Summer 2006

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t p r o g r a m s , a c t i v i t i e s a n d e v e nt s f o r a l l a g e s

NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE

SPRING/SUMMER 2006PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

celebr ating 20 years in the field

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education

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conservation

People who care conserve;

people who don’t know don’t care.

What is the extinction of the condor to a child

who has never known a wren?

Robert Michael Pyle, The Thunder Tree, 1993

1360 856 5700 ~209

SPRING/SUMMER 2006

FIND YOUR NICHE

2 LEARNING CENTER DAY TRIPS

4 SOURDOUGH SPEAKER SERIES

6 FAMILY GETAWAYS

8 FIELD SEMINARS

30 VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP

32 GRADUATE PROGRAM

34 MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

36 GIRLS ON ICE / NORTH CASCADES WILD

Wildfl owers blanket

the east slopes of the

Cascades. Join Libby Mills

and Dana Visalli for Spring

in the Methow, page 10.

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LEARNING CENTER DAY TRIPS JOIN US FOR A HALF-DAY ADVENTURE IN THE NORTH CASCADES

ramble through a mountain forest with a fun-loving naturalist. Paddle in the morning light with peaks at every compass bearing. Our free Learning Center Day Trips are easy to enjoy, afoot and afl oat – just lace up your boots, grab your lunch and venture to our campus. Your guides will be Institute naturalists who teach all ages. Bring personal gear, food and a water bottle. Pre-registra-tion is not necessary, but group size is limited, fi rst-come, fi rst-served. This is a day program only; participants are responsible for their own lodging off campus. Driving directions to the Learning Center can be found online.

Our new Learning Center

lies beneath Colonial Peak

on Diablo Lake in North

Cascades National Park.

Join us for a paddle along

the lake’s green shoreline.


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SourdoughMountain

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G O R G EO V E R L O O KT R A I L

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Diablo Lake Overlook

Ross Lake Overlook

Diablo Lake

Gorge Lake

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Learning Center Day TripsINSTITUTE NATURALISTS AND NATIONAL PARK RANGERS

Weekends, June–August

FREE! (donations welcome)

Saturday Afternoon Forest HikesJune 10, 17, 24, July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12 and 19; 1–5 pm

Why is that cedar so big? What’s the difference between lichen and moss? What creatures dwell in the woods? If you’re drawn to forest habitats, join us for gently paced Saturday afternoon hikes that cover three to six miles round-trip. All trips will begin at the Learning Center, but we may venture beyond campus trails to nearby Thunder Creek, Thunder Knob or along Diablo Lake. Hikes suitable for all ages able to walk over uneven terrain.

Sunday Morning CanoeingJune 11, 18, 25, July 9, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20 and 27; 9 am–1 pm

Why are the North Cascades so steep and rugged? What’s a glacier? Where does all the water fl ow? Grab a paddle and climb aboard our 14-passenger voyager canoe for a half day on Diablo Lake. Paddling as a team, we’ll explore tiny islands, a narrow gorge and the glacial outwash of Colonial and Thunder Creeks. Prior experience is not necessary; all canoeing equipment pro-vided. Participants must be over six years of age.

CALL 360 856 5700 ~209 WITH QUESTIONS

4 www.ncascades.org

Passion and Obsession: Intimate Images of the North CascadesApril 15–16, 2006 (Sat–Sun); 6 pm

Learning Center $95

Seattle photographer Paul Bannick, www.paulban-

nick.com, shoots internationally but maintains a spe-cial focus on the animals of the Pacifi c Northwest. An experienced naturalist, Paul travels into remote areas of the Cascades in order to develop one of the largest portfolios of Northwest native species.

Pat Buller, www.pdbphoto.com, is a biological technician with North Cascades National Park who has made it his life’s quest to photograph every alpine lake in the Skagit watershed. Many of these lakes appear on no map, and most have rarely been visited. Join us for a rare evening of images and the fi reside stories of the remarkable modern-day explorers who captured them.

SOURDOUGH

SPEAKER SERIESONE-NIGHT EVENTS AT THE LEARNING CENTER

nestled at the foot of Sourdough Mountain, the Learning Center is a fi tting location for this new series featuring Northwest artists, writers and naturalists. Poet Gary Snyder served as a fi re lookout on Sourdough in the early 1950s, and other poets and writers soon followed. For centuries, the stories of the upper Skagit Valley have been told around the fi re by Native people, miners, loggers, hikers, climbers and damworkers.

