North Cascades Institute 2008 Spring/Summer Catalog

connec ting people, nature and communit y through educ ation since 1986

08SPRING&SUMMER08SPR ING AND SUMMER

NORTH CASCAD ES INSTITUTE

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WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AN INSTITUTE EXCURSION, YOU GAIN ACCESS TO THE NORTHWEST’S MOST SPECIAL PLACES, LIKE EASTERN WASHINGTON’S ARID LAND ECOLOGY RESERVE.

SEE “BUNCHGRASS DREAMS: HIGH DESERT ECOLOGY” ON PAGE 28.© C A R L M O L E S W O R T H

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AT NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE, we believe in the

power of experience and hands-on learning to shape

lives and inspire change. That’s why, since 1986,

we’ve offered many different ways to get people

outside, learning for themselves about the rich natural

and cultural history of the Pacifi c Northwest.

Our Mountain School program has brought more

than 12,000 4th-, 8th- and 12th-grade students out

of the classroom and into the mountains to learn

about the amazing ecosystems that make up their

“big backyard.” Through seminars, retreats and

fi eld excursions, we’ve helped more than 7,000

adults connect to their environment in deep and

enduring ways. And programs such as Girls on

Ice, Family Getaways, North Cascades Wild, Eagle

Watchers and Mountain Stewards are other routes

we offer to expose people of all ages to the wonders

of this amazing place we’re lucky to call home.

In this, our latest catalog, we want to explore

the connections between learning, personal growth,

community and the environment. We’ve been asking

people why they believe a connection to nature is

important, what they have learned from a life spent

outside and how they pass those lessons on.

I believe we learn our own landscapes best by

submerging ourselves in them. Natural history is

central to our understanding of biology, culture,

mythology and the human condition. It shapes our

communities by giving us deeper insights into our

relationships with other beings and the places we

all inhabit. And it inspires conservation, which is, in

the end, why North Cascades Institute exists.

If you believe, like we do, that getting outdoors is

vital, we hope you’ll join us at the Learning Center and

in the fi eld this spring and summer to enrich yourself

and your community through a North Cascades

Institute program. Whether it is an art retreat, Diablo

Downtime, birding or geology excursion, Family

Getaway or Sourdough Speaker, we’re here to help you

connect with your wild backyard in a meaningful way.

SAUL WEISBERG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Welcome to our 2008 field season

I BELIEVE WE LEARN OUR OWN LANDSCAPES BEST BY

SUBMERGING OURSELVES IN THEM. NATURAL HISTORY

IS CENTRAL TO OUR UNDERSTANDING OF BIOLOGY,

CULTURE, MYTHOLOGY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION.

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APRIL

18-20 Trees: Drawing and Painting Forest Life

with Molly Hashimoto p.12

18-20 Spring Flowers: Botany from Field

to Forest p.12

18-20 Digital Outdoor Photography: Springtime in

the Skagit p.13

26-27 Sourdough Speaker Series I:

John Scurlock, “Over the North Cascades” p.9

MAY

2-4 Environmental Architecture: Green Building

Design and Operation p.14

3-4 Birding Bellingham by Eye and Ear p.26

9-11 Diablo Downtime I p.11

10-11 Mother’s Day San Juan Islands Cruise with

Jennifer Hahn p.27

17-18 Bunchgrass Dreams: High Desert

Ecology p.28

17-18 Sourdough Speaker Series II: Maria Hines,

“Eating from our Foodshed” p.9

23-25 Balsamroot and Bumblebees: Methow

Valley Wildfl owers with Dana Visalli p.28

24-26 Memorial Day Family Getaway p.6

JUNE

1 Wild Whatcom I: The Nature of Bellingham p.29

6-8 Spring Birding Weekend p.14

6-8 Learning Center Day Trip p.8

6-8 Wild Whatcom II: The Nature of Bellingham p.29

13-15 Diablo Downtime II p.11

14 Learning Center Day Trip p.8

15 Wild Whatcom III : The Nature of Bellingham p.29

15 Grant Writing in the North Cascades p.42

21 Bookmaking and Nature Journaling p.30

21 Sourdough Speaker Series III: Samuel Green,

“Washington’s Poet Laureate Reads Poems from

Nature” p.9


23 Art Afi eld: Diablo Creative Arts Retreat p.15

26-29 Poetics of the Wild with Tim McNulty p.15

27-29 Family Getaway in June p.6

28 Home Ground: Gardening with Native Plants p.30

29 Seattle’s Wild Side with David Williams p.31

CONTENTSFamily Getaways 6

Day Trips 8

Sourdough Speaker Series 8

Learning Center Programs 10

Field Excursions 26

Registration Information 35

M.Ed. Graduate Program 36

Mountain School 38

Summer Youth Programs 40

Group Rentals 42

Instructors 44©

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JULY

4-6 Fourth of July Family Getaway p.6

11-13 Diablo Downtime III p.11

11-13 Landscape Watercolor Workshop with Molly

Hashimoto p.16


13 Roots and Shoots: Skagit Valley Farm Tour p.31

14-16 Mid-July Family Getaway p.6

17-20 Ross Lake by Boat and Boot: People of the

Upper Skagit p.16

17-20 Northwest Naturalists Weekend p.17

18-20 After the Fire: Alpine Ecology and

Wildfl owers p.32


24-27 Pacifi c Crest Backpack p.18

25-27 Late July Family Getaway p.6

30-Aug. 3 Thunder Arm Writing Retreat p.19

31-Aug. 3 Beats on the Peaks: Lookout Poets and

Backcountry Tales on Ross Lake p.20

AUGUST


3 Volcanic Geology of Mount Baker’s Ptarmigan

Ridge p.32

8-10 Living with Climate Change p.21

8-10 Pacifi c Northwest Forest Ecology p.21

8-10 Dragonfl ies with Dennis Paulson p.22

9-10 Wildfl ower Photography in the Alpine

Landscape p.33


11-13 Early August Family Getaway p.6

14-19 High Country Rhapsody: Searching for

Kerouac in the North Cascades p.33

15-17 Mid-August Family Getaway p.6

22-24 Diablo Downtime IV p.11


30-Sept. 1 Labor Day Family Getaway p.6

SEPTEMBER

5-7 Oil Pastels with Susan Bennerstrom p.22

5-7 Ravens, Crows and Jays: Corvid Ecology with

John Marzluff p.23

5-7 Writing Workshop with Nick O’Connell p.23


7-8 Treetop Forest Ecology with the Wind River

Canopy Crane p.34


19-21 Nature Photography Retreat: High Country in

Autumn p.24

19-21 Wildlife Tracking: Bears, Cougars and

Cascadian Mammals p.24

20-21 Women’s Fly-Fishing Escape

with Pat Bolton p.35

26-28 Diablo Downtime V p.11

OCTOBER

24-26 Sit, Walk, Write: Nature and the Practice of

Presence p.25

Look for our next catalog in September

for the fall and winter 2008-09 slate

of Learning Center Programs, Field

Excursions and Special Events!

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FAMILY GETAWAYS

GATHER YOUR FAMILY IN THE NORTH CASCADES

North Cascades Institute’s

2008 Family Getaways

May 24-26 (Sat-Mon)

June 27-29 (Fri-Sun)

July 4-6 (Fri-Sun)

July 14-16 (Mon-Wed)

July 25-27 (Fri-Sun)

Aug. 11-13 (Mon-Wed)

Aug. 15-17 (Fri-Sun)

Aug. 30-Sept. 1 (Sat-Mon)

Prices:

Adult (18 and older): $225

Youth (ages 3-17): $125

Children 2 and younger are free

Children under the age of fi ve are the

responsibility of a parent throughout the

program. Tuition includes lodging and all

meals. There is no commuter option for

this course.

more information at

www.ncascades.org/family.

registration by phone at (360) 856-5700 ext. 209.

Connect with your

family—and nature too—at our Learning

Center on Diablo Lake. Spend time together

enjoying the invigorating mountain air and

starry skies of the North Cascades, but leave

the tent at home because our cozy lodges

offer the excitement of the great outdoors

without the complications of camping! With

the tastes of young diners in mind, our chefs

serve scrumptious, buffet-style meals in our

lakeside dining hall. And our naturalists,

with support from National Park Service

rangers, help both kids and adults learn

about nature through paddling and hiking

adventures, along with games, arts and

crafts, and rousing stories and songs around

the campfi re each night. Plus, there’s plenty

of free time to enjoy as you please.

We welcome families that include

parents, guardians, grandparents, chil-

dren and extended family. Getaways are

$225 per adult (18 and older) and $125

per child (ages 3-17). Children age two

and younger can be added to the “family”

registration at no charge. Make this sum-

mer one your family won’t soon forget.

Call 360-856-5700 ext. 209 to reserve

your spot in one of our most popular pro-

grams, year in and year out.

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“THE FAMILY GETAWAY I ATTENDED WITH MY

WIFE AND SONS WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY

TO RE-EDUCATE OURSELVES ABOUT WHAT WE

LIKE ABOUT EACH OTHER. THE WEEKEND WAS

A PERFECT BLEND OF FUN THINGS TO DO, LIKE

TRIPS IN THE BIG CANOE OR RANGER-LED

HIKES, AND FUN WAYS TO “DO NOTHING”, LIKE

SPENDING AN HOUR TEACHING MY KIDS TO

SKIP ROCKS ON DIABLO. FOR US, IT WASN’T

ABOUT LEARNING THE THREE TYPES OF FERNS—

WHICH WE ACTUALLY DID LEARN—BUT ABOUT

RE-LEARNING THE WONDER OF EXPLORING

TOGETHER.”

~CHIP JENKINS, NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK SUPERINTENDENT

Family Getaway

Activities

Big Canoe Adventure

on Diablo Lake

Big Trees and Big

Views

Birds to Bears Wildlife

Tracking

Children’s Story Hour

“Geology Rocks!”

Waterfall Hike

“I’m Lichen Hikin’”

Search for Oddball

Plants

“Nature Nose

Best” Five Senses

Exploration

Neighborhood Hikes

“Slugs, Snags and

Sapsuckers” Forest

Life Introduction

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SOURDOUGH

SPEAKER

SERIESONE-NIGHT GATHERINGS AT THE LEARNING CENTER

For centuries, Native people, miners, loggers,

hikers, fi re lookouts, climbers and dam workers have gathered

together around campfi res and shared stories of the upper Skagit

Valley, the mountains and what lies beyond. Nestled at the foot of

Sourdough Mountain, our Learning Center is a fi tting location for

intimate gatherings of Northwest artists, writers and naturalists shar-

ing their own stories from the region.

Each gathering in our Sourdough Speaker Series takes place

in our lakeside dining hall and features an informal gourmet

Saturday-night dinner of local and organic foods prepared by

our chef, Charles Claassen. A fi reside presentation by our guest

speaker will follow, with plenty of time for questions, discussion

and getting acquainted with others. Your ticket includes over-

night accommodations in our comfortable guest lodges as well

as a continental breakfast and optional naturalist-led activities

Sunday morning. Dress is casual, of course. Your ticket letter will

include travel directions, check-in information and other details.

Attendance is limited to 40 guests; $95 per person for each event.

registration at (360) 856-5700 ext. 209 or [email protected]

more information and a John Scurlock slideshow at

www.ncascades.org/speakersseries

more information at www.ncascades.org/daytrips

LEARNING

CENTER DAY

TRIPSJOIN US FOR A FREE ADVENTURE IN THE

NORTH CASCADES

Institute naturalists and National Park Service rangers | Free

Donations welcome | First come, fi rst served. Pre-registration is

not offered and group size is limited.

Join us from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays this summer!

June 7, 14 and 21 | July 12, 19 | August 2, 9

and 23 | September 6 and 13

Paddle on emerald-green Diablo Lake with

peaks at every compass bearing. Scramble

to a hidden waterfall beyond a forest trail.

Our free Learning Center Day Trips are

easy to enjoy—just lace up your boots, pack

your lunch and venture to our campus off

Highway 20 (mile 127.5). Bring personal

gear, appropriate clothing, food and water.

This is a day program only; participants are

responsible for their own lodging and meals

off campus. Driving directions can be found

online at ncascades.org/daytrips.

Diablo Lake Canoeing

Launch times: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Two-hour

voyager canoe trips are weather-dependent

and fi rst come, fi rst served. Twelve pas-

sengers maximum per trip; must be over six

years of age. Prior experience is not necessary

and all canoeing equipment will be provided.

Forest and

Waterfall Hikes

Departure times: 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and

1:15 p.m. Gently paced, naturalist-led hikes

depart from the Learning Center offi ce.

Visitors may hike independently as well.

Signup begins at 8:30 a.m. for the

above activities

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OVER THE NORTH CASCADES | John Scurlock | April 26–27 | $95Photographer John Scurlock has been climbing, hiking and skiing the North Cascades since 1973. In addition to being a mountaineer, John further explores

the region as a pilot and has documented the jumbled sea of peaks in the form of hundreds of amazing aerial photographs. His images of Mt. Baker, the North

Cascades and British Columbia’s Coast Range have helped countless climbers and skiers search for routes, and they have also provided valuable research data

for scientists studying phenomena like volcanism, geology and glaciology. “I certainly didn’t set out at the start to do what I have accomplished over the last few

years,” he says. “In looking back, I have been incredibly lucky to pursue three of my great passions: mountains, photography and fl ying.” John’s presentation will

include a stunning slideshow, with National Park scientist John Riedel in attendance to interpret the photographs of changing glaciers. Come prepared to see the

North Cascades as you’ve never seen them before!

Featured Farm Partner: Blue Heron Farm, Rockport

TABLE TALK: EATING FROM OUR “FOODSHED” | Maria Hines, Owner/Chef,

Tilth Restaurant | May 17–18 | $95Named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs,” Maria Hines has been capturing the attention of Northwest palates since she became head chef

at Seattle’s popular Earth & Ocean restaurant in 2003. After impressive posts in Washington D.C. and New York, she returned to Seattle in 2005 to open Tilth

Restaurant in the Wallingford neighborhood. It’s one of only two restaurants in the country to receive organic certifi cation from Oregon Tilth. Maria has become an

articulate and inspiring advocate for sustainable, organic—and delicious—food that comes to the table from our own “foodshed.” This special evening will feature

a menu featuring fresh and organic Skagit Valley foods with remarks, ideas and inspiration from Maria to follow.

