SEEKING WELLNESS FROM THE OUTSIDE IN

Kelly Turso

CultureSeed helps underserved youth thrive

story by JANET COOK | photos by KELLY TURSO and COURTESY OF CULTURESEED

Courtesy of CultureSeed

In the summer of 2019, Cynthia Juarez had an experience that changed her life: she went backpacking for the first time. Juarez, 17, a graduating senior in the Class of 2021 at Trout Lake School, has lived in Trout Lake since childhood, surrounded by the outdoors but not ever immersed in it.

“I’d never done anything remotely close to backpacking or camping,” Juarez said. “So this was a big step out of my comfort zone.” She describes herself as “someone who didn’t really like going outside and being active in the outdoors.” She also had severe anxiety that prevented her from doing many things. The backpacking trip was part of a program called CultureSeed, which seeks to connect underserved and/or low-income youth with the outdoors.

Despite her misgivings, Juarez decided to go on the trip. Along with four other youth, two “junior guides” and some adult mentors, she spent seven days backpacking and camping in the wilderness of Mount St. Helens.

“It was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Juarez said. “It completely changed me. I learned so much about myself and grew as a person.” The week included, among other things, strenuous hiking. “There were so many challenges for me, but I got a lot of support. That week, I was going through a lot, physically especially, but I made it through stronger.” The experience not only

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Kelly Turso

CultureSeed staff, above left to right, Kay Alton, Kika Kielpinska, Carolina Pfister and Asnoldo Benitez (not pictured, Yasmin Acosta-Myers). Opposite top and bottom, Bekah Rottenberg of Brave Endeavors leads a bike outing on the Klickitat Trail.

helped her find inner strength, but she also came away with a newfound connection to the outdoors.

“After that I realized that I enjoy camping and exploring places that I’ve never been to,” she said. “I now look forward to activities like this.”

Juarez’s experience was a result of CultureSeed doing what it does, which is providing transformative outdoor programming for underserved youth. “What we do is outdoor immersion and outdoor mentorship with a focus on physical and emotional health,” said Carolina Pfister, executive director of CultureSeed, which is based in White Salmon.

CultureSeed is a small nonprofit with roots dating to 2015 when a group of people with property around the White Salmon River set out to create a learning community with a focus on land stewardship. The organization evolved and honed its objectives over the next few years, most notably in 2017 when social worker Kay Alton spearheaded a program within CultureSeed based on outdoor immersion with a mindfulness focus.

The next year Carolina Pfister moved to the area, bringing with her years of experience in the nonprofit world in diverse pursuits that included launching a cultural center in inner-city Chicago and working as an art educator in her native Brazil, helping to make art accessible to youth in low-income communities around São Paulo. She was intrigued by CultureSeed — particularly with the work Alton was doing.

When the director position came open not long after, Pfister was hired. At the helm, she’s supported further development of the model Alton pioneered — year-round outdoor immersion for underserved youth.

The backbone of the organization is what’s known as its youth cohorts — formally called the Outdoor & Engagement Youth Cohorts. The Klickitat cohort, of which Juarez is a member, currently has 18 teens. An emerging Skamania cohort has 5, and development of a Juvenile Hall cohort is underway for youth who are involved in the criminal justice system at Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facilities (NORCOR).

Young people get connected with CultureSeed in a variety of ways, including school counselors, probation officers and mental health professionals. The youth cohorts provide year-round structure, with activities aimed at helping youth experience physical and emotional growth through outdoor and group activities with peers and caring adults. Activities range from hiking and biking to water- and snow-sports, as well as overnight camping trips

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Courtesy of CultureSeed

A CultureSeed outdoor immersion cohort and junior guides-in-training paddle through whitewater on a rafting adventure on the White Salmon River. Rivers for All and All Adventures partnered with CultureSeed on the outing.

and a summer group challenge. This summer’s challenge is a three-night rafting trip on the Deschutes River through a partnership with LEAP Adventure, a nonprofit based out of Portland that focuses on providing adventure for those facing adversity.

Youth commit to CultureSeed for a year, starting in 8th grade, and are invited to return for continuous years until they graduate from high school. After that, they can return as junior guides to gain experience on the ground or participate in the youth council to advise on organizational strategy.

“The goal is for youth to be with us, engaging in the outdoors, year after year,” Pfister said. With new cohort members, the focus is on mental health and mindfulness. As the youth progress, there are opportunities for civic engagement and leadership.

CultureSeed was solidifying its footing when the pandemic hit last March. The stay-at-home orders initially shut down much of its programming, but Pfister and Alton kept adjusting in order to continue engaging with youth.

“We had to show up very creatively and very energetically during the pandemic,” Pfister said. “What’s magical about CultureSeed is we’re really nimble and adaptable. We were able to thrive because we kept pivoting.” The early days of the pandemic lockdowns actually gave rise to what has become CultureSeed’s Outdoor Mentorship Program.