Each gathering in our Sourdough Speaker Series will be held in our lakeside dining hall and will feature an informal gourmet dinner of local and organic foods prepared by our chef, Charles Classen. 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 overnight accommodations in our cozy lodges (shared occupancy) as well as a continental breakfast and an optional naturalist-led walk the following morning. Dress is casual, of course. Your ticket letter will include travel directions, check-in information and other details. Limited to 40 guests; $95 per person for each event, or all four for $295.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET AT WWW.NCASCADES.ORG/EVENTS

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Trails and Switchbacks:How Science Becomes PolicyMay 13–14, 2006 (Sat–Sun); 6 pm

Learning Center $95

Geologist Michele Koppes has spent the past decade navigating the sinuous course that science takes as it becomes public policy and environmental law. A University of Washington researcher, Michele has worked in the fi eld, studying climate change from Alaska to Antarctica. She’s applied that experience as a legislative advisor for Congressional delegates here in the Northwest. These two passions – science and the application of it to conservation and natural resource policy – have given her unique insight into landscapes, communities and the environmental policies that govern them. Her observations will interest anyone involved in environmental activism, resource management or elected leadership.

Connected by a Rope: Search and Rescue Stories from the North CascadesAugust 5–6, 2006 (Sat–Sun); 6 pm

Learning Center $95

Kevork Arackellian is one of the fi rst to be called to the scene when hikers or climbers need aid in a remote area. Of his rescue in the North Cascades by wilderness ranger Kelly Bush and Kevork, Seattle

Weekly writer Brian Miller wrote, “If bad luck is a built-in hazard of climbing, like rock fall or electri-cal storms, good luck is part of the game, too … Confi dent climbing demands an attitude of, I’m not

going to fall. That’s not going to happen to me. When it does, of course, that’s when your partners truly matter. And when it happened to me, my rescue and recovery depended on dozens of others, experts in their fi elds, who make me feel very lucky indeed. We were all connected, I learned, as if by a rope.”

Northwest Essentials: Elements of a Regional CuisineSeptember 30–October 1, 2006 (Sat–Sun); 6 pm

Learning Center $95

Greg Atkinson, author and consulting chef at Canlis Restaurant in Seattle, is known for his deep understanding of Northwest foods. Greg will pre-pare a menu featuring dishes from his most recent cookbook, Entertaining in the Northwest Style, using organic and fresh ingredients from our “foodshed.” After dinner he will be joined in conversation by Ann Schwartz, a Skagit Valley organic farmer, and share passages from his book and other notable culinary authors.

6

GATHER YOUR FAMILY AT THE LEARNING CENTER

FAMILY GETAWAYS

Learn from experienced

staff how to paddle a

canoe during a leisurely

outing on the glacial-green

waters of Diablo Lake.


connect with your family –

and nature, too – at the Learning Center. Spend time learning and relaxing together while enjoying the mountain air and starry night skies of the North Cascades. You can leave the tent at home, though: comfortable accommodations in our cozy lodges offer the excitement of the great outdoors without the complications of camping!

Kids and adults will enjoy learning about nature with adventures such as I’m Lichen Hikin’ and The Big Canoe and You. Games, arts and crafts, and scientifi c fact-gathering using microscopes and hand lenses will make even the youngest explorer feel like a real naturalist.

Wonderful meals are served family-style in our lakeside dining hall, with the tastes of young diners in mind. We welcome families that include parents, guardians, grandparents, children and extended family. Our fi eld campus is accessible for people with a wide range of abilities.

Make this a summer one that your family will never forget – quality time spent together surround-ed by the wonder of the North Cascades.

CALL 360 856 5700 ~209 TO REGISTER

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Participants enjoy both the

indoor and outdoor classrooms

during Family Getaways,

spotting plants and wildlife

along the trail or crafting

nature-inspired art.

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three-day programs

$349 per pair; $95 per additional (up to a six-person group)

Family Getaway in MayMay 27–29, 2006 (Sat–Mon)

Fourth of July Family GetawayJuly 1–3, 2006 (Sat–Mon)

Early August Family GetawayAugust 1–3, 2006 (Tue–Thu)

Mid-August Family GetawayAugust 15–17, 2006 (Tue–Thu)

Family Getaway in SeptemberSeptember 2–4, 2006 (Sat–Mon)

four-day programs

$449 per pair; $125 per additional (up to a six-person group)

Four-Day Family Getaway in JulyJuly 17–20, 2006 (Mon–Thu)

Four-Day Family Getaway in AugustAugust 7–10, 2006 (Mon–Thu)

Children under the age of two can be added to the “family”

registration at no charge. Some activities may not be appropriate

for children under the age of fi ve. All children under fi ve must be

supervised at all times by a parent or guardian. Tuition includes all

meals, accommodations in our comfortable lodges and instruction

from professional naturalists and guides. Family Getaways are not

eligible for scholarships or the First-timer discount. Please call 360 856

5700 ~209 with questions.

