NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE 2019 CALENDAR • OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES FOR ALL
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shared experiences in nature strengthen community NORTH CASCADES • SALISH SEA • SKAGIT & METHOW VALLEYS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
VANCOUVER
Y OU ' RE I N V I T E D T O J O I N U S for an afternoon, an overnight stay or a weekend in any one of our dozens of programs designed to get you outside exploring and connecting with the wild wonders of our unique region. From the North Cascades to the Skagit and Methow Valleys, the Salish Sea and beyond, we offer exciting ways for you to learn about the natural and cultural history and resources together in small groups led by professional instructors and naturalists. Most of our programs take place at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, 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 residential campus is nestled on the shores of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, three hours from Seattle or two from Bellingham.
ID AH O
NORTH CASCADES ECOSYSTEM
WASHINGTON
Ross Lake
BELLINGHAM
Mt. Baker
OREGON
NORTH CASCADES ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
Diablo Lake
SEDRO WOOLLEY CONCRETE
20
WINTHROP
MOUNT VERNON
STEHEKIN DARRINGTON
Lake Chelan
Glacier Peak
EVERETT
CHELAN 2
SEATTLE
90
WENATCHEE PROTECTED FOREST LANDS
OLYMPIA
Top Three Spots in the North Cascades
Top Ten Great Getaways
Top Adventurous Family Vacations You Can Afford
Best Luxury Camping
Founded in 1986, North Cascades Institute is a nationally recognized education nonprofit organization that inspires and empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, enjoy and learn about the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest—so all will care for and protect this special place. Learn more and find your route in to the Wild Nearby at ncascades.org
Sixteen Four Star ratings for exemplary fiscal management!
WASHINGT ON
together BUSINESS RETREATS, FAMILY REUNIONS, WEDDINGS & MORE Book your next group gathering at our sustainable facility in the heart of North Cascades National Park. You'll enjoy a variety of outdoor meeting spaces and mediaready classrooms, comfortable lodging and organic, locally-sourced meals. Throughout your stay, our education team provides guided learning activities to explore the North Cascades. ncascades.org/retreats
MARCH
EXPLORE THE NATURAL & CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE UPPER SKAGIT
OVERNIGHT LEARNING AND LODGING ON DIABLO LAKE
MULTI-GENERATIONAL GATHERINGS IN THE NORTH CASCADES
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 Boat Tour Cruises on Diablo Lake, Powerhouse Insiders Tours and the “Dam Good� Chicken Dinner & Ladder Creek Falls by Night package.
Stay at the Learning Center on your own schedule and enjoy the comforts of our campus in the heart of North Cascades National Park— one of only two overnight venues inside the park! Each booking includes lodging, three delicious, locally-sourced meals and shared learning activities. The Hostel option offers shared co-ed accommodations for only $65 a night; discounted rates Nov thru April!
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 people of all ages. Try 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.
JUNE-SEPT (See website for available dates) ncascades.org/skagittours
“
Towering peaks, unbelievable turquoise waters and a fascinating cultural and natural history are more than enough incentive to visit. North Cascades Institute will give you a good introduction to the region. — Everett Herald
YEAR-ROUND (See website for available dates) ncascades.org/basecamp
“
Base Camp 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
JUNE-NOV (See calendar for dates) ncascades.org/family
“
A 'Top Adventurous Family Vacation You Can Afford'... the Environmental Learning Center is not only a place to learn about conservation and stewardship but also a great getaway to relax and have fun! — Outside Magazine
Learning Center Class*
Naturalist-led outdoor activities Access to trails, creeks, waterfalls and Diablo Lake
Field Excursion Family Getaway*
Delicious meals made from locally grown, sustainably produced food served in our lakeside Dining Hall Media-ready classrooms, library and lounges Professional staff of educators, naturalists and hospitality crew
Winter Watercolors with Nikki Frumkin
1, 2
Night Photography @ Diablo with Andy Porter
9
Lichen Exploration with Kelly Sleight
APRIL 13-14 Illustrated Journaling with Carina A. del Rosario 20-21 Explore Yellow & Jones Islands on the Orion
MAY 10
Salish Seaweed Garden with Jennifer Hahn
10-12 Stewardship Weekend 31-2
Spring Birding with Libby Mills
JULY 5-7
Early July Family Getaway Weekend
12-14 The Watercolor Journal with Michele Cooper 19-21 Mid-July Family Getaway Weekend 26-28 In the Company of Corvids with Kaeli Swift 27
Mount Baker Geology Hike with Dr. Doug Clark
28
Sauk Mtn Wildflower Wander with Shelley Weisberg
31
Night Photography @ Artist Point with Andy Porter
AUGUST 2-4
Early August Family Getaway Weekend
9-11
Mid-August Family Getaway Weekend
17
Music of the North Cascades with David Boye
18
Moving Water Photography with Juan Aguilera
23-25 Late August Family Getaway Weekend
*Programs offered at the Learning Center include: ADA-accessible accommodations
1-3
SEPTEMBER 6-8
Adventures NW Photography Workshop
13-15 Fall Watercolors with Nikki Frumkin 28-29 Hawkwatching at Chelan Ridge
OCTOBER 11-13 Autumn Watercolors with Molly Hashimoto 11-13 Wild Mushrooms Weekend with Erin Moore 19
Mushrooms of Baker Lake with Erin Moore
26
Birding the Salish Sea on The Snow Goose
NOVEMBER 29-1
Thanksgiving Family Getaway Weekend
Register at ncascades.org/get_outside Through your generosity, we are sharing this wonderful wild place with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. ncascades.org/give
Illustrations by Libby Mills
NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE 810 STATE ROUTE 20 SEDRO WOOLLEY, WA 98284
B RITISH
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COLU MBI A
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@ncascades ncascades.org
Inspiring & empowering environmental stewardship for all through transformative educational experiences in nature
(360) 854-2599