“Pretty quickly, there was a clear call from our young folks that they were lonely, isolated, fearful of going outside,” Alton said. She and Pfister put out a call for support to anyone willing to go on one-onone, socially-distanced walks with youth, to help get them outside and engaged.

“The community outpouring of support was amazing,” Alton said. That initial pairing of young people with mentors for walks has blossomed into an expanding program that includes both general mentors and sports-based mentors.

In addition, key partnerships have also formed with some of the outdoor-sports communities over the past year. Bekah Rottenberg, professional mountain bike instructor, coach and trainer, has worked with CultureSeed to facilitate mountain bike outings for youth through her company Brave Endeavors, where she seeks to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the mountain bike world. “Bekah is our first official Community Partner,” Pfister said.

Other entities have also stepped up to help, including Brimstone Boulders, which created a scholarship fund to support day passes, shoe rentals and other climbing opportunities; Mt. Hood Meadows, which has provided day ski passes; Hood River Mountain Bike Adventures, which has donated bikes and volunteer help for outings; and Doug’s Hood River, which provides free winter sports equipment rentals for CultureSeed youth.

“The pandemic gave us a push to formalize a village ethos we already had,” Pfister said.

The mentorship program and partnerships also serve to reinforce one of CultureSeed’s guiding principles, which is meeting each kid where they are — in everything from their comfort level with group

activities to outdoor pursuits. Sometimes it’s literally meeting a young person where they are in order to provide transportation to a CultureSeed activity. “In a rural setting where isolation is inherent, transportation is a barrier,” Pfister said. “We have to respond individually to whatever barriers are present.”

CultureSeed works to address all hurdles that might affect its ability to serve youth. Early in the pandemic, it established an emergency relief fund to help families of youth in the program with food, rent and everyday expenses. “You can’t serve youth if their families are in distress,” Pfister said.

Another CultureSeed initiative is a caregiver support group, held monthly at Skyline Hospital for parents of youth in the program. Kristoffer Lindstrom, bilingual behavioral health consultant at Skyline, co-facilitates the group. “We work with [parents and guardians] to help them better understand the issues that are happening with their kids and how to communicate with them,” Alton said.

Despite a hectic year working through the pandemic, CultureSeed is emerging stronger. While Pfister and Alton have done most of the heavy lifting over the past few years, they’ve recently hired two full-time staff members to join a contingent of volunteers and some contractors. Funding comes from foundations, grants, businesses and individuals.

Alton and Pfister work tirelessly to expand the “village” that can help CultureSeed youth thrive. “I see all young people as having so much energy to be our future, to be transformative agents of change,” said Alton, adding that CultureSeed’s initiatives aim to give them TRUST — an acronym for “time to rest, unfold, find strength and thrive,” which was the youth-driven tagline for her first cohort in 2017.

For Cynthia Juarez, it’s done just that. She credits her three years with CultureSeed for vast improvements in her anxiety, self-esteem and general

Courtesy of CultureSeed CultureSeed and partner Big City Mountaineers on a Mount St. Helens backpack trip.

mental state. “I’ve learned about loving myself and my body, how to control panic/anxiety attacks, and to make time for myself to enjoy what I love doing,” she said. She plans to attend college, with the goal returning to CultureSeed as a junior guide.

“I hope that during the summer and any holiday break I’ll have an opportunity to come back and help with whatever is needed,” she said, “such as helping lead peer circles, support at outings, transportation, and anything else.” In other words, to be part of the village that has helped her thrive.

For more information, go to cultureseed.org.

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PARTAKE I COOK WITH US Buttermilk Cake

with Apricot Jam

Recipe and photos by KACIE MCMACKIN

Ingredients

CAKE INGREDIENTS • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp. baking powder • 1/4 tsp. baking soda • 1 tsp. sea salt • 3/4 cup butter (room temperature) • 1 cup granulated sugar • 3 egg whites (room temperature) • 2 tsp. vanilla extract • 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature) • 1/4 cup sour cream (room temperature)

FROSTING INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature) • 1 1/2 lb. powdered sugar • 1 Tbsp. vanilla • 1/4 cup heavy cream • 1/2 tsp. sea salt • 3/4 cup apricot jam

Directions

CAKE Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour two 8-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Whisk together the buttermilk and sour cream. Set aside. Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment. Add the vanilla. Add the egg whites one at a time. Scrape down the bowl and mix again until incorporated. On low speed, add half of the flour mixture until combined, A friend once told me about the buttermilk cake with apricot jam that her mother would make, and for years I dreamed of it. I love a cake that’s not too sweet, but rather the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The buttermilk and apricot jam add the perfect tartness cut through with sweet, classic buttercream frosting. This cake is ideal for any summer celebration.