8 www.ncascades.org

from backyard to backcountry, get outdoors, learn in small groups, and celebrate your place through exploration, literature and the arts. The naturalist tradition defi nes North Cascades Institute and how you’ll spend your time with us. Anyone anywhere can be a naturalist, and the best place to start is the ground underfoot. We cover topics ranging from geology, history and wildlife to nature writing, art and paddling skills. Our instructors are scientists, poets, photographers, loggers and rangers. Participants are teach-ers, farmers, students, soccer moms, building contractors and you. Locations include our new Learning Center in North Cascades National Park as well as camps and lodges throughout the Northwest. Clock hours or academic credit are available for most seminars. And, if you’ve never taken a fi eld seminar with us before, you’re eligible for a 20 percent discount! See page 39 for details.

REGISTER TODAY AT WWW.NCASCADES.ORG

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NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY

FIELD SEMINARSThe Naturalist’s Path to Sustainability [1]

DANA VISALLI

April 28–30, 2006 (Fri eve–Sun) 12 U

Learning Center companion class S$215, P$315

There is growing awareness about the effects of fossil-fuel consumption, but little information on how to change to more energy-effi cient lifestyles. Join naturalist Dana Visalli for a weekend exploring the implications of approaching the peak of global oil production, what we can learn from the ecology of previous civilizations and the natural pathways leading to sustainability. Surrounded by the North Cascades, we will observe how Mother Nature runs the planet using limited solar energy. After learning about the issues, participants will leave with tools that will help both youth and adults understand the benefi ts and challenges of living a less energy-dependent lifestyle.

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The Language of Birds [2]

CHRIS CHISHOLM

April 28–30, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 18 U


When you listen to a birdcall, do you wonder who it is or what the call means? Each species has its own language for marking territory, mating, beg-ging, displaying aggression and sounding alarm. Roam forest, meadow and stream with a naturalist who specializes in bird vocalizations and tracking. Rising early and staying out late, you’ll track a vari-ety of avian life, studying calls and songs along with prints, feathers and scat. You’ll gain a deeper under-standing of raptors, water-loving birds and perching birds. Use these tools at home and in the fi eld to enjoy the avian world. Before tracking wildlife, we’ll discuss the effects of an encounter on both animals and humans, and appropriate safety precautions.

Geology by Kayak: Bellingham to Samish Bay [3]

JIM JOHANNESSEN with Elakah! Expeditions

April 29, 2006 (Sat) 12 U

Bellingham Bay $95

The shorelines of our planet can reveal the com-plex mysteries that lie beneath the earth’s skin. Investigate coastal processes and resulting geo-logical features while paddling the shoreline from Bellingham Bay to Chuckanut Mountain. Led by a coastal geologist and professional guides, we’ll paddle from Boulevard Park to Larrabee State Park, reading clues in Chuckanut sandstone and other formations that reveal the history of plate tecton-ics, deposition, glaciers, earthquakes, currents

and marine life. Later we’ll stop at a recent beach restoration project designed by Jim, delving into the deeper issues that affect shorelines by examining coastal hazards, restoration efforts and sustainable shoreline living, and comparing urban environ-ments with near-pristine shores. Come away with a deeper understanding of coastal geology and the importance of preserving our Northwest beaches. Tuition includes use of kayaks and equipment. Prior experience not required.

10 www.ncascades.org

Spring in the Methow [4]

DANA VISALLI and LIBBY MILLS

May 4–7, 2006 (Thu–Sun) 1C/24 U

Methow Valley $250

The Methow Valley is a naturalist’s delight in any season, but it’s at its best in the spring. By mid-May tapestries of wildfl owers carpet rolling hills, neotropical migrant birds pour into the valley and butterfl ies abound. Join ornithologist Libby Mills and botanist Dana Visalli for four days of explora-tion and observation. Days will be spent in the fi eld in search of adventure and insight. Evenings will offer fi reside naturalist tales, stargazing and colorful conversation. Celebrate the natural history of the

region while you explore the beauty of form and the mystery of function. Find answers to a myriad of questions. Why are the spring fl owers the color and shape they are? How come male songbirds are so brightly colored? Why are marine fossils embedded in Methow rock, 200 miles inland from the ocean? What’s going on here? Come enjoy and interpret the natural world in this vibrant outdoor classroom. Participants will be on their own to arrange nearby camping or accommodations.

Natural History in the North Cascades [5]

SCOTT BABCOCK and MARCA KIDWELL-BABCOCK

May 5–7, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U

Learning Center S$245, P$345

Spend two nights at the Learning Center sur-rounded by the pristine wilderness of North Cascades National Park. You will enjoy scenic tours and panoramic views of the dramatic geology of the region, take short hikes and learn more about the birds, plants and animals of the upper Skagit. Your instructors include a notable geologist, an environ-mental educator and Institute naturalists. A high-light will be an introduction to the restoration and research taking place at the Learning Center, where 22,000 native plants are being returned to the site as part of a three-year project. In the evening, instructors will supplement the day’s experience with slide shows and demonstrations.

