CA NV
NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE
Known as a hub of discovery in the North Cascades, this is a place where science, wilderness and environment are equal to fun and adventure, where people and place are connected..." — ScenicWa.com
CLASSES· ·EXCURSIONS EXCURSIONS ·· BASE BASE CAMP · FAMILY CLASSES FAMILY GETAWAYS GETAWAYS· ·SKAGIT SKAGITTOURS TOURS
NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE connects people, nature and
community through science, art, literature and hands-on exploration of Cascadia’s natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place. After thirty years, we’ve come to see that the power of our work is as much about how it serves people as much as it benefits the landscape. That’s why we have updated our mission statement: North Cascades Institute inspires and empowers environmental stewardship for all through transformative educational experiences in nature. Together, we can build a vibrant future by engaging people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in shared learning experiences in nature! Vancouver
canada united states
5
542
environmental learning center
mt. baker
Bellingham
NOR TH N AT C A S C A D ION AL P ES ARK
Diablo Newhalem
20
B.C.
Sedro-Woolley north
Marblemount
20
WA
ID OR
Seattle CA
YOUTH PROGRAMS
The North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is a hub of discovery and adventure in one of the wildest landscapes in North America. Operated in partnership with the National Park Service and Seattle City Light, our green-built residential campus is nested on the shores of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, three hours from Seattle.
NV
From Mountain School to Youth Leadership Adventures, we serve students from all backgrounds with innovative environmental education programs designed to get kids outdoors discovering connections between the environment, their community and quality of life. Through field science, leadership training, hands-on restoration projects and climate literacy curriculum, we are creating the next generation of outdoor leaders and public land stewards.
NCASCADES.ORG/SCHOOL NCASCADES.ORG/YOUTH
People come to North Cascades Institute to learn about the environment that shelters and sustains us — the natural systems that we do not own but to which we, as a species, belong - and those people will grow up to be neither the destroyers nor the destroyed, but responsible citizens of a habitat, a food web and a planet.” — Barbara Kingsolver
GRADUATE M.ED. RESIDENCY
Students establish influential, meaningful careers by earning a Master of Education degree in our professional residency program offered in partnership with Western Washington University. Designed to prepare students in all aspects of environmental education while living among the towering peaks of the North Cascades, course work emphasizes field science, experiential learning, teaching strategies and nonprofit administration.
NCASCADES.ORG/STUDY
CONFERENCES & RETREATS
Book your next gathering at our sustainable facility in the heart of North Cascades National Park. Our campus inspires reflection, understanding and connection to the natural world as well as to each other. We welcome business conferences, events, retreats, reunions, trainings and other gatherings. Our naturalist staff provides guided opportunities to explore and learn about the region. ncascades.org/retreats PRINTED ON 30% PCW
2017 CLASS & EVENT CALENDAR
From the North Cascades to the Skagit and Methow Valleys, Seattle, Bellingham, the Salish Sea and beyond, we offer exciting ways for you to learn about the natural and cultural history of this special region. You’re invited to join us for an afternoon, an overnight stay or a weekend — sign up for a family camp, art or ecology class, Diablo Lake boat tour, geology hike or another one of the dozens of opportunities designed to get you outside exploring and connecting with the Wild Nearby. APRIL 29
Salish Seaweed Garden: Harvesting & Cuisine MAY
6-7 13 19-21
San Juan Treasures: Yellow & Jones Islands Spring Snake Search in the Methow Valley Hands to Work: Stewardship Weekend* JUNE
9-11 16-18 23-25 23-24
Blockprinting and Watercolors* Winter Watercolors in the North Cascades* In the Company of Corvids* Night Photography 1: Washington Pass
Programs offered at the Environmental Learning Center include: ·ADA-accessible · accommodations in our beautiful lodges ·Wonderful · meals featuring local and organic foods served in our historic lakeside dining hall ·Outdoor · activities including voyages in the Salish Dancer, our 18-person canoe, guided nature walks and other interpretive naturalist activities ·Access · to a network of trails, creeks, waterfalls and Diablo Lake, outdoor learning shelters, multimedia classrooms and the Wild Ginger Library ·Professional · staff of educators, naturalists and hospitality crew
Early July Family Getaway* Adventures NW Photography Workshop* Mid July Family Getaway* Late July Family Getaway* Mount Baker Geology 1: Fire & Ice Urban Dragonflies AUGUST
4-6 5 18-20
Early August Family Getaway* Mount Baker Geology 2: Artist Point Late August Family Getaway* SEPTEMBER
16-17 16-17 22-24 29-1
Hawkwatching at Chelan Ridge Night Photography 2: Artist Point Wildlife Tracking* Sit, Walk, Write: Nature & the Practice of Presence* OCTOBER
13-15 13-15 21 21-22
Autumn Watercolors in the North Cascades* Wild Mushrooms and Culinary Ventures* North Cascades Mushrooms: A Fungal Foray Harvest Dinner*
*Offered at the Environmental Learning Center At press time, several classes are nearing capacity, so don't delay! Like us on Facebook to learn when we add new classes or special events: facebook.com/ncascades
NCASCADES.ORG/GET_OUTSIDE
overnight lodging & learning on diablo lake Base Camp offers you the opportunity to explore “the American Alps” on your own schedule while enjoying the comforts of our campus in the heart of North Cascades National Park — one of only a handful of overnight venues inside the park! Each night includes lodging, three delicious meals and a guided learning activity to explore the beauty of our Diablo Lake neighborhood. Fresh air and mountain views at no extra charge! Pro Tip » The Hostel (shared room) option is perfect for travelers, bikers, paddlers and backpackers on a budget, offering room, learning adventure and meals for only $65 a night!
