Field Notes from the North Cascades / July 2024 eNewsletter
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We know it's summertime because our gift stores in the park are hopping, the road to Artist's Point is open and Youth Leadership Adventures students are out in the backcountry!
We have last-minute space available for motivated high school students to join the July 14-21 Ross Lake canoeing trip. No experience is necessary, and transportation, gear and food are provided. We offer need-based scholarships too. Help us spread the word about this amazing, life-changing opportunity—info and registration at ncascades.org/youth.
JULY 2024
▸ STAY & PLAY IN THE NORTH CASCADES WITH BASE CAMP
▸ NOW HIRING: JOIN OUR TEAM AT THE LEARNING CENTER
▸ LAST MINUTE YLA OPENINGS FOR JULY 14-21
"Thank you for the Youth Leadership Adventures program! We appreciate the inclusiveness of the program and the quality atmosphere that provided a safe space to individuals who are learning about themselves and about the world. There are not enough programs for children and young adults. There are even fewer programs that are high quality. Thank you for continuing to create both!"
—Dianne, Give Big for Youth donor
Read on to learn more about what's happening at the Institute in coming months and we hope to see you in the mountains soon!
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Are you inspired to work in North Cascades National Park? We are hiring several positions to support our adult & family programs at the Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake. Learn about our location, values, housing options, and current opportunities on our jobs page at ncascades.org/jobs.
Learning Opportunities
FIELD EXCURSIONS AND ONLINE CLASSES
Aug 3 | Night Sky Photography at Washington Pass with Andy Porter
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 | Autumn Writing Workshop with Holly Hughes - Deception Pass SP - coming soon!
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.
NW POLLINATOR DIVERSITY |
NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY |
Beginning JULY 3, North Cascades Institute, in partnership with Seattle City Light, offers visitors fun, interactive tours of the Upper Skagit Valley and North Cascades National Park. Experience the jaw-dropping beauty of Diablo Lake and the North Cascades on a boat cruise, learn about the history of the Upper Skagit Hydroelectric Project with a Powerhouse Tour and enjoy a home-cooked lunch at the Environmental Learning Center or a Dam Good Chicken Dinner at the historic Gorge Inn in Newhalem.
For personalized assistance or questions, call (360) 854-2599, Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Spots are filling up fast!
STAY & PLAY IN THE NORTH CASCADES
With limited space left in campgrounds in the park this summer, we have two great options for you to stay overnight 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. Availability added for July-August
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. We welcome anyone you call a family: parents, grandparents, children, guardians, aunts and uncles, friends, and nontraditional families. Scholarships are available for this program—call (360) 854-2599. July-August (filling fast!)
Institute News
YOUTH LEADERSHIP ADVENTURE OPENINGS
We have last-minute space available for motivated high school students to join the July 14-21 Ross Lake canoeing trip. No experience is necessary, and transportation, gear and food are provided. We offer need-based scholarships too. Help us spread the word about this amazing, life-changing opportunity—info and registration at ncascades.org/youth.
DRINK & DINE FOR A GOOD CAUSENorth Cascades Institute is Aslan Brewing Co’s round-it-up partner in July! Grab a bite at Aslan’s Bellingham brewpub or enjoy a pint at The Depot, and you can round up the total. Aslan will match it up to $2000 to help youth get outside to learn and explore in programs like Mountain School and Youth Leadership Adventures. |
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHTMany thanks to Brian & Joan Poor who’ve been generous Institute supporters and engaged participants since 2010. They increased their impact when they started contributing monthly in 2017. “We support North Cascades Institute because we want to share the wealth of lifelong curiosity and the rich joy of wonder and exploration…” |
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Wildfires—like last summer's Sourdough Fire—can be devastating, yet they also provide nutrients for the soil and opportunities for new life to emerge. For us, this looked like expanding curriculum for 5th graders, working on infrastructure upgrades, preparing an expansion of Youth Leadership Adventures, welcoming new Board members and exploring ways to increase our resilience as we continue to adapt to a changing climate. Read our annual report for more inspiring stories from a challenging year.
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 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!
GIVE SMALL FOR BIG IMPACT
Make an even bigger impact by giving small! Monthly giving is a budget-friendly way to provide the Institute with predictable funding. For as little as $5 per month, you will create even more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the beauty of the North Cascades and become lifelong stewards. Please check “yes” the next time you donate to make your gift a monthly donation.
Top Image: Participants roast marshmallows and ham it up around the campfire during this summer's first Youth Leadership Adventures trip