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companion classes

Enjoy a weekend at the Learning Center with your partner or friend

while enrolled in different seminars! Courses running simultaneously

are noted as a companion class.

first-timer 20 percent discount

If you’ve never taken a fi eld seminar with us before, you’re eligible for

a 20 percent discount. See page 39 for complete details.

pricing and scholarships

S (shared occupancy) is the tuition for sharing a room with other

people. P (private occupancy) is the tuition for a room for one person

(limited). To make programs available to a wide audience, we offer

scholarships to students, teachers, seniors over 60, environmental

educators, conservation professionals, low-income participants and

others. Applications available online or by phone.

meals

All Learning Center courses include meals prepared by our chef

Charles Claassen, and feature local and organic foods.

academic credit

and clock hours UMany seminars and retreats are offered for optional academic credit

(400 level) through Western Washington University (WWU). The

number of credits available is listed below the title of each course. A

written project is required; grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory

basis. We will send your registration to the university, which will bill

you $48/credit. All credits are pending approval by WWU.

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

Superintendent of Public Instruction to grant teachers clock hour

certifi cation. The fee is $3.50/clock hour. The number of clock hours

available appears with a U symbol below the title of each seminar.

SEE PAGE 39 FOR MORE REGISTRATION DETAILS

Springtime in Stehekin: Photography and History on Lake Chelan [6]

MIKE BARNHART and NANCY BARNHART

May 12–14, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U

Flick Creek House $295

Venture up Lake Chelan to Stehekin during the full bloom of mountain spring. We’ll hike, drive and boat in search of ideal photo opportunities in one of the most unique mountain getaways in the Lower 48. Led by longtime photographers and valley resi-dents Mike and Nancy, we’ll soak up the season’s offerings of yellow balsamroot, lavender lupine and snow-fl anked ridgelines that rise more than a mile high. Capture the beauty on fi lm for a life-lasting memory. The class is appropriate for photographers of any skill level, as well as Northwest history buffs. Tuition includes accommodations at Flick Creek House and transportation for local excursions.

Sagebrush Country: Native Plants of the Columbia Plateau [7]

MARK DARRACH

May 13–14, 2006 (Sat–Sun) 1C/12 U

Horn Rapids County Park $145

See the Columbia Plateau as Lewis and Clark did 200 years ago. The Arid Land Ecology Reserve, located within the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in eastern Washington, harbors the largest remnant of sagebrush-steppe habitat in the state. Home to diverse plants and animals, the reserve is an unspoiled refuge for a landscape disappearing throughout the intermountain West. Learn about the geology and ecology of high desert terrain, from the lithosol community and rocky slopes to lush riparian stretches and famous wildfl ower displays of Rattlesnake Mountain. We’ll camp in Horn Rapids County Park near Benton City.

seminar information

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Jack Nisbetsturgeon-nosed canoes

THOMPSON WAS QUICK TO

GRASP THEIR ELEGANT UTILITY

The Mapmaker’s Eye: David Thompson’s Vision of the Greater Pacifi c Northwest [8]

JACK NISBET

May 19–21, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


The fi rst published, accurate maps of our region were stitched together from the work of George Vancouver (1792–96), Lewis and Clark (1805–6), Simon Fraser (1806) and David Thompson’s explorations of the Columbia River and its eastern tributaries (1807–1812). Thompson gathered this material to create fi ve large maps revealing river fl ow, tectonic and glacial geology, and a network of tribal routes extending from the Rockies to the Pacifi c. Join noted author Jack Nisbet to examine Thompson’s remarkable vision and this pivotal period in Northwest history. Our days will include trail hikes and canoeing.

The Butterfl ies of Cascadiawith Robert Michael Pyle [9]

ROBERT MICHAEL PYLE with THEA LINNAEA PYLE

May 26–28, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U

Flying L Ranch S$395, P$495

Enjoy a weekend outdoors with Robert Michael Pyle, a lepidopterist with extensive knowledge and passion for the butterfl ies of Cascadia. From Mount Adams to the Klickitat River Canyon, comb wild-lands and fi elds’ edge for butterfl ies of wide-ranging species. Investigate butterfl y diversity, anatomy, behavior and ecology, including host plants, nectar sources and life stages. We’ll practice techniques for identifi cation and catch-and-release handling. In the evenings Bob will offer slide presentations and share selections from his books, The Butterfl ies

of Cascadia and Chasing Monarchs. Tuition includes accommodations and all meals.

AMONG THE TRIBAL BOATS of North America,

sturgeon-nosed canoes were unique to the

Columbia Plateau. The Kootenai and several

Interior Salish tribes had developed variations on

the basic design, and David Thompson was quick

to grasp their elegant utility. Framed of cedar or birch and lashed with

cordage of chokecherry bark, the vessels were usually sheathed with

a single piece of western white pine bark turned inside out.