JUNE - OCTOBER (AVAILABILITY VARIES)
NCASCADES.ORG/BASECAMP Base Camp was such a unique and nostalgic experience for us… it reminded us of days gone by when we used to attend summer camp as teenagers, but this time it was like summer camp for adults. It was an absolute dream exploring the breathtaking scenery of the North Cascades.” — forgetsomeday.com travel blog
JULY 30-2 7-9 14-16 21-23 22 29
BASE CAMP
SKAGIT TOURS
explore the natural & cultural history of the upper skagit Experience the epic beauty of the North Cascades this summer on a fun, interactive Skagit Tour. For more than 80 years, Skagit Tours have provided recreational and educational experiences for people of all ages exploring the North Cascades and Upper Skagit Hydroelectric Project. In partnership with Seattle City Light and North Cascades National Park, we offer several options: ·Diablo · Lake Boat Tours with lunch at the Environmental Learning Center ·Diablo · Lake Afternoon Cruise
·Powerhouse · Insiders Tours ·“Dam · Good” Chicken Dinner & Ladder Creek Falls by Night
Pro Tip » Diablo Lake Boat Tours are the perfect day-trip adventure for family and friends visiting from out of town. They provide maximum WOW factor in a short amount of time, and fill your belly with a delicious, home-cooked lunch!
JUNE - SEPTEMBER
NCASCADES.ORG/SKAGIT-TOURS
Towering peaks, unbelievable turquoise waters and a fascinating cultural and natural history are more than enough incentive to visit. Skagit Tours will give you a good introduction to the region.” — Everett Herald
FAMILY GETAWAYS
multi-generational gatherings in the north cascades Connect with your family – and nature, too – while enjoying the natural wonders of North Cascades National Park. These popular gatherings offer a wide variety of engaging, hands-on activities for all ages like canoeing, hiking, outdoor games and nature crafts by day and nocturnal explorations and campfires at night. Our kitchen staff create delicious meals — and do the dishes, too — so you can focus on family time! We welcome groups that include parents, grandparents, guardians, aunts and uncles and nontraditional families. Scholarships available. Pro Tip » Check out the “Next Level” Getaway August 4-6 for families who want a little more adventure, including longer hikes and outdoor skills learning. Family Getaways can also be extended through our Base Camp program!
JUNE - AUGUST (SEE CALENDAR FOR DATES) North Cascades Institute’s weekend Family Getaways offer a premium “camping” experience and you’ll love it.” — ParentMap Golden Teddy Award Finalist
NCASCADES.ORG/FAMILY
NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE 810 STATE ROUTE 20 SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WA 98284
NCASCADES.ORG ¡ (360) 854-2599 NV
north cascades institute admits students and participants of any race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or marital status, age, sensory, physical or mental disability or any other legally-protected status.
CA
photo credits: aly gourd: hikers. angela burielle: canoers. benjamin drummond: dinner. calvin laatsch: diablo dam. christian martin: salish dancer, family. Š corey arnold: mountain school. dave moskowitz: ravens. doug ogle: sunset hike. eric ellingson: pika. ethan welty: geology. hannah newell: hawk. jessica haag: bear man, harvest dinner. kevin biggs: siblings. nick mikula: hikers. patty direnzo: powerhouse, student. rick allen: lodge, library. institute staff