Featured Farm Partner: Skagit River Ranch, Sedro-Woolley

WASHINGTON’S POET LAUREATE READS POEMS FROM NATURESamuel Green | June 21–22 | $95

Sam Green, who was named Washington’s fi rst-ever poet laureate by Governor Christine Gregoire earlier this year, has spent a lifetime in the service of lan-

guage. Sam and his wife, Sally, are proprietors of the award-winning Brooding Heron Press on Waldron Island where they have published work by Denise Levertov,

Tim McNulty, Gary Snyder and others. He is the author of 10 poetry collections, including the recently published The Grace of Necessity (Carnegie Mellon University

Press). In addition to his writing and publishing, he serves as a visiting teacher at Seattle University and is a leader in the Skagit River Poetry Festival. Well-known

in our region as a dynamic speaker, passionate reader and engaging instructor, Sam will share readings from his own work as well as that of the Pacifi c Northwest

poets he admires most.

Featured Farm Partner: Frog’s Song Farm, Conway

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WELCOME TO THE

NORTH CASCADES

ENVIRONMENTAL

LEARNING

CENTEROUR FIELD CAMPUS IN NORTH

CASCADES NATIONAL PARK

Here you can enjoy snowcapped peaks and

tumbling streams, ancient forests and fl ower-fi lled mead-

ows, and a rich Northwest history that includes more than

10,000 years of Native American culture. Better still, you

can join a community—expert teachers, curious natural-

ists, intriguing new friends—all dedicated to the idea that

learning about the environment together inspires steward-

ship. North Cascades Institute has operated the Learning

Center in partnership with the National Park Service and

Seattle City Light since 2005. Integrating sustainable build-

ing design with Earth-friendly operations, the tree-sheltered

campus features 16 buildings clustered on the north shore

of Diablo Lake. Facilities include:

» Three comfortable lodges with ADA-accessible accom-

modations for 69 guests

» A lakeside dining hall serving fresh, local and organic

meals

» Multimedia classrooms, science labs and our Wild

Ginger Library

» An outdoor amphitheater and secluded meditation

shelters in nearby woodlands

» A dock on Diablo Lake for paddling adventures

» Trails leading deep into the national park

Located along State Route 20 less than three hours

northeast of Seattle, the Learning Center provides ready

access to landscapes east and west of the Cascade Crest,

from the pine-studded sagelands of the Columbia Plateau

to the Skagit Valley, Puget Sound and San Juan Islands.

And, stepping right out our front door, you need only

grab a paddle or lace up your boots to head into the North

Cascades backcountry.

Whether you sign up for a natural history seminar or

a Family Getaway, attend a free Day Trip, book a group

rental or attend a Sourdough Speaker event, we look for-

ward to sharing the Learning Center with you!

more information and slideshow tour at

www.ncascades.org/learning_center

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Diablo Downtime: Hiking and Canoeing, Yoga and Slow FoodCHARLES CLAASSEN, ADAM RUSSELL, HANNAH SULLIVAN AND INSTITUTE NATURALISTS

May 9–11, June 13–15, July 11–13, August 22–24 and September 26–28 (Fri eve–Sun) 15

Learning Center T$195, D$290, S$485

You asked for it: a weekend to relax. Diablo Downtime

is for anyone looking for a break from the hurried

life, a laid-back stretch in the mountains with only the

simplest decisions to make: What kind of adventure

should I choose today? Paddling on Diablo Lake or

the hike to Fourth of July Pass with wildfl owers and

glacier views? How about a little yoga in the morning?

Should I have seconds of that organic blueberry cob-

bler? Or just stroll to the dock to enjoy the sunset...

Named for the beautiful lake at our doorstep, Diablo

Downtime is a getaway for adults—singles, couples,

siblings, friends, even parents looking for a hideout.

Each day, you can choose from a range of activities,

from invigorating hikes with intriguing naturalists to

canoe trips through pine-studded islands and fern-

draped cliffs to beginning and intermediate yoga.

Evenings will include plenty of tall tales ’round the

campfi re for late-nighters.

You’ll also appreciate “slow food”—delicious meals

and engaging discussion to celebrate food’s origins,

traditions and role in community life.

Then, of course, there’s nothing at all, which you’re

more than welcome to enjoy. Just come upriver, settle

in and relax. We’ll be waiting for you.

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LEARNING CENTER

REGISTRATION INFO

First-timer 20 percent discount

If you’ve never attended an Institute program with us, you may be eligible for

a 20 percent discount! See page 35 for complete details.

Pricing and Accommodations

Most programs at the Learning Center offer several enrollment options, which

are listed with each course description. The campus includes 23 rooms in three

guest lodges, each with one twin bed and a set of twin bunk beds, and pricing

varies according to sleeping arrangements. Depending on availability, you may

choose one of the following:

T (TRIPLE OCCUPANCY) is the tuition for sharing a room with two other people.

This may require use of an upper bunk, accessible by an easy-to-climb ladder.

D (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) is the tuition for sharing a room with one other person.

S (SINGLE OCCUPANCY) is the tuition for a room for one person.

Shared occupancy is assigned on a gender-specifi c basis unless a particular

roommate(s) is requested at time of registration. Single occupancy is limited and

offered on a space-available basis. If you register for triple occupancy, please be

prepared to use the top bunk, even though you might not be required to. To learn

more about accommodations, visit www.ncascades.org/learning_center to see

photos of our Learning Center guest lodges and other facilities.

MEALS: All Learning Center programs include meals prepared by our chef,

Charles Claassen, and feature local and organic foods.

SCHOLARSHIPS: To make programs available to a wide audience, we have schol-

arship funds available for students, teachers, seniors over 60, environmental

educators, conservation professionals and low-income participants. Applications

are available online or by phone.

Academic credit and clock hours

Many seminars and retreats are offered for optional academic credit through

Western Washington University (WWU). The number of credits available is listed near

the title of each seminar, preceded by a “C.” North Cascades Institute is approved

by the Offi ce of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to grant teachers clock-

hour certifi cation. The number of clock-hours available appears with a clock sym-

bol near the title of each seminar. See page 35 for more registration details.

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Spring Flowers: Botany from Field to ForestSHELLEY WEISBERG

April 18–20 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18


As spring’s green wave surges inland, join a botanist skilled in teaching plant iden-

tifi cation and ecology from the tidal shores to mountain meadows of the Pacifi c

Northwest. Starting in the lower Skagit Valley amid vibrant tulip fi elds and a full com-

plement of blossoming plants, we’ll learn the basics of taxonomy and fundamental dif-

ferences between fl owering species. Studying native and some exotic plants common to

the western Cascades, you’ll gain the skills necessary to identify many specimens using

simple keys and fi eld guides. Lodging at the Learning Center for the weekend, we’ll

turn our attention to mountain woodlands whose trees have yet to mature for the sea-

son, leaving an understory of blooming wildfl owers such as fringe cup, youth-on-age

and Calypso orchids. Along the way, we’ll delve into such topics as species adaptations,

pollination and traditional human uses of native plants. Whether you’re a newcomer to

botany or a longtime enthusiast, this class will delight you. A springtime foray across

diverse terrain is the perfect way to start the season.

Trees: Drawing and Painting Forest LifeMOLLY HASHIMOTO

April 18–20, 2008 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18


Celebrating Earth Day weekend with a special focus on trees, Molly, one of our most

popular instructors, will lead you outdoors near the Learning Center campus to sketch a

kaleidoscope of forest life—lichen-dappled alders, vine maples with delicate new leaves,

lofty evergreens and a tapestry of twigs, cones, mosses and early fl owers like trillium

and wood violets. Back in the classroom, you’ll enrich your sketches with the painting

media of your choosing: watercolors, watercolor pencils, acrylic inks, acrylic paints

and more. During evening sessions, Molly will demonstrate how she uses acrylic paint

and egg tempera to create small panel paintings. By Sunday, you’ll venture home with

inspired ideas for artistic endeavors in any landscape, any time of year. All skill levels

are welcome; participants must provide their own supplies. Molly Hashimoto has taught

her craft at the Institute, North Seattle Community College, Sitka Center for Art and

Ecology and elsewhere for more than a decade. You can learn more about her work at

www.mollyhashimoto.com.

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Do you have a manual digital camera but have only

scratched the surface of its potential? Changes in technol-

ogy are allowing countless outdoor enthusiasts to capture

nature imagery, but it takes creativity and competence to

get the most out of beautiful scenery and a high-quality

camera. Give yourself a spring weekend in the Skagit

Valley with photographer Benj Drummond, who blends

patience and creative genius with computer expertise.

In a small workshop setting open to all skill levels, we’ll

address the fundamentals of outdoor photography, from

selecting equipment and subject matter to fi eld methods

in challenging weather and light. Using editing software

on the Learning Center’s iMacs, we’ll also cover digital-

specifi c processing techniques such as reading histograms

and working with RAW fi les. Evenings will include slide

shows to review the day’s work and offer friendly critiques.

A digital camera capable of manual operation is required,

SLR preferred.

Digital Outdoor Photography: Springtime in the Skagit ValleyBENJ DRUMMOND

April 18–20 (Fri-Sun) 18


At North Cascades Institute, we are constantly investigating the connec-

tions between learning and the environment, knowledge and place, direct

experience and deep ecology. These concepts form the foundation for our

work. All of our programs, from Family Getaways to art retreats, backpack-

ing trips to Sourdough Speakers, Field Excursions to the Graduate M.Ed.

Program, are an intermingling of education and exposure to nature. We are

motivated by the belief

that the more a person

knows about the land-

scape in which they live,

the more they will feel

connected to it and be

motivated to protect it.

We decided to fur-

ther explore the ways in

which nature and educa-

tion support each other.

In the pages of this

catalog, you’ll fi nd a variety of perspectives on the relationship between

learning and place. This investigation benefi ts from a series of interviews

with Institute instructors and naturalists produced by Benj Drummond

and Sara Joy Steele. They have generously allowed us to excerpt from their

project The Dipper’s Attitude , an ongoing collection that explores who

northwest naturalists are, how they attend to the natural world and why

that matters. (You can learn more about their latest project, Facing Climate

Change , on the back page of this catalog.)

What is the nature of education?

WE ARE MOTIVATED BY THE

BELIEF THAT THE MORE

A PERSON KNOWS ABOUT

THE LANDSCAPE IN WHICH

THEY LIVE, THE MORE THEY

WILL FEEL CONNECTED TO

IT AND BE MOTIVATED TO

PROTECT IT

are constantly investigating the connec-

vironment, knowledge and place, direct

he educatttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiion?

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Spring Birding Weekend: Avian Life in the Methow and Skagit ValleysJIM ALT, TIM MANNS, LIBBY MILLS, PAULA OGDEN-MUSE AND KENT

WOODRUFF

June 6–8 (Fri eve–Sun) 15

Learning Center T$195, D$290, S $485

Led by skilled birders and all-around naturalists, our second annual

Spring Birding Weekend will investigate fi elds, forests and meander-

ing streams in the Methow and Skagit valleys, strikingly different

habitats thanks to the rainshadow of the Pacifi c Crest. Head east near

Winthrops’s sage- and pine-studded hills and you might observe golden

eagles, Lewis’s woodpeckers or a Wilson’s phalarope stirring up insects

on a cattail pond. West, among the leafy woods, sloughs and pastures

of the Upper Skagit, all manner of songbirds, raptors and waterfowl

enter the scene. Each day, we’ll divide into instructor-led groups with

eyes and ears open to different opportunities. We’ll discuss the life

histories of birds, their adaptations and the challenges of migration. All

skill levels are welcome; plenty of binoculars, spotting scopes and fi eld

guides will be on hand.

Environmental Architecture: Green Building Design and OperationDAVID HALL AND RUSS WEISER OF THE HENRY KLEIN PARTNERSHIP

WITH KRISTOFER GILJE AND JEFF MUSE

May 2–4 (Fri eve-Sun) 1C/15


Learn to build with geography, culture and ecology in mind. Join the

Learning Center’s architects, director and facilities manager to examine

sustainable design techniques at our Earth-friendly campus and a green-

built home in the upper Skagit Valley. Certifi ed by the U.S. Green Building

Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program,

the Learning Center highlights a range of green practices, from effi cient heat-

ing and lighting, minimal waste and site restoration to construction with sal-

vaged, recycled and low-impact materials. Along with behind-the-scenes tours

and hands-on design activities, we’ll learn about LEED’s programs, which

provide helpful concepts and strategies for anyone interested in environmen-

tal architecture. Sunday, we’ll visit the Learning Center director’s “Pacifi c Rim

farmhouse” in Rockport, designed by David Hall with green materials and a

strong sense of place.

THE NORTH CASCADES

INSTITUTE NOT ONLY

SHOWED ME ANOTHER

SIDE OF THE WORLD

I HAVE NEVER SEEN

BEFORE, BUT LED ME

TO DISCOVER WHO I AM

AND WHAT I STAND FOR.

IT GOT ME THINKING

ABOUT WHAT I CAN DO

TO MAKE THIS WORLD

A BETTER PLACE. I

DECIDED IF I WANTED

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE,

I WOULD START BY

VOLUNTEERING IN MY

COMMUNITY. IT OPENED

MY EYES TO HOW LIFE

CAN BE JUST AS JOYFUL

WITHOUT IPODS OR THE

INTERNET.

~ALICE, NORTH CASCADES WILD

PARTICIPANT

THE NORTH CASCADES

INSTITUTE NOT ONLY

SHOWED ME ANOTHER

SIDE OF THE WORLD

I HAVE NEVER SEEN

RE, BUT LED ME

R WHO I AM

FOR

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Poetics of the WildTIM MCNULTY

June 26–29 (Thu eve–Sun) 1C/21

Learning Center/Methow Valley $225

Vanilla-scented ponderosa pines, a river stretched with snowmelt,

coyote tracks in the sand—spend a weekend in the Methow Valley with

distinguished Northwest poet Tim McNulty. As summer sweeps over

the high country, you’ll explore the connection between nature, wilder-

ness and poetic expression. From our campsite in the upper Methow,

we’ll combine fi eld observation with writing exercises that inspire cre-

ativity and a comfort with words. Along the way, we’ll dip into the long

tradition of poets who have been inspired by the natural world, from

Basho and Gary Snyder to John Haines, Jane Hirschfi eld and Mary

Oliver. We’ll gather at the Learning Center Thursday evening to enjoy

comfortable lodging and delicious meals. Friday morning, we’ll head

east over the Cascade Crest to settle in for two nights of camping with

meals and poems created by our own hands and minds. The intimate

atmosphere and long summer days across diverse terrain will bring out

the wordsmith in each of us.