Robert Louie is a Lower Kootenai who lives just south of Creston,

British Columbia. His grandmother Marion Earnest, or Di Di, spent

her life paddling the same route David Thompson traveled in May of

1808. She also was a skilled boat builder.

According to Louie, every detail in Di Di’s canoes served a

practical purpose. A small, off-center

cross-piece at each end formed a slot

for holding a bow and arrows, spear

or rifl e. His grandmother would braid a short, stout line of Indian

hemp and tie it to the stern thwart. If she killed an elk or a moose in

one of the sloughs, she could use her line to tow the carcass “like a

tugboat” rather than try to haul it into the canoe. When she beached

on a mud fl at with no trees nearby, she could tie that same line to her

paddle and stake the boat by pushing the lanceolate paddle blade

into the mud.

Di Di also showed her grandson a mountain slope southwest

of Creston that is shaped just like a sturgeon-nosed canoe. She

explained that when mist rises out of the valley bottoms, the whole

hill looks as if it were fl oating. That hill, according to Di Di, was

directly linked to the tribe’s unique existence, and provided the

inspiration for the design of their signature boat.

JOIN JACK AT THE LEARNING CENTER FOR THE MAPMAKER’S EYE

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Marine Ecology Kayak: Bellingham Bay and Chuckanut Island [10]

PETER CAPEN with Elakah! Expeditions

May 27, 2006 (Sat) 12 U

Bellingham Bay $95

Located in the heart of the Salish Sea, the waters of Bellingham Bay are teeming with marine life – sea anemones, sponges, chitons, limpets, sea slugs, sea stars, snails and numerous species of crabs. Schools of fi sh hang beneath the kelp canopy, jellyfi sh are carried along the currents, harbor seals break the surface, and eagles and numerous sea birds wing overhead. With an excellent low tide, we’ll explore Bellingham Bay, Chuckanut Island, tide pools and their ecology, the palm tree fossils of Clark’s Point and petroglyph cliffs. Tuition includes kayaks and equipment; prior experience is not necessary for this seminar.

Summer Birds in the Methow Valley [11]

LIBBY MILLS

June 1–4, 2006 (Thu–Sun) 1C/24 U

Klipchuck Campground $215

Explore wetlands, sage plateaus and the meandering Methow River while seeking the melody and color of the avian world. As breeding birds fl edge their young, we’ll investigate their hidden haunts and identify a broad range of species and their birdsong. During breaks we’ll discuss adaptations and chal-lenges that migratory birds face as they travel across continents. Learning about the landscape of these animals will help you preserve bird habitat and provide you with a future of excellent bird-watching. We’ll camp at the Forest Service Klipchuck campsite near Mazama during this relaxing weekend with one of the Northwest’s most knowledgeable and fun-loving birders.

Skagit Valley Foodshed: Wild Edibles [12]

MARLEE OSTERBAUER and DAVE SANSONE

June 2–4, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 12 U

Rockport State Park $195

Rediscover the ways Northwest cultures sustained themselves using resources from forests and mead-ows. Taught by two naturalists known for their knowledge of wild edibles, you’ll learn plant iden-tifi cation, traditional uses of plants for food, fi ber, medicine and shelter as well as ethical gathering practices. Our “classroom” will be the woodlands below Sauk Mountain, where you’ll learn to collect safely and legally while preserving habitat. We’ll camp at Rockport State Park.

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From Cascade Crest to Salish Sea: A Geology and Natural History Transect [13]

SCOTT BABCOCK and MARCA KIDWELL-BABCOCK

June 9–11, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Join a noted geologist and an environmental educa-tor on a scenic and panoramic tour of the North Cascades. As we move along the North Cascades Highway, we’ll take short hikes to examine crys-tals, rocks, landforms and other geologic wonders while discussing the natural history of the region. Scott and Marca will bring the local geology to life, elaborating on the days’ lessons with evening slide shows, demonstrations and stories from the fi eld.

Beginning Watercolor [14]

ROXANNE GRINSTAD

June 9 –11, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Translucent washes, diaphanous textures and vibrant hues make watercolor an enticing medium. Dramatic mountainscapes, quiet seclusion and Diablo Lake offer inspiration and focus for creative expression. A talented artist and naturalist, Roxanne will provide an excellent introduction to the medi-um. Learn the basics of watercolor, including how to choose and care for brushes, paper and paints, and the fundamentals of color and form. We’ll work in the fi eld, bringing the natural world onto paper (and from photos if the weather doesn’t cooper-ate). Starting with simple projects, we’ll also learn methods for tackling more complicated pieces. No experience is necessary.

