Field Notes from the North Cascades / July 2023 eNewsletter
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And just like that it's summertime! In June, we celebrated the Summer solstice (the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere) and Juneteenth (read more about this important holiday from Alma). Our program instructors transitioned from Mountain School into their summer roles with adults and families, and we welcomed new seasonal staff from near and far. We are hiring a Mountain School Manager and two other key positions—see our current job listings at ncascades.org/jobs.
Now, the snow is melting quickly in the mountains with trails starting to open and our Youth Leadership Adventures team is preparing to take high schoolers out on Ross Lake. Peregrine falcons, loons and osprey welcome young in North Cascades National Park and Diablo Lake is turning that gorgeous turquoise color just in time for the launch of Skagit Tours.
JULY 2023
▸ UPCOMING FIELD, LEARNING CENTER & ONLINE CLASSES
▸ GIFT SHOPS OPEN IN AROUND THE PARK
▸ SUMMER & FALL DIABLO LAKE BOAT TOURS NOW REGISTERING
▸ 1% FOR THE PLANET
▸ MEASURING OUR IMPACT IN 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
Whether you are fine-tuning your upcoming plans to visit the North Cascades in the coming weeks, or still fishing around for fun summer ideas, we have several options for you to recreate, explore and learn about this very special corner of the Pacific Northwest with your family or friends. Read on to find out what's coming up and we hope to see you soon!
FOR-PROFITS SUPPORTING NON-PROFITS
We are grateful for the financial and in-kind support of many companies, including Gear Aid, Xplorer Maps, Concept 360, North Drinkware, Percolator Consulting, Ross Lake Resort, Campfire Analytics, and Natural Learning Northwest. Several of these participate in 1% for the Planet, where they donate 1% of their profits to certified environmental partners like the Institute. We could not do our work of inspiring environmental stewardship without their support.
Is your company interested in supporting our work by becoming a corporate partner or sponsor? Contact Grants Manager Althea Harris, althea_harris@ncascades.org, for more info.
JOIN US FOR DIABLO LAKE & LUNCH TOURS
Throughout summer, North Cascades Institute and Seattle City Light are offering fun, interactive tours of Diablo Lake aboard the Alice Ross IV. Enjoy the beauty of North Cascades National Park, its glacier-clad peaks and hidden waterfalls, keep an eye out for wildlife, and learn the fascinating natural and cultural history of the area.
DIABLO LAKE & LUNCH TOURS
▸ Thursday-Monday, June 29-Sept 4; includes lunch at the Learning Center
DIABLO LAKE AFTERNOON TOURS
▸ Friday-Sunday, June 30-Sept 3
FALL MORNING TOURS
▸ Saturdays and Sundays, Sept 9-Oct 1
All ages are welcome and tours are wheelchair accessible. Call (360) 854-2589 for group bookings and more info.
Learning Opportunities
FIELD EXCURSIONS, LEARNING CENTER and ONLINE CLASSES
July 15: Summer Tracking with Chris Byrd
Aug 19: Northwest Pollinator Diversity 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 - full, waitlist available
Oct 13-15: Nature and the Practice of Presence with Kurt Hoelting and Holly Hughes - full, waitlist available
Oct 13-15: Watercolors with Molly Hashimoto - full, waitlist available
Oct 21: Baker Lake Fungal Foray with Erin Moore
Nov 5 & 15: The Art of Maps with Véronique Robigou-Nelson - ONLINE*
* 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.
NORTHWEST POLLINATOR DIVERSITYThe work of pollination is carried out by a marvelous multitude of birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles and other small mammals who sustain our ecosystems and natural resources by helping plants reproduce. Dr. Bob Gillespie brings his expertise and enthusiasm for these hard-working creatures to a day-long workshop located at the Northwest Research and Extension Center near Mount Vernon which features 10 acres of experimental gardens, learning labs, and apiary. |
SUMMER TRACKINGChris 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. Chris is a master tracker and a renaissance man, sharing his knowledge of meteorology, ecology, and more to his teaching of tracking. |
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
MEASURING OUR IMPACT: 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
Despite hiring and other challenges remaining from the pandemic, North Cascades Institute’s programs had an impact on thousands of people of all ages in 2022. Read about 5th graders at Mountain School, high schoolers in Youth Leadership Adventures, community programs and more successes worth celebrating, in our 2022 Annual Report.
GIFT SHOPS ARE OPEN!
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 the eclectic selection of souvenirs and gifts: North Cascades National Park apparel, patches, magnets, a variety of books, maps, art, jewelry and more. Choose your stop:
You can also shop online and feel good knowing your purchase benefits youth education in the North Cascades!
STAFF VOICES: Why This Work Is Important to Me
“I love working with North Cascades National Park and Seattle City Light staff to run our programs and serve the thousands of visitors we get in the summer who may be coming from all across the country or from our local community.”
WEDDINGS 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 a memorable outdoorsy wedding experience. 3-day/2-night packages include indoor/outdoor facilities, support staff, dining and lodging. Now booking for 2023 and 2024 weekends.
Top photo: A high alpine camp in North Cascades National Park as the marine cloud layer flows over the mountains. Taken on 5/21/2023 by Institute program instructor, Wyatt Mullen @wyatt.mullen