Art Afi eld: Diablo Creative Arts RetreatJOCELYN CURRY, MOLLY HASHIMOTO AND LIBBY MILLS

June 23–26 (Mon-Thu) 2C/24


On the cusp of Cascadian summer, enjoy our fourth annu-

al retreat for aspiring and experienced artists. With grand

views at our doorstep, our campus offers ready access to

many inspiring vistas, from Thunder Creek’s deep green

woods to the pink granite spires of Washington Pass

to the tawny pine forests of the upper Methow. Upon

registration, you’ll choose one instructor and her area of

concentration for the duration of the retreat (group sizes

are limited; all skill levels welcome).

NATURE JOURNALING WITH JOCELYN CURRY:

Create a durable, one-of-a-kind journal to record

images and words with pencil, pen and ink, watercolor

and light collage. Jocelyn will also tutor in sketching

and painting methods useful for outdoor adventure

and general travel.

WATERCOLOR WITH MOLLY HASHIMOTO: Learn

the basics of watercolor painting, from choosing the

paper, brushes and paint that are right for you to “plein

air” techniques for trailside work. Emphasizing outdoor

practice, we’ll focus on the summertime landscape.

COLORED PENCIL FIELD DRAWING WITH LIBBY

MILLS: Helping you create vibrant drawings in a variety

of settings, Libby will teach the basics of color while

introducing techniques in blending, layering, burnish-

ing, impressed line and color removal.

During your free time, you can paddle in our canoe,

hike to a waterfall or simply soak up the scenery.

Known for its welcoming atmosphere, this retreat will

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Ross Lake by Boat and Boot: People and Places of the Upper SkagitGERRY COOK AND BOB MIERENDORF

July 17–20 (Thu eve–Sun) 1C/21

Learning Center/Ross Lake $225

Experience Ross Lake, a fjord-like jewel winding down the Skagit River some

25 miles from Canada into North Cascades National Park. With more than

60 years of National Park Service employment between them, Gerry Cook

and Bob Mierendorf share a treasure trove of local knowledge and intimacy

with the North Cascades. The generosity with which they hand down their

stories will make this a backcountry adventure you’ll never forget.

Friday morning, we’ll board the 30-foot Mule , an open-decked boat long

helmed by Captain Cook. Camping at Lightning Creek at the foot of sto-

ried Desolation Peak, we’ll share meals, campfi res and starry night skies

unmarred by city lights. We’ll spend our days exploring fern-draped canyons

and spirited waterfalls and take time for plant forays and a dip in the lake.

Sunday will include an eight-mile hike over gentle terrain to witness the

immense, centuries-old cedars along Big Beaver Creek.

At Water’s Edge: Landscape Watercolor WorkshopMOLLY HASHIMOTO

July 11–13 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18


“The Learning Center provides a landscape of aston-

ishing beauty,” says Molly Hashimoto, our popular

watercolor instructor. “On Diablo Lake where Pyramid

and Colonial peaks tower overhead, we wet the paper

and stroke in grays for the edgeless mists. The cloud

cover gives way to blue sky, and we note how the glacial

milky green of Diablo Lake breaks all the rules of water

in landscape and is unrelated to any color in the sky. For

that rare green hue, we mix opaque cerulean blue with

phthalo green.”

At the height of summer’s color, enjoy a leisurely week-

end with one of the Northwest’s most talented artists

and teachers. Learn to paint landscapes big and small,

from glacier-scraped peaks and forested ridges to the

lichen-spotted trunks of leaning alders. Each day, we’ll

examine one or more of these natural elements and

do careful studies of them. Techniques will include

working wet-into-wet, creating glazes and layering one

landscape zone onto another, paying special attention to

atmospheric perspective. Basic knowledge of watercolor

materials and drawing experience is helpful, though all

skill levels are welcome.

Molly Hashimoto has taught her craft at the Institute,

North Seattle Community College, Sitka Center for Art and

Ecology and elsewhere for more than a decade:

www.mollyhashimoto.com.

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Northwest Naturalists WeekendRALPH HAUGERUD, LIBBY MILLS, ADAM RUSSELL AND SAUL WEISBERG



Stretch your legs in the mountains while learning about

Northwest landscapes and history. Sign up for our

annual gathering led by talented, fun-loving naturalists

who enjoy rambling with people just like you. This year’s

instructors include Libby Mills, a longtime Institute

favorite who has taught about birds and Northwest land-

scapes for more than 30 years, Saul Weisberg, our execu-

tive director and co-founder, who has explored the North

Cascades on foot, by paddle and with a climbing rope

for more than 25 years and Ralph Haugerud, coauthor

of Geology of the North Cascades and a veteran researcher

with the U.S. Geological Survey whose maps tell fascinat-

ing stories about some of the most unique and complex

landforms in the world. And, as a special treat, our staff

naturalist Adam Russell will offer a daily option to paddle

on Diablo Lake in our 14-passenger canoe. We’ll gather

at the Learning Center Thursday night for a storytelling

event with participants in our annual Ross Lake sojourn.

Friday through Sunday, we’ll divide into instructor-led

groups to explore various topics in diverse terrain.

Possibilities might include birds and butterfl ies of the

Methow Valley, wildfl owers at Rainy Pass or the geologic

history of the Pacifi c Crest. Wherever we roam, you can

count on spirited camaraderie and plenty of mentor-

ship on the use of fi eld guides and equipment that will

deepen your experience outdoors. Evenings will include

fi reside tales after leisurely dinners featuring local and

organic fare from Skagit Valley farms.

Libby MillsWhen I’m teaching people about birds, at fi rst they can only watch

birds for an hour, then they can do it for a couple of hours and then they

can go days. I think you have to learn to be still. Beyond that, I think what

makes a better naturalist is curiosity. You just constantly want to know.

You know, it’s funny I am so focused on birds. My sister is an inter-tidal

naturalist focusing on jellyfi sh. We kind of divvy up the natural world. She

takes everything below high

tide and I take everything

above. I was always hiking in

the mountains while she was

going to the beach. But when

we were little, we were turn-

ing over rocks together at low

tide. My dad thought a day

wasn’t properly spent unless you’d at least had a walk outdoors.

Libby Mills is a wildlife biologist, artist and educator working in the

Skagit Valley. Join Libby for the Spring Birding Weekend June 6–8, Diablo

Creative Arts Retreat June 23–26 and Northwest Naturalists Weekend July

17–20 (see description to the left).

WHAT IS NATURAL

HISTORY? I DON’T HAVE

THAT ANSWER. IT’S

MORE LIKE SCIENCE OR

ART THAN ANYTHING

ELSE.

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Pacifi c Crest Backpack: Cascade Pass, Sahale Arm and Horseshoe BasinJEFF MUSE


Learning Center/Backcountry $225

Journey over Cascade Pass, an ancient trade route

where waters spill east to the Columbia Basin or west

to Puget Sound. Surrounded by icy peaks and fl ower-

fi lled meadows, we’ll hear tales of the people who

traveled this path before us, from Indian traders and

early Euro-American explorers to miners, road build-

ers and world-class mountain climbers. We’ll explore

the domain of glaciers on Sahale Arm, remnants of

the Black Warrior Mine in Horseshoe Basin and the

headwaters of two beautiful rivers, the Cascade and

Stehekin. Along with backpacking basics and Leave

No Trace principles, we’ll learn about the unruly

natural history of this remarkable landscape and

discuss wilderness preservation with National Park

Service rangers working along the trail. After lodging

at the Learning Center Thursday night, we’ll enjoy

two nights camping beneath starry alpine skies in the

heart of the North Cascades.

Participants should be prepared for a strenuous trip and

have backpacking experience and equipment. We’ll carry

full packs about 5 miles to and from our base camp

near 5,300-foot Cascade Pass. Saturday, we’ll lighten our

loads for a steep day hike to the base of Sahale Glacier at

7,700 feet. Whew!

Why be a naturalist? It has to do with living in a natural world. If you

dimly perceive that we live in an organic context, it affects the way you

perceive life, what you think about and what you think is important. For

me, there was this natural affi nity for the natural world; the mystery is that

everybody doesn’t have it, because we are of the earth, of the air and sun

and water. It’s poetic, but it’s simply, physically true. That is what we are

made of. You’d think everyone would feel that connection and it’s stunning

the degree to which our society has drifted away. Being a naturalist or an

ecologist is not so much a profession. It’s what we need to be as a culture.

Dana Visalli is a fi eld botanist specializing in rare plant species. As

director of the Methow Biodiversity Project, he publishes The Methow

Naturalist, a seasonal natural history journal . Join Dana for Balsamroot

and Bumblebees: Methow Valley Wildfl owers May 23–25; see pg. 28.

Dana VisalliHEY, THIS IS THE REAL WORLD. THIS IS

BEAUTIFUL, AN INFINITELY INTRICATE,

FANTASTIC FUN PHENOMENON!

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TENTH ANNUAL

THUNDER ARM

WRITING RETREATCLYDE FORD, BARBARA SJOHOLM AND ANA MARIA SPAGNA

July 30–August 3 (Wed eve–Sun) 2C/27


America is steeped in story. Centuries of fact and myth have shaped a literary tradition that

refl ects, above all, how people relate to the land. Celebrate our vibrant heritage of fertile farmland

and unbroken desert, rolling mountains and storm-lashed coasts at our 10th annual writing

retreat. You’ll learn from three accomplished writers with strong ties to the outdoors and decades

of teaching experience. Together, we’ll learn techniques for crisp, powerful writing about the

landscapes that sustain us, infl uence our communities and ground our culture.

The Thunder Arm Writing Retreat—so named for our location on Diablo Lake near the mouth

of Thunder Creek—takes place at our Learning Center in North Cascades National Park. Home

to hundreds of glaciers and wild river valleys, the national park has a distinct literary history of its

own. Our neighborhood includes Sourdough Mountain and Desolation Peak, where writers Gary

Snyder and Jack Kerouac served as fi re lookouts during the 1950s. From hardscrabble explorers

and trail-crew hands to Beat poets and park rangers, the North Cascades have inspired many to

put pen to paper.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or eager newcomer, please join us. No need to submit a

manuscript beforehand. We strive for a nourishing, professional yet noncompetitive atmosphere

in which student groups rotate through instructors each day, enjoying a combination of lecture,

discussion and writing activities.

Our chef, Charles Claassen, will prepare delicious, nourishing meals with local and organic

ingredients, and you’ll repair each night to comfortable accommodations in our lodges. You’ll

also have ample time to enjoy our trails or canoe on Diablo Lake, as well as quiet moments

to peruse our Wild Ginger Library, fi lled with more than a thousand titles. As a special treat,

Thursday night we’ll celebrate with a rousing campfi re to commemorate Cascadian literature,

including the 50th anniversary of Kerouac’s locally inspired The Dharma Bums.

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Beats On The Peaks: Lookout Poets and Backcountry Tales On Ross LakeGERRY COOK AND JEFF MUSE

July 31–August 3 (Thu eve–Sun) 1C/21

Learning Center/Ross Lake $225

Venture up Ross Lake and hike to the top of

Desolation Peak where the Beat writer penned

tales of his Cascadian adventure as a fi re lookout

in 1956. Led by a former lookout and a book-toting

naturalist, we’ll gather at the Learning Center

Thursday night to share lodging, meals and a liter-

ary event with participants in our annual writing

retreat. Friday, we’ll break away to Ross Lake to

board the 30-foot, open-decked Mule , the perfect

fl oating stage for backcountry storytelling and our

own adventurous scribbling. Camping two nights

at Lightning Creek, we’ll hike 12 miles round trip

up the fabled 6,000-foot mountain to meet the

lookout on duty and share readings by Gary Snyder

and other writers who spent time in these moun-

tains as wilderness rangers, trail crew laborers

and roundabout explorers. Don’t miss this annual

expedition of books and rucksacks, mighty sweats

and jaw-dropping views!

Participants should be prepared for strenuous hik-

ing up Desolation Peak (12 miles round trip with a

steep elevation gain). You must also provide your

own equipment and food for the camping portion of

this trip, and be able to carry personal gear one mile

down a steep trail to the boat dock Friday and back

up Sunday. Tuition includes boat transportation and

shuttle to and from the Ross Dam Trailhead.

For another Dharma Bums -inspired sojourn, check

out “High Country Rhapsody: Searching for Kerouac

in the North Cascades” on page 33!

DHARMA BUMS TURNS 50REDISCOVER KEROUAC’S CLASSIC BEAT-ERA NOVEL WITH A TRIP TO DESOLATION PEAK

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Living with Climate Change: Northwest Mountains, Rivers and Shorelines in the Years AheadJIM JOHANNESSEN AND JON RIEDEL

August 8–10 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18


How will global warming impact a landowner living along

a shoreline or the farmer who grows crops in a fl oodplain?

How will the changing Northwest climate impact the

salmon fi sherman, the high-country hiker, the city dweller

counting on hydropower to electrify her home or business?

What will our mountains, rivers and shorelines look like

in the years ahead? Get outdoors with people who know

the land—as it is, as it was, as it may become. In this

down-to-earth workshop, geologists Jon Riedel and Jim

Johannessen will help you understand the possible impacts

of climate change on Northwest landscapes and waterways,

and the measures we can take to mitigate such changes.

A longtime resident of the Upper Skagit Valley, Jon is a

geologist for the National Park Service working throughout

the region on glacier monitoring and managing geologic

hazards, fl oodplains and erosion control. Jim runs Coastal

Geologic Services in Bellingham, specializing in coastal

processes and restoration throughout Puget Sound and

the Northwest straits. Friday, we’ll stick close to campus for

an introduction to Northwest geology and climate history

and an intimate tour of the Skagit River gorge, which owes

much of its character to repeated Ice Ages. Saturday, we’ll

take a vigorous hike (eight miles roundtrip over moderately

steep terrain) near Washington Pass to examine glacial

formations and the distribution of forests and subalpine

plant life. Sunday, focusing on fl ooding and restoration

efforts, we’ll head downriver to visit sites along the Skagit

and Puget Sound shorelines.