Wild-Harvesting by Kayak I [15]

JENNIFER HAHN with Elakah! Expeditions

June 12–14, 2006 (Mon–Wed) 1C/18 U

Spencer Spit State Park $385

Take advantage of the year’s best tide. Join naturalist Jennifer Hahn as we kayak and hike in the San Juan Islands to learn about the ecology and uses of sea vegetables, shellfi sh and a host of terrestrial plants. We’ll see a rich and varied array of wild edibles as we wild-harvest and discuss how to collect in a safe, legal and environmentally sensitive manner. In the evening, we’ll prepare feasts featuring delicacies like kelp chowder, chocolate pudding from carra-geen-rich seaweed, and roasted salmon in a wrap of kelp. This class is suitable for beginning paddlers. Tuition includes kayaking equipment, breakfasts, dinners and shuttle from the Lopez Island ferry terminal to our campground.

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Wildfl owers of Mount Adams with Art Kruckeberg [16]

ART KRUCKEBERG with RAINER STAHLBERG

June 16–18, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U

Flying L Ranch S$395, P$495

Head for cowboy country with Art and Rainer, the legendary botanist and his talented colleague. In the shadow of 12,000-foot Mount Adams, we’ll investi-gate wildfl owers and other plants in Washington’s southern Cascade Range. We’ll spend full days in the fi eld studying the fl ora and geology of a broad range of habitats, from the depths of the Klickitat River canyon to lush meadows in the Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. In the evening, we’ll gather at the Flying L Ranch for intriguing slide shows and family-style dinners beneath aspens and ponderosa pines. Tuition includes accommodations and all meals at Flying L Ranch.

Diablo Creative Arts Retreat [17]

ROXANNE GRINSTAD, MOLLY HASHIMOTO and RUTHY PORTER

June 18–22, 2006 (Sun–Thu) 2C/24 U


The fi rst artists bore witness to the power of wild places. Thousands of years later we still draw inspiration from silhouetted peaks and still waters. Experience the synergy of creative minds gathered in a supportive setting, with an emphasis upon experimentation and celebration. Three talented instructors will lead you in a series of workshops in watercolors, Chinese brush painting, pastels and more. Your instructors, accomplished artists who are familiar with the region, will begin with

basics and progress from there, giving short, daily workshops with time built in for independent work and practice. Providing a balance of communal space and quiet areas for individual meditation, the Learning Center campus also offers views of Colonial Peak and Diablo Lake, and a gentle trail to a nearby waterfall. Relax with a paddle on the lake or an afternoon stroll along Deer Creek. Open to all levels, this retreat will give you the chance to lose yourself in art.

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From Where the River Flows: Stories of the Upper Skagit [18]

JIM HARRIS

June 23–25, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 18 U


From earliest times, the Skagit River has lured peo-ple into the North Cascades. Native people arrived fi rst, then gold seekers, explorers, trappers, home-steaders, engineers and outdoor enthusiasts. Jim Harris – an engaging writer, storyteller and retired national park ranger – has been part of this land since childhood. He will share a lifetime of stories as you journey upriver from Newhalem, where navi-gable waters ended and sojourners faced the terrible torrents and rock chasms of the Skagit.

Visit and hear stories of ancient Indian sites, home-steads, early hydro-works and the “Devil’s Elbow” – a major barrier on the infamous “Goat Trail” in the Skagit Gorge (above). As we continue on to Ruby Creek, we’ll move upstream to fi nd mossy mining digs and decaying artifacts, attesting to the struggles and rewards in this unforgiving and beau-tiful land. Immerse yourself in the history of the region fi rsthand. Be prepared for a four-mile hike and to scramble short distances off-trail.

Wild Poetics [19]

TIM MCNULTY

June 23–25, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Think of quiet forests and rocky shorelines backed by towering glacier-clad peaks. Spend a contempla-tive weekend by the edge of Diablo Lake in the early Cascadian summer. Under the tutelage of distinguished Northwest poet Tim McNulty, we’ll explore the connection between nature, wilder-ness and poetic expression. Working indoors and outside, we’ll combine fi eld observation with writ-ing exercises that stir creativity and hone revision techniques. In the evenings we’ll share our work. 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.

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GLACIERS BUFFER

LAKES AND STREAMS

Jon Riedel ice water

Wild-Harvesting by Kayak II [20]

JENNIFER HAHN with Elakah! Expeditions

June 23–25, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U

Spencer Spit State Park $385

For centuries, Puget Sound cultures have enjoyed a rich and varied diet of wild edibles in the San Juan Islands. Join naturalist and author Jennifer Hahn as we kayak and hike along Lopez Island to learn about the ecology and uses of sea vegetables, shell-fi sh and terrestrial plants. Jennifer will discuss how to collect in a safe, legal and environmentally sensi-tive manner. In the evening, prepare feasts featur-ing delicacies like kelp chowder, chocolate pudding from carrageen-rich seaweed, and roasted salmon wrapped in kelp. This class is suitable for beginning paddlers. Tuition includes kayaking equipment, guide, breakfasts, dinners and shuttle from the Lopez Island ferry terminal to our campground.

