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connec ting people, nature and communit y through educ ation since 1986
08SPRING&SUMMER08SPR ING AND SUMMER
NORTH CASCAD ES INSTITUTE
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
21 Learning Center Day Trip p.8
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
12 Learning Center Day Trip p.8
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
19 Learning Center Day Trip p.8
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
2 Learning Center Day Trip p.8
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
9 Learning Center Day Trip p.8
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
23 Learning Center Day Trip p.8
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
6 Learning Center Day Trip p.8
7-8 Treetop Forest Ecology with the Wind River
Canopy Crane p.34
13 Learning Center Day Trip p.8
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
Learning Center T$195, D$290, S$485
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
Learning Center T$225, D$335, S$545
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
Learning Center T$225, D$335, S$545
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
Learning Center T$225, D$335, S$545
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
Learning Center T$245, D$365, S$595
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
Learning Center T$225, D$335, S$545
“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
July 17–20 (Thu eve–Sun) 1C/21
Learning Center T$245, D$365, S$595
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
July 24–27 (Thu eve–Sun) 1C/21
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
Learning Center T$325, D$485, S$795
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
Learning Center T$195, D$290, S$485
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
August 8–10 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18
Learning Center T$195, D$290, S$485
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.
©FR
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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
Learning Center T$225, D$335, S$545
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
August 8–10 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18
Learning Center T$195, D$290, S$485
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
September 5–7 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18
Learning Center T$245, D$365, S$595
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.
©TO
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Ravens, Crows and Jays: Corvid Ecology and Tales of Our Avian ShadowsJOHN MARZLUFF
September 5–7 (Fri-Sun) 1C/18
Learning Center T$195, D$290, S$485
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
Learning Center T$195, D$290, S$485
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
Learning Center T$275, D$415, S$695
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
Learning Center T$245, D$365, S$595
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
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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
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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
©JE
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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.
©B
EN
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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
© L A R A S W I M M E R
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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
©N
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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