Pacifi c Northwest Forest EcologyPHILIP HIGUERA AND SUSAN PRICHARD



Rising a vertical mile from valley bottoms to alpine ridges, the North

Cascades harbor some of the most diverse coniferous forests in the

world. A single hike can reveal more than 14 evergreen species! Join

forest ecologists Philip Higuera and Susan Prichard to learn how cli-

mate, elevation and geology interact to create the ecological patterns

we see in our local woodlands. Exploring forest history over thousands

of years, we’ll learn about the tools these ecologists use to understand

forests, and how tree-ring and lake-sediment records help reconstruct

the paleoecology of a region. With the Learning Center as our base, be

prepared for daylong hikes in elevations ranging from 1,000 to 7,000

feet. This class is best suited for those in strong physical condition;

we’ll hike both on and off trail, carrying science equipment and

personal gear.

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Easton Glacier in 1978 Easton Glacier in 1992

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Introduction to Oil Pastels with Susan BennerstromSUSAN BENNERSTROM

September 5–7 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18


Capture the mountains in their many moods—daybreak, sunset, the shifting

seasons—with the sweeping hues and textures of oil pastels. Join award-

winning artist Susan Bennerstrom to practice painting scenes and objects

with this versatile and forgiving medium. Under her patient and attentive

tutelage, we’ll learn basic strokes and how to mix color on paper while layer-

ing and working with values. Through a series of compositions, you will

draw out the richness and translucency of oil pastels, creating the illusion of

light for which this medium is celebrated. The atmosphere in class will be

both fast-moving and relaxed, and all skill levels are welcome.

Susan Bennerstrom is a full-time artist whose work has been featured

in solo shows in Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Santa Fe, San

Francisco and Ireland. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including

two Ballinglen Arts Foundation fellowships, a Pollock-Krasner Foundation

grant and two Artist Trust GAP grants.

Dragonfl ies: Across the CascadesDENNIS PAULSON



Green Darner, Pacifi c Forktail, Western Meadowhawk—colorful insect

names as diverse as the habitats they call home. Washington State har-

bors 76 species of dragonfl ies and damselfl ies, from the order Odonata

meaning “toothed jaw.” Join Dennis Paulson, the Northwest’s foremost

authority on odonates, to investigate landscapes and waterways across

the North Cascades from the Skagit to Methow valleys. With nets at the

ready, we’ll search sloughs and fi elds along the Skagit River, wildfl ower

meadows near Washington Pass and hidden wetlands and cattail ponds

among the pine forests and sagelands near Winthrop. We’ll document

our fi ndings, bring specimens back to the lab for inspection under

microscopes and help establish a permanent teaching collection for

the Learning Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore alongside

one of the most experienced and knowledgeable biologists in the

Northwest.

SINCE THE BEGINNING,

THE INSTITUTE’S

EARLY FOUNDERS FELT

THE FUNDAMENTAL

SOURCE OF MANY

OF OUR MODERN

ENVIRONMENTAL

PROBLEMS WAS THAT

PEOPLE WERE LOSING

THEIR CONNECTION

TO THE NATURAL

WORLD. WE BELIEVED,

AND STILL BELIEVE,

THAT WITHOUT THE

INSPIRATION AND

WISDOM GAINED

FROM DIRECT

EXPERIENCE IN THE

NATURAL WORLD,

NO REAL ANSWERS

WILL BE FOUND IN

THE QUEST FOR A

SUSTAINABLE WAY

OF LIFE.

~TRACIE JOHANNESSEN,

INSTITUTE EDUCATION

DIRECTOR

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First Person Stories: A Writing WorkshopNICK O’CONNELL



Fact or fi ction, the most authentic and compelling stories are often those

told in fi rst-person, with the self as narrator. These include some of our

fi nest contemporary “nature writing,” from Barry Lopez to Terry Tempest

Williams to Rick Bass. But it can be tricky to craft an effective point of view

and a persona that resonates with readers. Let the talented Nick O’Connell

give you a hand. A longtime writer, editor and teacher, Nick founded the

University of Washington’s Narrative Nonfi ction program in 1993 and

now directs the Writers Workshop in Seattle, which helps newcomers and

veterans alike with memoir, travel, nature and other writing. Emphasizing

the fi rst-person perspective throughout the weekend, we’ll address many

techniques that make for good stories, from description and metaphor to

dramatic scene and narrative structure. Thanks to Nick’s professional men-

torship and time for independent practice, you’ll head home Sunday with

plenty of ideas and inspiration.

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Ravens, Crows and Jays: Corvid Ecology and Tales of Our Avian ShadowsJOHN MARZLUFF



From ravens and crows to jays and magpies, the

Corvidae family is a brainy bunch. Known collectively

as “corvids,” this clever clan of birds includes more than

120 species. Based on brain-to-body ratio, their brains

are only slightly smaller than ours, which might account

for their storied ingenuity, social complexity and adap-

tive success from wildlands to city streets. Study these

fascinating birds with University of Washington wildlife

professor John Marzluff, whose humor and expertise

delighted participants during last year’s Spring Birding

Weekend. This year, we’ll pursue corvids with John from

the Skagit to Methow valleys, including Washington

Pass where the industrious Clark’s nutcracker caches—

and sometimes forgets—whitebark pine seeds that

sustain a thin stand along the Pacifi c Crest. Drawing

from his award-winning book with Tony Angell, In the

Company of Crows and Ravens, John will share tales from

across the globe and thoughts on “cultural coevolution,”

the notion that corvids and humans have long infl u-

enced each other’s lives.

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Wildlife Tracking: Bears, Cougars and Cascadian MammalsDAVE MOSKOWITZ

September 19–21 (Fri-Sun) 18


Watching wildlife comes easy in many landscapes, but the Northwest is a

different creature. Just like our mountain views, you often have to work to

see an animal in the Cascade woodlands, especially reclusive mammals such

as bears, cougars, coyotes and bobcats. Learning to track wildlife can help.

Such skills hone your senses and help you identify the ever-present but often

hidden thread of animal life woven throughout our wildlands and even our

towns and backyards. Join Dave Moskowitz, a longtime tracker and teacher

at the Wilderness Awareness School, to study tracking fundamentals such

as trailing, timing and identifying diverse signs including prints, scat, tree

scrapes and food caches. We’ll spend long days in subalpine, montane and

riverside habitats while learning about many animals and the complex eco-

systems they support. Because we’ll search for bears, cougars and other large

mammals, we’ll address safety precautions in the event of an encounter.

Nature Photography Retreat: High Country in AutumnPAUL BANNICK, BRETT BAUNTON AND BENJ DRUMMOND

September 19–21 (Fri-Sun) 18


From crimson huckleberry meadows laced with golden

larches to a smiling loved one hiking down a snow-dusted

trail, capture the North Cascades as autumn takes hold.

With three expert photographers as your guides, we’ll

turn our lenses to all the season has to offer—landscapes,

wildlife and people at play or work in the out of doors.

Rising early and staying out late, we’ll spend long days

in the fi eld, from Thunder Creek to Washington Pass to

Diablo Lake, striving to create vibrant, lasting images.

Departing each day from the Learning Center, you’ll learn

the basics of nature photography such as selecting equip-

ment, subject matter and methods for composition and

exposure compensation. We’ll also cover digital-specifi c

techniques such as reading histograms and working with

RAW fi les. Evenings will include slideshows to review

the day’s work and offer friendly critiques. Depending on

the weather and group interest, we may venture to lower

elevations in the Skagit and Methow valleys to photo-

graph landscapes both wild and pastoral. A digital camera

capable of manual operation is required, SLR preferred.

This is a retreat you’ll never forget, thanks to the beauti-

ful images you’ll take home and the inspiration you’ll

feel to continue your practice. To see the photographic

work of last year’s participants, visit www.ncascades.

org/multimedia. To view Paul Bannick’s work, visit

www.paulbannick.com. Brett Baunton’s photos are at

www.brettbaunton.com. Benj Drummond’s art can be

sampled at www.bendrum.com.

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Sit, Walk, Write: Nature and the Practice of PresenceKURT HOELTING AND HOLLEY HUGHES

October 24–26 (Fri eve–Sun) 15


Poet and Zen meditator Jane Hirshfi eld believes writing a

poem is an act of attentiveness. Through the experience,

we learn to see more clearly with our full range of feelings

and perceptions. The attentiveness that writing encourages

is similar to the deep presence sought through meditation.

Both rely on careful observation. Both move us deeply

into the mind as well as the natural world. Experience a

nourishing weekend with Zen meditation teacher Kurt

Hoelting and writer Holley Hughes. We’ll combine medita-

tion practice—both moving and still—with time to write

and ponder the works of several refl ective authors. We’ll

start each day with sitting meditation and Qi gong move-

ment, share poems and short nature essays, then put our

own thoughts into words following freewriting practices

pioneered by Natalie Goldberg. Outdoors, we’ll enjoy

hiking, meditation and gentle observations with Institute

naturalists as a way to deepen our connection with the

natural world. After healthy, organic dinners, our days will

end with discussion and silent refl ection. No meditation or

writing experience is necessary.

Robert Michael PyleAt one time, it was an ordinary expectation of elementary education that

you would know something about natural history, so what happened?

After World War I, and during the buildup to World War II, there was a

stronger imperative toward the technological, primarily for the purpose

of warfare and international competition. Natural history really began its

decline in the universities. When Sputnik I was launched, so were all of

the advanced math programs in schools. Universities wanted hotshot sci-

entists who were doing molecular and biochemical work. Natural history

was considered passé, hokey, unsophisticated and anecdotal. They were

trying to make the science better, but they were throwing out the people

who were the backbone of knowledge for the outdoor world.

I think natural history as a part of academia has to some extent

redeemed itself. There are a lot of closet naturalists in the universities—

people who were able to have a foot in both camps. But what isn’t getting

done? One big hole is disseminating natural history, at both the artistic and

factual level, throughout the culture. And that is woefully important. I really

do think that the root of not only the ecological crisis, but also many world

ills, lies in our almost willful profound ignorance of the natural world.

Robert Michael Pyle is a naturalist and author of many books includ-

ing 2007’s Sky Time in Gray’s River . A longtime Institute instructor, Pyle is

embarking on the fi rst-ever Butterfl y Big Year, in which he’ll identify as many

of the 800 species in North America as possible in one calendar year.

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Colors and Calls: Birding Bellingham by Eye and EarCLARK BLAKE AND DAVE ENGEBRETSON

May 3–4 (Sat-Sun) 12

Bellingham area $165

As spring comes to Western Washington, feathered migrants will be arriv-

ing on the crest of a wave of warmer weather and longer days. Our location

along the Pacifi c coast fl yway gives us a roadside view of the parade fl owing

through on the atmospheric highway. Lifelong naturalists Clark Blake and

Dave Engebreteson have been a birding duo for years, prowling around

Whatcom County and beyond to seek out the magnifi cent array of bird life

found just a short distance from their doorsteps. Dave, who has been legally

blind for more than 20 years, is a geology professor at WWU who has devel-

oped a unique course based on tuning in to and explaining the sounds the

earth makes. Together with Clark, they’ll teach techniques they’ve developed

for getting the most from our senses when birding. Traveling as a group,

we’ll tune in to the rich display of song and plumage when mating season

is in full swing. Saturday, we’ll explore local shorelines and then head for

the hills Sunday to search for the forest- and mountain-dwelling bird life of

higher ground.

FIELD

EXCURSIONSGET OUTSIDE AND EXPERIENCE

YOUR WILD BACKYARD

Welcome to

North Cascades Institute’s

new series of Field Excursions!

Over the next several pages, you’ll

fi nd a wealth of opportunities

designed to get you outside in

locations throughout Washington:

Seattle, the Methow Valley,

Columbia Gorge, Bellingham, the

Skagit Valley, Deception Pass and

beyond. Our trips are led by skilled

and engaging instructors who are

leaders in their respective fi elds.

Whether you sign up for a half-day

walking tour of Whatcom Creek,

an overnight in the San Juan

Islands or a multi-day backpack-

ing trip in the North Cascades,

you’ll challenge your thinking

and expand your appreciation for

the natural and cultural history of

these special places.

more information and slideshow tour at

www.ncascades.org/seminars

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Field Excursions Registration InfoFirst-timer 20 percent discount

If you’ve never attended an Institute program with us, you may be eligible

for a 20 percent discount! See page 35 for complete details.

Pricing

Prices listed next to Field Excursions are per person.

Accommodations

Participants are responsible for providing their own overnight accom-

modations. Exceptions include the Mother’s Day San Juan Islands Cruise,

Women’s Fly-Fishing Escape and Wind River Canopy Crane excursion.

Meals

Participants provide their own meals for Field Excursions unless otherwise

noted in the program description.

Scholarships

To make programs available to a wide audience, we have scholarship

funds available. Preference is given to students, teachers, seniors over 60,

environmental educators, conservation professionals and low-income partici-

pants. Applications are available online or by phone.

Academic credit and clock hours

Many Institute classes are offered for optional academic credit through

Western Washington University. The number of credits available is listed near

the title of each seminar, preceded by a “C.” WWU will bill you $48/credit.

“CP” denotes credits pending approval.

North Cascades Institute is approved by the Offi ce of the Superintendent

of Public Instruction to grant teachers clock-hour certifi cation. The number

of clock-hours available appears with a clock symbol near the title of each

seminar. The fee is $3.50/clock hour, payable to the Institute. See page 35 for

more registration details.

Mother’s Day San Juan Islands CruiseJENNIFER HAHN

May 10–11 (Sat-Sun) 12

Snow Goose $495

Celebrate spring—and Mother’s Day—with an exclusive

overnight cruise aboard the Snow Goose, a luxurious

65-foot trawler, accompanied by acclaimed writer and

marine naturalist Jennifer Hahn. Disembarking from

Bellingham, you’ll explore the nooks, crannies and hidden

bays of the enchanting San Juan Islands, including excel-

lent low-tide exploration opportunities with a minus-1.3

low tide. Jennifer, a gifted and ebullient naturalist, will

introduce you to the tides, bird life, edible seaweed and

native stories of the Salish Sea. She is intimately familiar

with the San Juan Islands and the Inside Passage, and

she’ll be sharing stories of her solo kayak journey from

Ketchikan, Alaska to these home waters, an epic trip

chronicled in her award-winning book Spirited Waters.