Agents of Change: Glaciers in the North Cascades [21]

JON RIEDEL

July 5–8, 2006 (Wed–Sat) 1C/18 U

Baker Lake and Learning Center S$325, P$425

There are more glaciers in the North Cascades than anywhere else in the Lower 48. Come explore one of these stunning geological features as we hike six miles to visit the Easton Glacier on Mount Baker. We’ll discuss the importance of meltwater to the region’s ecology and to the hydroelectric industry. Explore the largest glacier-fed stream in the state and take a fi eld trip to view the glacial landforms between Diablo and Washington Pass. Three short hikes will highlight key features and provide an opportunity to discuss the future of glaciers and cli-mate. We’ll camp at Baker Lake the fi rst night and spend the next two at the Learning Center.

WATER DOMINATES the senses in the North

Cascades, and of the myriad forms of water,

none are more important to the character of this

landscape than glaciers. They feed waterfalls

that roar year-round, protect salmon runs from

drought, color our lakes magnifi cent shades of green and blue and

fuel hydroelectric power.

Glaciers buffer lakes and streams during droughts with an esti-

mated 210 billion gallons of fresh water. Glacial meltwater is possibly

why the Skagit River is Puget Sound’s only stream to host all fi ve

native species of salmon. Glaciers also inspire us with their power

and beauty. Flying buttresses, ice falls, swollen summer streams and

other features humble even the hardiest mountain climbers.

Here in the Skagit Valley, the past century’s warm temperatures

have greatly diminished our glaciers.

Geologic mapping indicates that the area

of glaciers has declined 40 percent in the

past 150 years. The loss of glaciers may have serious consequences

for our aquatic ecosystems and industries. Take for example, Baker

River, Stehekin River and Thunder Creek. They all feed hydroelectric

projects while receiving 10–40 percent of their summer stream fl ow

from glaciers.

Fortunately, snow accumulation was normal for January. We will

not be able to tell until fall just how well the sensitive glaciers in our

region did. The snowline will provide an estimate of the past year’s

glacier balance. If more than half of a glacier is covered in snow and

the remainder is gray-blue ice, it is likely that our glaciers will have

had a positive year, a fi rst since 2002.

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF GLACIERS IN AGENTS OF CHANGE

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People of the Upper Skagit [22]

BOB MIERENDORF and GERRY COOK

July 7–9, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U

Ross Lake $195

Take a tour of Ross Lake and enjoy spirited water-falls, fern-draped canyons and alpine horizons with archeologist Bob Mierendorf and longtime park employee Gerry Cook. They will share their knowl-edge about the history of the region, discussing Ice Age geology, early Native life, Euro-American explorers and today’s wildland stewards. Travel onboard the 30-foot Ross Mule, an open-decked boat ideal for adventure. Participants must carry person-al gear about one mile down a steep trail to the dock on Friday and back up on Sunday. We’ll also take a long hike over gentle terrain to see thousand-year-old cedars along Big Beaver Creek. Tuition includes boat transportation.

North Cascades Naturalists Retreat [23]

BOB MIERENDORF, ROBERT MICHAEL PYLE, SAUL WEISBERG and SHELLEY WEISBERG

July 12–16, 2006 (Wed eve–Sun) 1C/18 U


The North Cascades are famous for their steep mountain spires and shining glaciers, but to see only this is to miss many other jewels within the park. Sulphurs, saxifrages, Mazama ash and buprestids are some of the mysterious features of the diverse landscape of this region, and they are also important clues to the past. Join us at the Learning Center to explore the landscape as once seen through the eyes of many different peoples who existed long before us.

Led by four instructors who are familiar with the geography of the park and the surrounding areas, you’ll take part in daily fi eld trips to learn about wildlife, plants and geology. Evening lectures will reveal fascinating stories of the neighborhood. In your free time, enjoy views of Colonial and Pyramid peaks, relax in shade-dappled meditation areas, take a hike on a gentle trail to a hidden waterfall, paddle on Diablo Lake or take an afternoon stroll along Deer Creek Trail.

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The Roots of Biodiversity: Pacifi c Northwest Forest Ecology [24]

PHILIP HIGUERA and SUSAN PRICHARD

July 28–30, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Dramatic gradients in the North Cascades create some of the most diverse coniferous forests in the Northwest. A single hike can reveal more than 14 evergreen species. Learn how climate, landform and the ecology of Northwest trees interact to create the patterns we see in modern forests, and explore the history of these forests over hundreds to thousands of years. We’ll learn about the tools ecologists use to understand modern forests and how tree-ring and lake-sediment records help reconstruct the paleo-ecology of a region. Evenings will be spent around the fi re, with stories and presentations offered by Learning Center staff naturalists.

