay safe!
FALL CONFERENCE & RETREAT FACILITIES
North Cascades Institute invites you to host your gathering at the Environmental Learning Center this November during a rare window of Fall availability. Located on the wooded shores of Diablo Lake in the heart of North Cascades National Park, our inspiring, green-built venue is perfect for conferences, events, retreats, workshops, trainings, reunions and other gatherings. We’ll take care of the accommodations, meal service, guided canoeing and hiking opportunities, meeting spaces and an onsite coordinator so you can focus on the goals of your gathering.
To learn more about staying with us this Fall, contact Lindsey McBride at (206) 526-2573 or use our Request Information Form.
Learning Opportunities
FIELD EXCURSIONS AND ONLINE CLASSES
Aug 10 | Northwest Pollinator Diversity with Bob Gillespie
Aug 16-18 | Mid-August Family Getaway
Aug 24 | Amphibians of PNW Ponds and Streams with Stephen Nyman and Vikki Jackson
Aug 31 | Night Sky Photography at Artist Point with Andy Porter
Sept 14 | North Cascades Carnivores with Bill Gaines - North Cascades
Sept 18 | Soul of the Skagit: Climate Change & Conservation with Christian Murillo - Online
Sept 21 | Fall Writing Workshop with Holly Hughes- Deception Pass State Park
Sept 28 | Powerhouse Insider Tour with Seattle City Light - Newhalem
Oct 12 | Fall Colors Photography with Juan G. Aguilera
Oct 20 | Befriending Fungi AM session / PM session with Evan Holmstrom
Oct 26 | Baker Lake Fungal Foray with Erin Moore
Nov 2 | Mushrooms of Cascadia with Evan Holmstrom
Military, student and disability discounts + scholarships are available for most programs.
NORTH CASCADES CARNIVORES |
FALL WRITING WORKSHOP |
FALL MORNING CRUISES
Experience the beauty of Diablo Lake and the North Cascades as Summer turns to Fall on an inspiring boat cruise. Fall Cruises run Saturdays & Sundays from September 7-29, and are approximately 2 hours long. It's a magical time to be in the mountains.
"DAM GOOD" CHICKEN DINNER
Gather your friends and family at the historic Gorge Inn in Newhalem for a mouth-watering dinner of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and a tossed salad—or veggie lasagna for vegetarians—all topped off with homemade apple pie!
For assistance or questions, call (360) 854-2599, Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
STAY & PLAY IN THE NORTH CASCADES
With limited space left in campgrounds in the park, we have two great overnight options for you at the Learning Center!
BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING offers interactive learning activities with Institute naturalists, three delicious meals and overnight accommodations in our guest lodges. Last available summer bookings include August 14, 15, 28 & 29.
FAMILY GETAWAYS likewise include tasty meals, lodging and a daily slate of engaging, hands-on activities and outdoor adventures designed for people of all ages. Scholarships are available for this program—call (360) 854-2599. Space for a few more families in the final 2024 Getaway, August 16-18!
Institute News
YLA STUDENTS ON THE TRAIL
Youth Leadership Adventures has finished its last trip on Ross Lake for the summer, marking our halfway point! We have four more trips to go, which will primarily be backpacking in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. A group started their hike last week, and we had lots of students interested in local history so we did a trip to the Learning Center's Wild Ginger Library to check out the resources there, as well as the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem.
Watch short videos of our Youth Leadership Adventures students reflecting on their backcountry trips and how they were challenged and created community, as well as their thoughts on climate change, connections with wilderness and equitable access to the outdoors.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CIVIL RIGHTS AND WILDERNESS ACTS This year marks the 60th anniversary of both the Civil Rights Act (July) and the Wilderness Act (September). We can honor the legacies of these landmark pieces of legislation by centering historically marginalized voices and indigenous wisdom in all discussions about conservation and outdoor access. Prioritizing inclusion and safety in outdoor spaces is essential to ensuring a healthy future for our shared landscapes and the human communities that work, live and play in them. |
OPEN FOR REGISTRATION: |
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
Many thanks to Headwaters Club Legacy Circle members Jan Stack-Leuze and Jeffrey Leuze who notified us in 2017 that they had named the Institute as a beneficiary in their estate plans. “We decided to leave the Institute a legacy gift in our wills because supporting the education of young people in conservation, especially in such a beautiful place as the North Cascades, is absolutely vital.” Read their story and others on our Supporter Spotlights webpage.
NORTH CASCADES GIFT SHOPS ARE OPEN
On your next visit to the North Cascades, make time to stop at one of our gift shops for an eclectic selection of souvenirs, books, local art and gifts. From North Cascades National Park apparel, patches and magnets to a variety of books, local art, jewelry, toys and activities for kids.
- North Cascades National Park Visitor Center
- Skagit Information Center
- North Cascades Environmental Learning Center
- Sedro-Woolley Visitor Center
- Marblemount Wilderness Information Center
- Heather Meadows Visitor Center
Can't make it in person? Shop in our online store and feel good knowing that your purchases benefit youth education in the North Cascades!
JOIN OUR TEAM!
We are recruiting candidates for several newly-designed positions that offer exciting opportunities for anyone interested in supporting environmental education in the North Cascades ecosystem. Learn about our location, values, housing options, and current opportunities on our jobs page at ncascades.org/jobs.
MAKE-A-WILL MONTH
In honor of August being National Make-A-Will Month, we want to thank those who have named the Institute as a beneficiary in their will, life insurance plan, trust or retirement account. You can make a lasting impact by joining our Headwaters Club Legacy Circle today.
Top Image: From Soul of the Skagit, a new book about the Skagit River watershed written and photographed by Christian Murillo. Join us online for his upcoming presentation exploring how climate change, conservation and our relationship with the natural world.