Together, we’ll head toward Orcas Island and dock in West

Sound where, on Sunday morning we’ll be welcomed

by Christina Orchid, celebrated chef, cookbook author

and authority on sustainable cuisine. After a short stroll

to her Green Dolphin farm, surrounded by orchards of

apples and pears and her mother’s bountiful heritage

garden, she’ll prepare a private brunch for our group in

her vintage barn overlooking Puget Sound. As a bonus, all

mothers on board will receive a special gift, compliments

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Balsamroot and Bumblebees: Methow Valley Wildfl owersDANA VISALLI

May 23–25 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18

Methow Valley $195

Treat yourself to a weekend immersion into the bloom of the spring

wildfl ower season on the North Cascades’ eastslope with Dana

Visalli, longtime Methow resident and founding editor of The Methow

Naturalist . After a Friday-evening orientation on the biology and psy-

chology of wildfl owers, we’ll take to the fi eld to spend the weekend in

their fl orid company, learning to identify what we encounter, practicing

basic keying techniques, examining pollination strategies and simply

reveling in their beauty. This excursion will visit several different

sites—from the banks of the Methow River to high grasslands and

Ponderosa forests—to discover the variety of blossoms inhabiting their

ecological niches. Participants are welcome to camp along the river on

Dana’s property, enjoying camaraderie around the campfi re, or make

arrangements in nearby Twisp or Winthrop.

Bunchgrass Dreams: High Desert EcologyMARK DARRACH

May 17–18 (Sat-Sun) 1C/12

Arid Lands Ecology Reserve $175

The broad and rolling hills of Eastern Washington’s fawn-colored shrub-

steppe hold a stunning variety of textures and depth of hues when light falls

across the land. Join us for a weekend at the Arid Land Ecology Reserve,

located within the Hanford Nuclear Reservation near the Tri-Cities in Eastern

Washington, to experience the largest remnant of native sagebrush-steppe

habitat in the state. Traveling with Mark Darrach, a botanist and geologist

with many years of intimate fi eld experience in this landscape, we’ll explore

the reserve on foot—a rare opportunity that requires special permitting and a

qualifi ed guide. An unspoiled refuge for an indigenous landscape disappear-

ing throughout the intermountain West, the ALE is home to an entire com-

munity of diverse and unique plants, reptiles, birds and mammals. Discover

the singular beauty of this unheralded region that appears much the same as

it did when Lewis and Clark fi rst passed through in 1805, and appreciate the

intricate details hidden to the passing eye.

OVER MANY YEARS

AND A MULTITUDE

OF INTERACTIONS

IN THE NATURAL

WORLD, BE THEY IN

MY GARDEN OR DEEP

IN THE WILDERNESS,

I HAVE GAINED A

SENSE OF TIME

THAT HELPS ME BE

HOPEFUL, HUMBLER

AND PATIENT.

THE MORE I’VE

LEARNED, THE MORE

I KNOW THERE IS

TO LEARN, WHICH IS

HUMBLING.

~JOHN MILES, WWU

PROFESSOR AND GRAD

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

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Wild Whatcom: The Nature of BellinghamINSTITUTE NATURALISTS

June 1, June 8 and June 15 (Sundays) 9am–1pm

Bellingham Marine Life Center $50

Nestled between Puget Sound and Mt. Baker,

Bellingham’s charm is defi ned by its geography. Easy

access to urban green spaces, wildlife and shorelines are

often touted as what makes Bellingham, named one of the

“Best Outside Towns” by Outside Magazine , a great place

to live. But how much do you really know about the rich

natural and cultural history of the area? Join the Institute

for an illuminating stroll through the city with a person-

able fi eld naturalist, visiting with local experts and histori-

ans along the way. Our excursion begins and ends on the

banks of Whatcom Creek, the resurgent pulse that courses

through Bellingham’s past, present and future. Together,

we’ll unbraid the many stories the creek keeps and learn

about its major characters: fi sh, humans, hatcheries, birds,

urban living, art, commerce, fi re and restoration. Salmon

running under sidewalks, falcons hunting overhead, sand-

stone supporting downtown buildings—the very streets

will come alive when you begin to look at them with a

naturalist’s eye!

These half-day fi eld excursions are specially priced—bring your

out-of-town guests for a great, down-to-earth introduction to

the Fourth Corner!

Tim McNultyShortly after I came here to live, I met a young man at Shi Shi Beach

(on the Olympic Peninsula) who had just built a small cabin. It was in a

little inaccessible cove on an 80-foot cliff, built out of a single cedar log. I

was totally enamored by Henry David Thoreau and the Chinese mountain

poets, the hermit poets, and it was like meeting one. That winter he

knocked on my door. Something had come up. He asked if I would be will-

ing to take over the cabin. I didn’t have to think two seconds.

So I spent most of that next year out there, and that gave me a sense

of really bonding with the place. As a naturalist, I was learning so much,

and I also had a lot of time alone to work on my writing. Looking back, I

think that was a pretty critical year for me, for really rooting myself here.

It was almost like being an apprentice to this ecosystem. Later that year, I

got involved in the conservation movement that led to an act of Congress

being passed that added Shi Shi and the eastern shore of Lake Ozette

to the park. That legislation was kind of my introduction and baptism to

wilderness and environmental politics.

Tim McNulty is a poet, conservationist, fi re lookout and nature writer

who lives with his family in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains. He

is the author of several books of poetry and natural history. Join Tim for

Poetics of the Wild June 26–28; see pg. 15.

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Home Ground: Gardening with Native PlantsSHELLEY WEISBERG

June 28 (Sat) 6

Bellingham $95

By looking around at the innovative ways local gardeners are designing,

developing and tending gardens here in the Northwest, we can learn a lot

about how to integrate a love of gardening with a passion for a healthy

environment. What are the best bioregional gardening practices for the

Pacifi c Northwest? How can landscaping be drought-resistant? When caring

for your garden, in what ways can working with nature actually make life

easier? What are “good” bugs, how can you invite them into your garden and

why would you want to? What is a backyard wildlife habitat? What plants

encourage visits from butterfl ies and hummingbirds? What is a rain gar-

den? Spend the day with Shelley Weisberg, native plant botanist and profes-

sional garden designer, exploring a diverse group of gardens in and around

Bellingham on a private tour designed especially for this fi eld excursion.

Together, we’ll search out the answers to these questions and, in the process,

you’ll gain new inspiration for your own garden.

Nature’s Pages: Bookmaking and Nature JournalingMARIA CORYELL-MARTIN

June 20–22 (Fri-Sun) 18

La Conner $225

Rocky shorelines, high bluffs and old-growth forests provide the inspiration

for book-making, fi eld sketching and journaling on this weekend excursion

to Deception Pass State Park. Join expeditionary artist Maria Coryell-Martin

to create your own one-of-a-kind fi eld journal using simple bookbinding tech-

niques. With our homemade books in hand, we’ll venture onto Puget Sound

beaches and forest trails to explore and document the region with pencil,

ink and watercolor media. Maria, who has painted the world from Africa

to Greenland to the North Cascades, will cover the basic techniques of fi eld

sketching and share her hard-won tricks for successfully working in the open

air. Studio sessions will be based out of La Conner, the picturesque port town

famous for inspiring generations of artists and writers. To help deepen our

perceptions, the group will travel with a skilled naturalist to learn the natural

and cultural history of the areas we visit. Lodging is not included in the price;

the Institute can recommend many options in La Conner.

ALL PEOPLE NEED

THE OPPORTUNITY

TO CONNECT THE

WATER IN THEIR

WATER BOTTLES, THE

MEAT IN THEIR BIG

MACS, THE MILK IN

THEIR FRIDGE AND

THE EMPTINESS IN

THEIR HEARTS TO

THE MANIPULATION

OF THE WILDERNESS.

WE ALL KNOW OF

THE SLOW CHANGES

THAT ARE AFFECTING

OUR NATURAL

WORLD BUT NORTH

CASCADES INSTITUTE

WOKE ME UP AND

TURNED THE WHEELS

OF AWARENESS,

APPRECIATION AND

RESPONSIBILITY IN

MY BRAIN.

~SARAH, GIRLS ON ICE

PARTICIPANT

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Seattle’s Wild Side: Natural History in the StreetsDAVID WILLIAMS

June 29 (Sun) 6

Seattle $95

From downtown to down by the Sound, explore Seattle’s wild side with a fi eld

excursion led by David Williams, author of The Street-Smart Naturalist: Field

Notes from Seattle. With humor, enthusiasm and sharp observation skills, he’ll

open our eyes to the natural wonders of the urban environment and reveal

secrets previously hidden beneath the hustle and bustle of the Emerald City.

The day will begin along the Duwamish River, where we’ll read the record

of Seattle’s scariest earthquake zone. We’ll then proceed to Pioneer Square

to start a 2-mile-long transect to investigate 330-million-year-old fossils, learn

why glaciers are bad for automobile clutches, see where mammoths once

roamed and explore the ecology of the new Olympic Sculpture Park, includ-

ing the fascinating Neukom Vivarium nurse log exhibit. David will conclude

our day gathered beneath the Magnolia Bluff, the perfect spot for seeing

coastal geological processes as well as for remembering that nature bats last!

Think globally, learn locally: discover Seattle’s wild side!

Roots and Shoots: Skagit Valley Farm TourCHARLES CLAASSEN AND INSTITUTE STAFF

July 13 (Sun) 6

Skagit Flats $95

An interest in “farm-to-table” cooking and eating is on the

rise—we’re all hungry for fresher, healthier food and want

to know more about who grows it and where. This farm-

land excursion will introduce you personally to the Skagit

Valley’s leading small farmers and provide a behind-the-

scenes look at the practices that sustain their operations.

Our day will start in the gardens of Larkspur Farm where

we’ll gather for coffee and Chef Charles’ morning pastry.

We’ll continue on to Frog’s Song Farm where Nate O’Neil

is successfully growing a bounty of lush vegetables using

remarkably little water. Our day will also include a tour

of Hedlin Farms, a 100-year-old family farm, and an

introduction to Taylor Shellfi sh nestled on the shores of

Samish Bay. We’ll stop for lunch at the vintage Rexville

Grocery and enjoy a menu of fresh foods harvested from

the farms we visited. Don’t worry: we’ll be tasting samples

along the way, too! As our Skagit excursion winds down,

we’ll drop by the Breadfarm, an artisan bakery in the his-

toric market town of Edison, and pop into Slough Foods

next door for a tasting of local wine, cheese and chocolate.

Your guide for the day will be Chef Charles Claassen, head

of the Learning Center’s excellent culinary program and

coordinator of the Institute’s “FoodShed” program of local

and organic foods.

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Volcanic Geology of Mt. Baker’s Ptarmigan RidgeDAVE TUCKER AND LEE WHITFORD

August 3 (Sat) 6

Ptarmigan Ridge $95

Experience time travel by foot on the Ptarmigan Ridge

trail in Mt. Baker’s radiant late-summer high country. Our

fi eld excursion will travel over a distinct record of one mil-

lion years of volcanism as we traverse across the top of the

1.15-million-year-old Kulshan caldera, a crater that erupted

cataclysmically through the thick continental ice sheet

before the mountain built itself from stacks of lava. As we

hike past lava domes that erupted shortly after the caldera

collapse, we’ll also lay hands on columnar andesite that

predates Mt. Baker, discuss the origin of Table Mountain

and examine layers of volcanic ash preserved in the soil.

Dave is a leading geological expert on the Mt. Baker

region, and Institute staff naturalist Lee will be along for

the journey to share her knowledge of the natural and

cultural history of the area. Together, they’ll interpret the

story of this landscape as evidenced in its rocks and ash.

The hike may be as long as 10 miles round trip, though

elevation gain is less than 600 gradual feet.

After the Fire: Alpine Ecology and Wildfl owersSHELLEY WEISBERG

July 18–20 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18

Hart’s Pass $195

The land above treeline presents a challenging habitat: a short growing sea-

son, heavy snows, arid summers, harsh winds and dramatic fl uctuations in

temperature. Plants found in this fragile ecosystem have developed unique

strategies for survival, but how do they adapt when a fi re passes through?

Hart’s Pass, classic North Cascadian high country surrounded by spectacu-

lar peaks and fragrant alpine meadows, was altered when wildfi re swept

through in 2004, creating a mosaic of burned and unburned areas. Serving

as a powerful example that landscapes are never static, the region presents

an excellent outdoor classroom for examination of post-fi re restoration. Join

skilled fi eld botanist Shelley Weisberg for a weekend in the mountains and

investigate the effects of fi re on alpine habitats and wildfl ower recolonization

strategies. We’ll make short forays into this area, exploring a range of plant

habitats on foot and by car, including areas untouched by the fi re. For those

who would like to camp, sites are available at Meadows Campground; other

participants may wish to arrange lodging in nearby Mazama.

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Wildfl ower Photography in the Alpine LandscapeMARK TURNER

August 9–10 (Sat eve–Sun) 6

Chain Lakes Trail $95

Join photographer Mark Turner for a day of learning and practicing tech-

niques for photographing alpine wildfl owers. We’ll start above treeline at

Artist’s Point, hiking along the talus slope of Table Mountain before descend-

ing to Galena Chain Lakes. This fi eld excursion will emphasize discovering

new ways to see the fl owers, techniques for creative composition, separating

subjects from distracting backgrounds and controlling natural light—all

techniques Mark used to produce Wildfl owers of the Pacifi c Northwest , his

award-winning fi eld guide. Other topics of the day will include ethical fi eld

practices, understanding technical descriptions to help create scientifi cally

relevant images and learning how to see nature’s stories in order to create

richer images. Saturday evening, Mark will share a slideshow of his wild-

fl ower photographs in Bellingham, illustrating ideas and techniques that we’ll

put into practice in the fi eld the next day. Participants should be familiar with

operating their camera, whether it is digital or fi lm, and bring a tripod and an

assortment of lenses. Participants are responsible for lodging in Bellingham.

From his fi re lookout-cum-hermitage perched on top

of remote Desolation Peak, Jack Kerouac unleashed his

barbaric yawp and felt it reverberate back to him from the

dark walls of Hozomeen. As the fearsome echo washed

over him, he must’ve wondered, “When in these moun-

tains, what’s the difference between a rapturous poet

and a raving lunatic?” Fifty years after the publication of

The Dharma Bums , the cult classic novel that chronicles

Kerouac’s summer in the North Cascades, the question

still rings out over the peaks. Join Institute naturalist and

alpine guide Megan McGinty for six glorious days in the

backcountry celebrating the natural and cultural history of

one of Washington State’s crown jewels: North Cascades

National Park. Beginning at the mouth of the wild and

rarely visited Little Beaver Valley on the west side of Ross

Lake, we’ll ascend to awe-inspiring Whatcom Pass, a

5,200-foot Elysium regarded by many climbers, rangers

and tramps as one of the most stunning locations in the

park. Camping together and sharing meals, we’ll explore

alpine meadows, ancient forests and night skies laden

with stars, all the while paying homage to The Dharma

Bums and the daring literary experiments these moun-

tains have inspired from backcountry beat poets past and

present, including Gary Snyder, Phillip Whalen, Kenneth

Rexroth and Tim McNulty.