Divide evenly into your prepared pans and bake for about 25 minutes, until the center is springy and a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about five minutes before turning them out to cool completely on a rack.

FROSTING Cream the butter in a stand mixer with paddle attachment until it’s light and resembles frosting. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Once incorporated, slowly increase the speed to high. On low again, add in the salt, vanilla and cream. Again, once incorporated, slowly increase the speed to high. Whip for 3 to 5 minutes until frosting is light and fluffy and ready to use.

followed by half of the buttermilk mixture until combined. Repeat with the rest of the flour mixture, followed by the rest of the buttermilk mixture. Scrape down the bowl and mix again just until thoroughly incorporated.

ASSEMBLY OF THE CAKE Trim the cakes so they are flat. Place one layer on a serving plate (trimmed side up) and frost with 1 1/2 cups of finished frosting. Top with a thick layer of jam. Place the second layer of cake (trimmed side down) on top of the other layer. Cover the cake in a thin crumb coating of the frosting. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to set before adding the final layer of frosting. Decorate as desired!

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541-296-5666 • baldwinsaloon.com 205 Court Street • The Dalles Celebrating its reopening, the Baldwin Saloon offers a traditional American fine dining experience. The menu includes dishes made with exceptional ingredients and artisanship. Serves quality homemade food, fresh meats, seafood, breads, pastas, and desserts. Try our new takeout cocktails! Open Mon-Sat | Fine dining in The Dalles Pickup & Delivery available | Order online

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EL PUERTO DE ANGELES III

541-308-0005 1306 12th Street • Hood River, on the Heights We are open and happy to serve you. Authentic Jalisco Cuisine. We provide a safe dining experience. Enjoy good food and good times. Offering daily lunch and dinner specials, served all day. Happy Hour Mon-Fri. Outdoor dining available (weather permitting).

Open Daily 10am-9pm Dine-In or Takeout BRIDGESIDE

541-374-8477 • bridgesidedining.com Exit 44 off I-84, Cascade Locks Stunning views next to the Bridge of the Gods – Bridgeside (formerly Charburger) serves tasty char-broiled burgers plus an extensive menu of breakfast items, chowders, fish & chips, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with friendly service. Gift shop • Special event room & terrace

CELILO RESTAURANT & BAR

541-386-5710 • celilorestaurant.com 16 Oak Street • Downtown Hood River Celebrating over 15 years, Celilo began with a desire to honor the bounty of the Northwest. Our ever-changing menu reflects the seasonal highlights of the region’s growers and foragers. We offer the most innovative in fresh, local cuisine as well as an award-winning wine list, full bar, small plate menu, and happy hour. Open Tuesday-Sunday at 5pm

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541-386-5331 • chinagorge.com 2680 Old Columbia River Drive • Hood River (Located off I-84 and the base of Hwy 35) A Gorge favorite for over 41 years! Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine full of flavor and our friendly service. Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays Takeout with curbside service Visit us on Facebook for hours & information updates

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Order takeout from our website above or visit our waterfront pizza truck for fast slices & soft serve! GROUND ESPRESSO BAR & CAFE

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RIVERSIDE & CEBU LOUNGE

541-386-4410 • riversidehoodriver.com Exit 64 off I-84 • Waterfront Hood River Welcome back to Riverside, where you’ll find the best food, drinks and views in the Gorge. Following guidelines for distanced dining indoors, outdoor on the waterfront, and takeout. Fresh menus change seasonally – plus an award-winning wine list and 14 taps with all your favorite local breweries. Serving Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner daily.

THUNDER ISLAND BREWING CO.

971-231-4599 • thunderislandbrewing.com 601 NW Wa Na Pa Street • Cascade Locks A brewery and taproom located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. The river and mountain views pair beautifully with craft beer and delicious food. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio. All guests are welcome, and are expected to follow Oregon state COVID guidelines. Cheers! Reservations are recommended. To book, visit thunderislandbrewing.com.

Jurgen Hess was in the eastern Gorge with his wife, Susan, “chasing wildfires” for his work as a wildfire photographer and educator. They were stopped along a road watching a big fire burning to the east. “It was late summer and the wheat had been harvested,” he said. The fire was burning in the cut wheat fields, throwing up a lot of smoke. “Susan walked up the road around a corner and saw horses running and playing in the wheat field,” he said. She hurried back and told Jurgen to grab his camera gear. “I did,” he said. “It was a serendipitous moment — in the right place at the right time.”

The Photographer

JURGEN HESS is a photojournalist and writer. He had a 34-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, including serving in the Rogue River National Forest and in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. He’s been a resource advisor on numerous wildfires and served on post-fire restoration teams. He’s on the board of Columbia Insight, an online environmental news publication, and is an award-winning photographer specializing in wildfire, landscapes and conservation. jurgenhessphotography.com