Tuition includes boat transportation to and from Little

Beaver campsite on Ross Lake. Participants must be in

good physical condition, have previous backpacking expe-

rience and provide their own food and equipment. Details

on page 35.

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High Country Rhapsody: Searching for Kerouac in the North CascadesMEGAN MCGINTY

August 14–19 (Thurs-Tues) 2C/24

North Cascades National Park $295

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Treetop Forest Ecology with Wind River Canopy Crane KEN BIBLE AND CINDY UPDEGRAVE

September 7–8 (Sun-Mon) 1C/12

Wind River Research Forest $250

Join the Institute for a fi eld excursion to the Columbia

River Gorge area and explore temperate forest ecology

from the ground up, starting from the roots in the soil to

the airy crown. Under the leadership of Ken Bible, scien-

tist and site director, we’ll take to the Wind River Canopy

Crane for an exclusive lift high into the sky, observing the

old-growth canopy from the perspective of a soaring raven.

The architecture and personality of the forest look very

different indeed from 285 feet above the earth! Short day

hikes into the surrounding forests will allow us to com-

pare natural forests with intensely managed ones by look-

ing at physiography, structure and function, biogeography

and history. Cynthia Updegrave, protégé of Estella Leopold

with training in botany, ecology and environmental his-

tory, will teach us techniques for reading the interwoven

story of the landscape. Together, we’ll discover why the

trees in the area are so big, how old-growth forests might

react to global warming and why lowly fungi are critical

to the survival of Doug Fir giants. Featured in National

Geographic and Audubon magazines, the Wind River

Canopy Crane has the most extensive research program of

any crane operating in the world today and is the world’s

second tallest—now is your chance to take advantage

of this rare opportunity to get to know the forest from a

new perspective. We’ll stay at the site’s bunkhouses near

Carson and prepare our own meals.

Everywhere I go, I call. If there’s a barred owl in here it’ll answer.

Owls are cool because they open up peoples’ imaginations. By the time

my daughter Emma was four, she knew three owl vocalizations. Just like

I don’t draw that line between classroom and outside, I hesitate to say

you have to have a pure experience in wilderness as opposed to any other

place. Our yard is a very interac-

tive space and that’s an impor-

tant learning ground. For Emma,

everything is a discovery.

I’d love to be outside more.

I lived that life for a little while,

doing plant research and birds on

the side, but to do it in isolation was never enough. I always wanted to bring

it back to that value you can teach about. My environmentalism is all based

on educational endpoints. I’ve never needed to be outside to be a good

educator. Good education happens everywhere.

Don Burgess, an accomplished fi eld biologist and Institute instructor,

is on the faculty at Western Washington University in the Science, Math,

Engineering and Technology Education Department.

FOR ME, IT WAS THE

IDENTIFICATION OF

A PASSION THAT WAS

IMPORTANT, NOT THE

SINGULARITY OF BIRDS.

Don BurgessDo

Th

different

hikes in

pare n

ing at

and

nmenta

be outside to be a go

gist and Institute instructor,

versity in the Science, Math,

artment.

n BDon

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Women’s Fly-Fishing EscapePAT BOLTON

September 20–21 (Sat-Sun) 1CP/12CH

Cady Lake Manor $350

Baffl ed by fl ies? Tangled up over the idea of knots? Treat yourself to

a weekend of relaxation at Cady Lake Manor on the Kitsap Peninsula

while learning to fl y-fi sh in an atmosphere of encouragement, support

and camaraderie. Over the weekend, we’ll come to appreciate the con-

templative craft of fl y-fi shing while exploring a private 15-acre lake that

is stewarded for fl y-fi shing. Pat Bolton, an expert guide who has fl y-

fi shed for more than 30 years, will cover basic skills including choosing

the right equipment, reading water, selecting appropriate fl ies, tying

knots and landing fi sh. Last but not least, we’ll dedicate plenty of time

to practice the subtle art of casting. In the evening, we’ll relax, listen to

presentations and enjoy one another’s company. Breakfast is provided

both days and dinner is provided Saturday. More info about our special

accommodations at www.cadylake.com/manor.

Registration and Tuition

Register online at ncascades.org or by

phone at (360) 856-5700 ext. 209. Mail-in

registration forms are available online.

Online registration is not available for Family

Getaways. Tuition is on a per-person basis

and includes a non-refundable registration

fee (see Cancellations below). No discounts

for alternative lodging. Attendance is for paid

registrants only.

20% fi rst-timer discount

Our fi rst-timer discount applies to new par-

ticipants in adult programs that cost $100 or

more per person. Offer does not apply to Family

Getaways and may not be combined with other

discounts or scholarships. Maximum discount

is $75. If registering for multiple programs, dis-

count will be applied to most expensive course.

Standard cancellation policy applies.

Cancellations

If a registration is cancelled 21 days or

more before a program starts, we will refund

the tuition minus a registration fee. Fees

are $25 for tuition of $99 or less; $50 for

$100-299; $75 for $300-799; $125 for $800

or more. Cancellations received less than 21

days before the start of a program will not

receive a refund. If we are forced to cancel a

program, participants will receive a full refund

or transfer option.

Academic credit and

clock hours

Many Institute classes are offered for

optional academic credit through Western

Washington University. The number of credits

available is listed near the title of each semi-

nar preceded by a “C.” (“CP” denotes credits

pending approval.) WWU will bill you $48/

credit. The Institute is approved by the Offi ce

of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

to grant teachers clock hour certifi cation.

The number of clock hours available appears

with a clock symbol near the title of each

seminar. The Institute will bill you $3.50/

clock hour.

Scholarships

Scholarship funds are available for

students, teachers, seniors over 60, environ-

mental educators, conservation professionals

and low-income participants. Applications are

available online or by phone.

Accommodations

and meals

Accommodations range from our Learning

Center and private lodges to campgrounds.

See class descriptions for details.

The Learning Center has three guest lodg-

es, each with shared gender-specifi c bathrooms

and showers. Guest rooms contain one twin

bed and a set of twin bunk beds and pricing

varies according to the sleeping arrangements

—see class description for rates. Participants

are asked to bring their own bedding and

towels. Overnight accommodations are for paid

registrants only. We cannot accommodate pets

or unregistered guests.

Delicious, healthy meals incorporating

local and organic food are provided for paid

registrants in Learning Center programs. If

you have special dietary requirements or food

allergies, we will gladly attempt to accommo-

date them with advance notice.

Participants in Field Excursions are

responsible for their own food and lodging

unless otherwise specifi ed.

Children

Adult Learning Center and Field Excursion

programs are for adults only. Youth ages 14-17

may sometimes participate, pending approval

by the program coordinator prior to registra-

tion. Approved minors must be accompanied

by a responsible, participating adult.

Risk and responsibility

Our programs are conducted in the fi eld;

participants should be in good physical condi-

tion and prepared to spend full days outdoors.

We may encounter insects, inclement weather

and other unpredictable circumstances.

Participants assume full responsibility for

their own safety and must provide their own

health and accident insurance. You will be

required to sign a health/risk and hold-

harmless waiver before the course begins.

Please read and follow pre-trip letter recom-

mendations carefully.

Backpacking

Participants in backpacking classes must

be in good physical condition, have previous

experience and provide their own gear and

food. You must be able to carry a full pack,

weighing 50 pounds, for an average of 4-6

hours/day. The exception is “Ross Lake by

Boat and Boot.”Group success in a backcoun-

try experience is dependent upon how well

each individual is prepared. Your class letter

will have an itinerary and a list of essential

items. Anyone not appropriately equipped

may not be allowed to participate and no

refund will be issued.

2008 Registration Information

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MASTER’S

OF EDUCATION

GRADUATE

PROGRAMLIVE, LEARN AND TEACH IN THE

NORTH CASCADES

Working in

partnership with

Huxley College of the Environment

at Western Washington University,

North Cascades Institute offers

an integrated Master of Education

program that blends leadership and

nonprofi t administration, curricu-

lum development and instructional

strategies, natural and cultural

history, and residential program

operations. The professional resi-

dency at the Institute is the only one

of its kind that is fully integrated

into a degree program. Students

are accepted into WWU and the

Institute residency simultaneously,

and hands-on teaching experience,

combined with academic courses

taught by Huxley College faculty,

complement each other throughout

the program. After completion of

the two-year program, students

receive a Master of Education

degree from WWU and a Certifi cate

in Leadership and Nonprofi t

Administration from the Institute.

When you complete the

Institute’s integrated MEd program,

you are ready for doors to open to

your new career!

SPEND A ONE-YEAR RESIDENCY AT THE NORTH CASCADES

ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER IN NORTH

CASCADES NATIONAL PARK

STUDY WITH THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST’S BEST

EDUCATORS, NATURALISTS AND CONSERVATION LEADERS

EARN YOUR MASTER OF EDUCATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

AND CERTIFICATE IN LEADERSHIP AND NONPROFIT ADMINISTRATION

WHILE OBTAINING VALUABLE HANDS-ON WORK EXPERIENCE

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Program Coordinator for Students with Disabilities,

Global Explorers ; www.globalexplorers.org

North Cascades Institute’s Grad Program taught me about the essential

components of educational program coordination in the nonprofi t sector.

Through professional experience, it illustrated the necessary components of

program implementation. It prepared me to manage the less-than-ideal circum-

stances that are a reality of this job. These challenges included low enrollment,

budget issues and risk-management situations. These skills allow me to confi -

dently seek out new and groundbreaking opportunities for my programs, while

building the necessary partnerships to sustain our success.

Graduate Spotlight: Class of 2006

Meghan Peot

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I co-led the 2007 “Leading

the Way” Andes Trek,

a unique program that

paired blind and visually

impaired students with

their sighted peers as

guides in the Cordillera

Huayhuash in the Peruvian

Andes. All “Leading the

Way” programs focus

on culture, science and

leadership and include

a service project in the

travel destination. This

group of students planted

200 trees for a highland

Andean village to be used

for erosion control and

fi rewood.

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more information at www.ncascades.org/graduate

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MOUNTAIN

SCHOOLBRING YOUR CLASSROOM

TO THE MOUNTAINS

North Cascades

Institute believes children exposed to

nature and educated in the natural sciences gain

a valuable connection that will serve them their

whole lives. Mountain School, which has served

more than 12,000 children since 1989, is our

nationally recognized residential environmen-

tal education program offered in cooperation

with North Cascades National Park. Mountain

School students come to the North Cascades

for three days and two nights with their school

class to learn about ecosystems, scientifi c inves-

tigation, geology and the natural and cultural

history of the mountains through hands-on,

experiential-based activities. In 2007, Mountain

School served more than 1,350 4th–12th grade

students and 130 adults from Methow Valley,

Anacortes, Mount Vernon, Highline, Ferndale,

Tukwila, Clover Park, Bellingham and Seattle—

thanks to the opening of the North Cascades

Environmental Leaning Center, a 128 percent

increase compared to 2004!

North Cascades Institute offers Mountain

School programs for upper elementary through

high school students at our Environmental

Learning Center, a wilderness campus located

on the shores of Diablo Lake that includes well-

equipped classrooms and labs, a library and expe-

rienced staff and hike leaders. Mountain School

students come with their classmates, teachers and

chaperones to learn why Northwest mountains

are important to our plants and wildlife, our rivers

and sea, and our communities and cultures. A

unique network of trails and shelters surrounding

the Learning Center provide quick and easy access

to the surrounding wilderness and incredible

outdoor learning opportunities. Participants stay

in guest lodges and fresh, delicious and nutritious

meals featuring local, fresh foods are served in the

lakeside dining hall.

“WHEN I WENT TO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL,

SOMETHING INSIDE ME CHANGED. ALL THAT TIME

I WAS THERE, I FELT MUCH BETTER AND MORE

HEALTHIER INSIDE. THAT FEELS GREAT.”

~5TH GRADE STUDENT, BELLINGHAM

more information and video tour at www.ncascades.org/school

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VOLUNTEER

STEWARDSIn our popular Eagle Watchers and

Mountain Stewards programs are trained in the natural

history of eagles, salmon, the Skagit watershed, mountain

ecosystems, Leave No Trace practices and skills on how to

teach these topics to the general public. Stewards are asked

to volunteer 20–40 hours during the winter or summer

months and provide valuable education for visitors to our

state’s public lands.

more information at www.ncascades.org/stewardsENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION HELPS CHILDREN AND ADULTS DEVELOP

KNOWLEDGE, VALUES AND SKILLS TO MEET PRESENT-DAY NEEDS WITHOUT

COMPROMISING THE WELL-BEING OF FUTURE GENERATIONS. A GREAT EXAMPLE

OF LOCAL HANDS-ON LEARNING IS MOUNTAIN SCHOOL, AN EDUCATIONAL

PROGRAM DEVELOPED BY NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE THAT HAS SERVED

STUDENTS SINCE 1989. —REP. DAVE QUALL

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SUMMER

YOUTH

PROGRAMSSCIENCE, STEWARDSHIP AND

COMMUNITY IN THE NORTH CASCADES

When you enroll in an Institute program, your tuition dollars go

toward helping us connect hundreds of young people more closely

with the natural world. If you are interested in sponsoring one of our

innovative youth programs, contact Kris Molesworth at

(360) 856-5700 ext. 275.

more information at www.ncascades.org/youth

North Cascades Wild is a backcountry canoe and conservation service program for underserved

youth on Ross Lake in North Cascades National Park. During the course of 12 life-changing days, high school students from

the Seattle area and Skagit County complete service projects, learn Leave No Trace, outdoor and leadership skills and study

wilderness, stewardship and the natural and cultural history of the region. This is a partnership program between the

Institute, Student Conservation Association and the National Park Service.

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Girls on Ice is a one-of-a-kind program for

teenage girls that combines leadership, mountaineering

and science during 10 amazing days on Mt. Baker’s

Easton Glacier. By investigating glacial processes in the

fi eld as members of a research expedition, young women

have a rare opportunity to feel at home in the wilderness

while experiencing the Northwest environment under

the guidance of professional female glaciologists and

mountaineers.

Kulshan Creek

Neighborhood project is

a pilot program in partnership with the Forest Service

that engages youth from one of the Skagit Valley’s most

diverse neighborhoods in a variety of activities including

fi eld trips and afternoon activities. As many of the

children know the Institute through their participation in

Mountain School, these neighborhood excursions provide

meaningful connection to the outdoors that builds on their

environmental educational experiences.

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Grant Writing in the North CascadesERIC CHAMBERS WITH SUSAN HOWLETT

June 15–18 (Sun-Wed) 24CH/1CP

Learning Center $450

Are you a nonprofi t professional looking to improve your

grant-writing skills? Or a teacher interested in securing funding to

make those unfunded classroom improvements? Many nonprofi t

and government agencies rely heavily on grant funding and, in

turn, the people who write those grants. With this in mind, North

Cascades Institute and the Northwest Educational Service District

(NWESD) have teamed up to offer a four-day intensive grant-

writing course that will give you the knowledge, skills and tools

necessary to identify funding sources, articulate agency needs

and write compelling grants that will rise to the top.

The class will offer some training specifi c to the environmen-

tal fi eld, but the majority of the sessions will apply to all aspects

of competitive grant funding. In addition to great learning and

networking opportunities, you’ll stay at the Learning Center,

where you can relax in our guest lodges, savor the vibrant cuisine

of Chef Charles Claassen and have opportunities to paddle the

waters of Diablo Lake or hike the many campus trails. You’ll draw

inspiration from your wilderness surroundings as well as from

interaction with like-minded people intent on saving the world.

Eric Chambers has more than 10 years experience writing

and winning successful grants. Susan Howlett has been assisting

organizations to raise money in the Northwest and nationally for

more than 30 years. The class includes three days instruction and

three nights lodging at the Learning Center as well as a follow-up

session July 25 at the NWESD headquarters in Anacortes.

NORTH CASCADES ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

GROUP

RENTALSBring your group to the North Cascades

and host a group meeting or retreat at the Learning Center.

Our unique fi eld campus inspires refl ection, understanding

and connection to the natural world, as well as to each other.

Group rentals include:» Lodging for as many as 69 guests

» Delicious catering with local and organic food

» Conference rooms, trailside shelters and a library

» Internet access, projectors and other supplies

» Naturalist-led activities like canoeing and hiking exclusive to your

group

» Inspiring community of green living and sustainable practices

The Learning Center primarily serves as a home for North

Cascades Institute’s educational programs. However, as our

calendar allows, we meet the needs of groups who want to

experience the North Cascades through their own retreats and

meetings. Conference fees help subsidize our youth education

programs and scholarships for low-income participants.

rates, booking and other information at www.ncascades.org/

grouprentals or by calling (360) 856-5700 ext. 212

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GIVE TODAYYour support makes our work possible. Return this form to North Cascades Institute, call us at (360) 856 5700 ext. 209 or donate online at www.ncascades.org/give

name

address

city state zip

phone (day) phone (evening)

email address

donation amount

q$250 q $500 q $1,000 q $5,000 q Other

I would like to pledge $_______ per month for _______ years, for a total

of $_______. Please bill my credit card.

method of payment

q Check, payable to North Cascades Institute q Visa q MasterCard

credit card number expiration date security code

signature (as name appears on card)

NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE810 state route 20, sedro-woolley, wa 98284

Please consider a gift to North Cascades Institute and join our mission to

conserve and restore Northwest environments through education. Your sup-

port will help us:

share our flagship program, Mountain School,

where children explore North Cascades wildlands up close with their class-

mates, teachers and chaperones. Children who attend show greater appre-

ciation for their environment and improved attitudes toward classroom

learning and teamwork. Mountain School is a life-changing experience for

today’s youth.

inspire teenage girls to be leaders and scientists through

Girls on Ice, which combines leadership, mountaineering and science. Based

on the Easton Glacier in the North Cascades, it is led by professional female gla-

ciologists and mountain guides, and helps girls feel at home in the wilderness

while gaining a new appreciation for science. Your fi nancial support will help

all qualifying girls participate regardless of their ability to pay.

introduce low-income, inner-city

youth to the magic of wild places through our new North Cascades

Wild. Led by experienced naturalists and wilderness guides, teenagers camp,

canoe, hike and participate in the restoration of hiking trails and native plant

sites. It’s a powerful way for young people to learn more about their public

lands, each other and themselves.

If you believe direct experience in the natural world inspires

change, please make a contribution to North Cascades Institute. Help a gen-

eration of young people step outside.

HELP

USCONSERVE AND

RESTORE NORTHWEST

ENVIRONMENTS

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Canopy Crane Research Facility overseeing long-

term studies in forest ecosystem structure and

function. depts.washington.edu/wrccrf

CLARK BLAKE grew up in the San Francisco Bay

area and attended U.C. Berkeley and Stanford

University. He worked for the U.S. Geological

Survey as a research geologist for more than 40

years. He has been interested in birds since child-

hood and leads fi eld trips and bird population

surveys in Washington and Arizona.

PAT BOLTON has served as president and board

member of the Northwest Women Flyfi shers

organization. She fl y-fi shes all over the world, from

wading in Alaskan rivers to fl oating trout streams

in Australia to saltwater-fi shing in Mexico to surf-

fi shing in California.

ERIC CHAMBERS is the development offi cer at

the Northwest Educational Service District and

holds an adjunct teaching position at Western

Washington University, where he teaches nonprofi t

management, program planning, research and

grant writing.

CHARLES CLAASSEN is the Institute’s chef, foodser-

vice manager and Foodshed Project leader. He has

led professional kitchens for more than 15 years.

An avid alpinist and certifi ed climbing instructor,

Charles lives on campus at the foot of Sourdough

Mountain with his wife and two daughters.

GERRY COOK is the most senior employee at North

Cascades National Park, having worked on Ross Lake

since before the park’s creation in 1968. He is an

accomplished artist and naturalist, captain of the

Ross Mule and has served as a fi re lookout through-

out the North Cascades range.

MARIA CORYELL-MARTIN is an “expeditionary

artist” based in Seattle who explores polar and

glaciated regions to witness and record climate

change through art. Maria works with oils, pen,

ink, watercolor and gouache, adding vodka to her

paints to lower their freezing point. www.expedi-

tionaryart.com.

JOCELYN CURRY, a Seattle native, is trained in the

fi ne arts, traditional calligraphy and contemporary

lettering design. When not working on assignments

for diverse clients such as Nordstrom, Seattle

Chocolate and Edmonds Community College, she

delights in creating personal artworks and sketch-

ing. www.jocelyncurry.com

MARK DARRACH is a geologist and botanist with

years of technical experience in plant taxonomy

and plant ecology research in the Pacifi c Northwest

and the western United States. Mark’s idea of a

good time is hiking through the desert during wild-

fl ower season, searching for native plants.

BENJAMIN DRUMMOND is a Seattle-based free-

lance photojournalist currently working on a long-

term project, Facing Climate Change , to illustrate

the impacts of climate change through profi les of

people around the globe. From 2003 until 2006,

he worked as the marketing coordinator for North

Cascades Institute. www.bendrum.com

DAVE ENGEBRETSON is a longtime Whatcom

County resident and geology professor at Western

Washington University. His innovative course on

using sound to study earth sciences at Western was

the fi rst of its kind.

CLYDE W. FORD writes aboard his Bellingham-

based 30-foot biodiesel trawler. He won the 2006

Independent Publisher Award for best mystery/

thriller and was a nominee for the Zora Neale

Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation 2006 Legacy

Award for his series of nautical thrillers set in the

San Juan Islands. www.clydeford.com

KRISTOFER GILJE is the facilities manager for the

Learning Center. Prior to arriving on campus in 2007,

he served as operations manager for Holden Village,

a Lutheran retreat center in the North Cascades.

JENNIFER HAHN is a Bellingham-based writer, nat-

uralist and well-seasoned kayak guide. Her award-

winning book Spirited Waters: Soloing South

Through the Inside Passage recounts her 750-mile

solo kayak trip through the Inside Passage from

Alaska to Washington.

DAVID HALL, partner in charge for the Henry

Klein Partnership, is the architect of the North

Cascades Environmental Learning Center. He has

spent more than 30 years designing sustainable

homes and public buildings.

RALPH HAUGERUD, coauthor of Geology of the

North Cascades: A Mountain Mosaic , is a research

geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey at the

University of Washington. From the Columbia Basin

to Puget Sound, his maps tell fascinating stories

about some of the most unique and complex

landforms in the world, including the geology of

Bainbridge Island and Salish lowlands.

MOLLY HASHIMOTO is an artist and teacher who

connects students of all ages with nature through

watercolor workshops. In addition to many years

with North Cascades Institute, she has taught at

the Haystack Institute, Sitka Center for Art and

Ecology and Yellowstone Association Institute.

www.mollyhashimoto.com

PHILIP HIGUERA is a National Parks Ecological

Research Fellow at Montana State University with

interests in long-term forest history, climate, fi re

and vegetation. His research has taken him from

the forests of Western Washington to the Brooks

Range of Alaska.

KURT HOELTING is a wilderness guide, meditation

teacher and commercial fi sherman. A long time

student of Zen meditation, Kurt has a special affi n-

ity for exploring the places where human nature

and wild nature meet. www.insidepassages.com

HOLLY HUGHES has taught writing at Edmonds

Community College for 20 years, as well as nature-

writing workshops at the Olympic Park Institute and

Stillwaters Environmental Education Center. She

has spent the last 28 summers working on a variety

of boats in Alaska and living in a log cabin built in

the 1930s. Her chapbook, Boxing the Compass , was

recently published by Floating Bridge Press.

JIM JOHANNESSEN of Coastal Geologic Services

Inc. in Bellingham, specializes in beach processes,

coastal erosion mitigation and applied coastal

management. He has designed projects for beach

INSTITUTE

INSTRUCTORSJIM ALT, a longtime “wet-sider” in Corkindale,

leads the Northwest Interpretive Association’s

bookstores in North Cascades National Park and

conducts eagle counts for the Nature Conservancy.

PAUL BANNICK is naturalist and photographer

specializing in the wildlife of North America.

After a 15-year career in the software industry,

Paul dove into photography to fulfi ll his passion

for wilderness conservation. Widely published in

books and magazines, Paul’s fi rst book The Owl

and The Woodpecker will be available from The

Mountaineers Books in October 2008. In addi-

tion to working as a professional photographer,

Paul serves as the director of development for

Conservation Northwest. www.paulbannick.com

BRETT BAUNTON is an award-winning landscape

photographer whose work has been published in

magazines such as National Geographic, National

Wildlife, Wilderness and Backpacker . A Seattle

native, he lives in Bellingham operating his

longtime scanning and printing business, ArtScan.

www.brettbaunton.com, www.artscan.com

SUSAN BENNERSTROM is a full-time artist whose

work has been featured in solo shows in Seattle,

New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Santa Fe, San

Francisco and Ireland.

DR. KEN BIBLE is site director for the Wind River

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nourishment, sediment bypassing at channels

and other methods to reduce coastal erosion

throughout Puget Sound and the Northwest

straits.

TIM MANNS is an avid birder and naturalist

who recently retired as Chief of Interpretation

for North Cascades National Park. A recipient

of the National Park Service’s prestigious

Sequoia Award in 2003, Tim helped design

the Learning Center, forged an outreach pro-

gram for the Skagit Valley’s Latino community

and served on a national task force to create a

wilderness education program.

JOHN MARZLUFF is an assistant profes-

sor of wildlife science at the University of

Washington College of Forest Resources.

His work has included research on corvids

and birds of prey, long-term studies of

urbanization on songbirds in the Seattle area,

recreation and forest fragmentation on the

Olympic Peninsula and endangered species

conservation.

MEGAN MCGINTY is the Institute’s

Community Programs naturalist and

coordinates the Girls on Ice program and

fi eld excursions. With more than 20 years

of experience of teaching in the outdoors,

she has guided in Mt. Rainer, the Florida

Everglades, Patagonia, Costa Rica and the

North Cascades, and has conducted fi eld

research in glacier monitoring, raptor migra-

tion and black swift nesting sites.

TIM MCNULTY is one of the Northwest’s

best poets, naturalists and teachers. His

titles include Pawtracks, In Blue Mountain

Dusk, Refl ected Light and, most recently,

Through High Still Air: A Season at Sourdough

Mountain . A resident of Sequim, Tim occa-

sionally writes for the Seattle Times and is

currently updating his book Olympic National

Park: A Natural History .

BOB MIERENDORF has been an archaeolo-

gist and anthropologist with North Cascades ©B

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National Park for more than 20 years. One of

the few experts in alpine archaeology. Bob

has taught fi eld seminars since 1986, empha-

sizing the historical and universal connec-

tions all people have with their environment.

LIBBY MILLS is a wildlife biologist and artist

who has studied birds for nearly 40 years.

She has taught natural history from Alaska to

Baja to Costa Rica, recording the sights and

sounds of nature in fi eld journals, sketch-

books and on audiotape. Her illustrations

can be seen in many publications including

A Guide to Bird Finding in Washington and

Wildfl owers of Glacier Bay and Southeast

Alaska.

DAVE MOSKOWITZ is a longtime animal

tracker, fi eld researcher and backcountry

guide. He serves as lead instructor for track-

ing programs at Wilderness Awareness School

and manages the Cascade Wildlife Monitoring

Project.

JEFF MUSE, our Learning Center director

and backpacking beatnik, is a transplanted

Hoosier who fell in love with Cascadia 20

years ago. With 10 years at the Institute, Jeff

oversees programs and operations at our

fi eld campus when he’s not rambling with his

rucksack or paddling down the Skagit.

NICHOLAS O’CONNELL is the author of On

Sacred Ground: The Spirit of Place in Pacifi c

Northwest Literature and At the Field’s End:

Interviews with 22 Pacifi c Northwest Writers .

He has contributed to Newsweek, Outside,

Condé Nast Traveler, Food and Wine, The

New York Times, The Wall Street Journal,

Sierra, and other publications. Nick also

teaches writing classes from Seattle for

www.thewritersworkshop.net.

PAULA OGDEN-MUSE is a National Park

Service educator with more than 20 years in

the North Cascades as a wilderness ranger,

interpreter and naturalist. A longtime resident

of the upper Skagit Valley, Paula is passionate

about wild rivers and mountains, salmon and

songbirds. An ardent hiker and gardener, she

teaches regularly in youth, family and adult

programs, where she’s known affectionately

as “Ranger Paula.”

DENNIS PAULSON is the former director of

the Slater Museum of Natural History at the

University of Puget Sound. With decades of

fi eld experience, he has researched birds and

dragonfl ies, taught countless classes on wild-

life, ecology and evolution and authored more

than 70 scientifi c papers and a half-dozen

books, including Shorebirds of the Pacifi c

Northwest, Dragonfl ies of Washington and

Alaska: The Ecotravelers’ Wildlife Guide .

SUSAN PRICHARD is a forest ecologist work-

ing for the Pacifi c Wildland Fire Sciences

Laboratory. A resident of the Methow Valley,

she has spent most of her life in Washington

State studying forests with a focus on the

effects of fi re and other disturbances on for-

est dynamics.

JON RIEDEL is a National Park Service geolo-

gist working throughout the region on glacier

monitoring and managing geologic hazards,

fl oodplains and erosion control. A longtime

resident of the upper Skagit Valley, Jon has

studied Northwest climate change for nearly

30 years.

ADAM RUSSELL is the Learning Center’s

naturalist. An inspired athlete and aspir-

ing mountaineer, Adam earned a BS in

Biology from Trinity University in Texas and

spent time conducting fi eld research in the

Amazon, Galapagos Islands, Andes and North

Cascades.

BARBARA SJOHOLM, travel and mystery writ-

er, novelist, memoirist and translator, lives

on the Olympic Peninsula. She has taught

writing at Richard Hugo House in Seattle, the

Port Townsend Writers’ Conference, Haystack

in Oregon and the Whidbey Island Writers’

Conference. Her books include Incognito

Street: How Travel Made Me a Writer and The

Palace of the Snow Queen: Winter Travels in

Lapland .

HANNAH SULLIVAN, a registered nurse

and yoga instructor, splits time between

Bellingham and the upper Skagit Valley

when she’s not traveling the globe with her

husband Gerry. She is an eager paddler, hiker

and cross-country skier.

DAVE TUCKER researches volcanic stratigra-

phy in the North Cascades and he is currently

studying the eruptive history of Mt. Baker and

mapping the volcanic rocks near Ross Lake.

He is a resident of Bellingham, retired moun-

taineering guide and occasional instructor at

Western Washington University.

MARK TURNER is a freelance edito-

rial photographer specializing in botanical

subjects, especially Northwest wildfl owers

and gardens. He is a member of the native

plant societies of Washington and Oregon

and his last book, Wildfl owers of the Pacifi c

Northwest , was selected as a 2007 American

Horticultural Society Book Award recipient.

CYNTHIA UPDEGRAVE has a MS in Biology

Teaching from the University of Washington

and has training in botany, ecology, envi-

ronmental history and restoration Ecology.

Working closely with Estella Leopold for many

years has grounded her in the historic and

biogeographical aspects of regional fl oras.

DANA VISALLI is a fi eld botanist special-

izing in rare plant species. As director of the

Methow Biodiversity Project, he coordinates

a biological inventory of the Methow River

watershed and publishes The Methow

Naturalist , a seasonal natural history

journal. Dana is the author of Northwest

Dryland Wildfl owers, Sagebrush-Ponderosa,

Northwest Coastal Wildfl owers and Northwest

Mountain Wildfl owers .

SAUL WEISBERG is executive director and co-

founder of North Cascades Institute. He has

worked throughout the Northwest as a fi eld

biologist, fi re lookout, commercial fi sherman

and climbing ranger. Saul is president of

the board of the Environmental Education

Association of Washington, adjunct faculty at

Huxley College of the Environment at Western

Washington University and on the board of

directors of the Association of Nature Center

Administrators. Saul lives in Bellingham with

his wife and two daughters and is an avid

paddler, hiker and bug-watcher.

SHELLEY WEISBERG is a talented fi eld bota-

nist who delights in teaching the wonders

of native plants. She has studied plant com-

munities throughout Washington, coordinated

early plant restoration projects for North

Cascades National Park and worked at local

nurseries for many years. Shelley is the owner

of Moonstone Garden Design, specializing in

native plants and environmentally respon-

sible practices.

RUSS WEISER is the sustainable design

coordinator for the Henry Klein Partnership.

Before studying architecture, he was on the

faculty at Virginia Tech, studying how plants

respond to their physical environment. His

passion is combining architecture and biology

to design beautiful buildings that don’t stress

the natural environment.

LEE WHITFORD is an Institute naturalist and

coordinates our Stewardship programs. In

2004, she earned her MEd in Environmental

Education through our Graduate Residency

program with Western Washington University.

Now that her children are grown, Lee resides

in Bellingham and can be found out and

about collecting fungi, observing sea crea-

tures, studying rocks or enjoying life.

DAVID B. WILLIAMS is a freelance natural

history writer and the author of The Street-

Smart Naturalist: Field Notes from Seattle . At

present, he is working on a book about the

cultural and natural history of building stone

from around the United States; Stories in

Stone will be published by Walker and Co. in

2009. www.streetsmartnaturalist.com.

KENT WOODRUFF is a naturalist and wildlife

biologist with the Okanogan and Wenatchee

National Forest. His classroom is where you

can smell and hear and feel the subjects

under investigation, and his favorite subjects

are birds, bats and butterfl ies.

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Catalog CreditsEDITOR: Christian Martin

www.moontrolling.com

DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION: Jesse

Kinsman kinsmancreative.com

PHOTO ADVISOR: Carolyn Waters

LEAD WRITERS: Jeff Muse and

Megan McGinty

PRINTING: Lithtex Northwest

www.lithtex.com

COVER ART: North Umpqua Creek,

2000, oil on linen, 13 x 16 inches.

This year’s cover art has bit-

tersweet meaning. It is a painting

by the late John Cole, who died

in 2007 at the peak of his career.

Permission to reproduce this fi ne

piece was graciously extended

to us by his widow, Lucille Cole,

and Lisa Harris Gallery, which

represents his work. (You can

fi nd more of his work at www.

lisaharrisgallery.com.)

Cole’s death was a daunting

loss to the Bellingham com-

munity, where he had so many

friends and admirers, and to the

art world at large.

He was a painter in the

best regional sense: his work

resonates with a spirit of “place”

that can only come from intimate,

up-close observation of the

Northwest landscape.

Cole’s work will retain its

meaning to viewers for genera-

tions to come because it is real:

there is no doubt he fi shed those

streams and walked those trails

we see in his paintings. John Cole

stepped out of the studio, into the

natural world around him and we

are better for it. We hope his work

will inspire you to do the same.

—Kris Ekstrand Molesworth

NOTE: John Cole’s work is fea-

tured in The Pacifi c Northwest:

A Painted History (Sasquatch)

and 100 Artists of the West Coast

(Schiffl er Publishing). His work

was showcased in a major retro-

spective at the Whatcom Museum

of History and Art in 2003 and the

exhibition catalog, John Cole: The

Enduring Northwest Landscape ,

is distributed by University of

Washington Press.

ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS:

We are also grateful to have the

opportunity to reproduce the

artwork of Molly Hashimoto,

Maria Coryell-Martin, Susan

Bennerstrom, Libby Mills and

Jocelyn Curry, and the photography

of Brett Baunton, Paul Bannick,

Benj Drummond, Douglas Ogle,

Hsiao-Ching Chou, John Scurlock,

John Suiter, Lara Swimmer,

Mark Turner, Paul Anderson,

Phil Fenner, Jesse Kinsman,

Carl Molesworth and staff and

graduate students. Thanks to Jeff

Jewell and the Whatcom Museum

of History and Art for the archival

photos of Whatcom Creek and

to the Wind River Canopy Crane

Research Forest for images of

the crane. Thanks also to Saul

Weisberg and Jenny Cloutier for

allowing us to photograph their

bug and rock collections.

FACING CLIMATE CHANGE:

Benjamin Drummond is a Seattle-

based freelance photojournalist

and graphic designer. Sara Joy

Steele is an independent writer

and producer. They’ve collaborate

on many projects including The

Dipper’s Attitude: Conversations

with Northwest Naturalists, an

ongoing collection of profi les that

explore who Northwest naturalists

are, how they attend to the natural

world and why that matters. They

are currently at work on Facing

Climate Change, a documentary

project about the human impacts

of climate change. See back cover

and learn more at

www.facingclimatechange.org.

COPYRIGHT: All rights reserved.

Art, photo and poetry copyrights

remain with creators and are used

by permission.

MAY 31 AT THE LEARNING CENTERDon’t miss our annual picnic at the

North Cascades Environmental Learning

Center on Saturday, May 31. You’ll enjoy

a free day at our fi eld campus with

sustainability tours, children’s activities,

naturalist walks, canoe trips, a picnic

buffet and live music. Find out more

about the Institute and our many diverse

programs at this popular annual event.

more information at

www.ncascades.org/events

INSTITUTE

ANNUAL

PICNIC

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HAPPY

40TH

BIRTHDAYNORTH CASCADES

NATIONAL PARK!

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establish-

ment of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, a sprawling

reserve that includes North Cascades National Park and the Ross Lake

and Lake Chelan National Recreation areas. North Cascades Institute

celebrates this milestone in the ongoing story of these mountains, and

salutes the many people who, over the past century, have championed

their protection, appreciation and stewardship. The North Cascades were

a challenging landscape to protect, in part because of their complexity,

ruggedness and remoteness. They were “too big to fi t handily into an

urban imagination,” wrote Harvey Manning in his history of conserva-

tion in the North Cascades, Wilderness Alps :

“A Puget Sounder of the genteel class, which invented and fostered the

notion of national parks, could wrap his mind around the compact uplift of the

Olympic Mountains and the grand unity of Mount Rainier, but not until far into

the twentieth century did the genteel mind expand suffi ciently to embrace the

13,000-odd square miles of America’s ‘wilderness alps,’ extending north from

Stevens Pass to Canada, and nearly from saltwater to sagebrush. ”

Besides, with names like Forbidden, Torment and Despair, these

mountains suffered a public perception problem, or, in contemporary

parlance, “branding issues.”

One of the cultural shifts that began to change public opinion of the

worthiness of lasting protection for the North Cascades was the rise of “wil-

derness thinking”—the intrinsic value and integrity of wild nature. In the

face of a national religion of progress, resource extraction and industrialism,

a few brave voices called out for deeper consideration of how we think of

and care for the non-human world. Early visionaries like John Muir, Aldo

Leopold and Rachel Carson helped to develop an eco-centric American

land ethic, and the seeds they planted later bloomed into the poetry of Gary

Snyder, the activism of David Brower, and the Wilderness Act of 1964.

When President Johnson signed the North Cascades Act on October

2, 1968, fl anked by Senator Henry M. Jackson, Interior Secretary Stewart

Udall and members of the North Cascades Conservation Council, he did

more than create new administrative borders around a landscape. He legit-

imized the passionate arguments made by those speaking a word for wil-

derness. North Cascades National Park is special in that it was created and

is maintained primarily for the benefi t of untamed nature. “It is clear to

me that wilderness is the DNA of the park,” observes Park Superintendent

Chip Jenkins, “and it is critical to appreciate and understand the value of

this wild nature.” This brings to mind another important achievement wor-

thy of commemoration in 2008: the 20th anniversary of the Washington

Wilderness Park Act of 1988. Its passage provided wilderness status to 93

percent of the Complex and 99 percent to the Park proper.

North Cascades National Park is the wild heart of seven million

acres of protected public lands that span an international border,

national forests, recreation areas and provincial parks. The Stephen

Mather Wilderness forms “the core of one of the wildest, largest and

least altered ecosystems remaining in North America,” according to

the National Park Service.

Representing more than a beautiful landscape rimmed by political

borders, North Cascades National Park is the expression of a culture that

honors something more than human, that makes room for other creatures

and creates space for ancient processes of the planet to continue their quiet

work unhindered. The park is a living monument to the diverse commu-

nity of environmentalists, mountain climbers, business owners, politicians

and nature lovers who struggled to preserve this place, and to those who

work to better understand and protect its wilderness today.

The efforts to sustain the vision of a North Cascadian land ethic con-

tinues to this day. North Cascades Institute salutes those who continue

to speak and care for the mountains. Here at the Institute, our work is

connecting people to the wonders of this wilderness while reveling in the

details of this particular place. Also vital are the boaters, backpackers, day

hikers, families, birders, mountaineers, and campers who enjoy it today,

“taking only pictures, leaving only footprints.” It is up to an engaged citizen-

ry to voice support for neighboring landscapes and to continue our proud

heritage of speaking up for the forces of nature that don’t have a vote. It is

up to us to face the challenges of climate change head-on—both personal

and political—so that the glaciers of the North Cascades, the Skagit, Sauk,

Cascade, Stehekin, and Methow rivers and countless creeks and waterfalls

are given the opportunity to continue their slow and vital work.

As we celebrate the birthday of North Cascades National Park, we

look forward to fostering ever-increasing appreciation and understand-

ing of this singularly special landscape, from the depths of Lake Chelan

to the summit of Hozomeen. Working together, we can nurture this inti-

macy, celebrate these stony spires, forested valleys and cascading creeks

and pass them on to our children.

~CHRISTIAN MARTIN

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The east peak of Mount Fury, the Picket Range and a distant Glacier Peak.

Photo by John Scurlock, who will be the Institute’s Sourdough Speaker at the

Learning Center on April 26-27. See page 9 for details.

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NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, Washington 98284

(360) 856-5700 ext. 209 www.ncascades.org

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PEOPLE AND CLIMATE CHANGE FROM

THE NORDIC COUNTRIES TO THE

PACIFIC NORTHWESTA multimedia presentation and panel discussion at

Seattle’s REI, April 22, 7-9 PM

Celebrate Earth Day with us! Join photographer

Benjamin Drummond and writer Sara Joy Steele for a

multimedia presentation that explores how three Nordic

communities are adjusting to climate change. Learn

about volunteer glacier monitors in Iceland, Sámi rein-

deer herdsmen from Norway and fi shermen of the North

Atlantic. Then, bring it all home in a discussion with

local climate experts Nate Mantua, a research scientist

with the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts

Group, and Cliff Mass, an UW atmospheric scientist

regularly heard on KUOW’s Weekday and author of the

forthcoming book The Weather of the Pacifi c Northwest.

Co-sponsored by REI, Nordic Heritage Museum, Blue

Earth Alliance and Glazer’s Camera.

information at www.ncascades.org/events

FROM REINDEER TO RAINIER

North Cascades Institute 2008 Spring/Summer Catalog

Documents

Transcript of North Cascades Institute 2008 Spring/Summer Catalog