Wildfl ower Field Photography: Combining Art and Science [25]

MARK TURNER

July 28–30, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 18 U


Join photographer Mark Turner for a weekend of learning and practicing techniques for photograph-ing wildfl owers in their natural environment. Field sessions will be in diverse locations that provide opportunities for artful detail, beautiful and infor-mative plant portraits and visual explorations of the interrelationships between species and their habi-tats. Emphasis will be on discovering techniques for creative composition, controlling natural light and separating subjects from distracting backgrounds.

You’ll learn ethical fi eld practices and understand technical descriptions that help create scientifi cally relevant images. Slide shows will introduce tech-niques and will be followed by fi eldwork. Evening critique of the day’s work will provide rapid feed-back. Participants should be familiar with operating their cameras and bring a variety of lenses, from wide angle to macro to telephoto. A tripod is essen-tial. Both digital and fi lm cameras are welcome, but digital slrs will facilitate the critique.

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1986 2006MY DAUGHTER, HANNAH, was born on a rainy morning, the same

year a group of friends and I founded North Cascades Institute. Often

it seems like their stories intertwine: fresh with promise as babies,

later growing to become inquisitive toddlers and adventuresome

kids. At times, I felt like I was wrangling cranky adolescents, but

always I was awed by the idealism and energy of youth. Now, nearly

20, Hannah has grown into a confi dent, spirited young woman, with

the education and enthusiasm to tackle the world’s problems. And

thanks to dedicated staff, strong board leadership, good partners and

widespread support, the Institute is poised to do the same.

We’re proud of the work we’ve done the past 20 years, and

remain inspired by our mission – to conserve and restore Northwest

environments though education.

Happy birthday, North Cascades Institute.

And happy birthday, Hannah.

celebr ating 20 years in the field

P O R T I O N S O F T H E A B O V E W E R E F I R S T P U B L I S H E D A S “ S O N G S O F G R E E N M O U N T A I N S , A N AT U R A L I S T ’ S V I E W O F T H E N O R T H C A S C A D E S ” B Y S A U L W E I S B E R G A N D I N C L U D E D I N T H E

CO L L E C T I O N “ I M P R E S S I O N S O F T H E N O R T H C A S C A D E S : E S S AY S A B O U T A N O R T H W E S T L A N D S C A P E ” E D I T E D B Y J O H N C . M I L E S A N D P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E M O U N T A I N E E R S I N 1 9 9 6 .

BY SAUL WEISBERG / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

i remember their names like old friends – Sahale, Buckner, Sharkfi n, Forbidden, Eldorado, Black, Mixup, Shuksan, Spickard, Redoubt. In the summer of 1983, a friend and I climbed ten peaks in two weeks. We were young. It had been a wet and stormy July. August broke with clear skies. The dawn came with thin streaks of color instead of the leaden gray we had grown accustomed to. We were ready to move.

learners – such as yourself – with those

who are gifted teachers and recognized

experts in their given fi elds. This blend

makes for a powerful and exciting learn-

ing experience rich with a sense of dis-

covery and adventure. Our courses are

stimulating, engaging, and fun – educa-

tional in the deepest sense. We invite you

to join us for an unforgettable experience

in this most spectacular place.

A few years ago, Gary Snyder returned to the North Cascades, 50 years since he had been a lookout on Sourdough Mountain. A bunch of us spent a leisurely day together on Ross Lake sharing stories and enjoying the company of old friends. I remembered how Snyder’s poetry had fi rst helped me pay attention to those details in the landscape that I came to love – veins on a vine maple leaf, yellow and black scales on a swallowtail’s wing, striations in a piece of green-schist.

“Paying attention” is at the heart of what a naturalist is, and what we have taught for 20 years at North Cascades Institute. Details are where the magic hides. The way things fi t together – the interactions of living and nonliving things – tell a story. To read the story, you have to experience the details up close and personal. That’s the core of our work.

Join us, and begin to know this special place for yourself. From this knowl-edge and experience come facts and feelings that call us to action. As naturalists we must be involved in the life of the world we study and celebrate.

As we look to the future, we have no other choice.

I remember it as a time of magic. Surrounded by good friends, our bodies strong, we had a mission and dreams. I was newly in love that summer and played my pennywhistle to the clouds from every summit. I carried a copy of Gary Snyder’s Rip Rap and Cold Mountain Poems and read it beside creeks and campfi res. Does everyone have a summer like that? I count myself blessed that I have had many, and most of them have been touched in some way by the green mountains of the North Cascades.

That winter a small group of friends dreamed of a fi eld school dedicated to natural history and exploration. We were eager to share our love of the North Cascades and the excitement of what we’d learned about its trails and streams and wildlife. We cared intensely about this place and wanted to create mean-ingful work in a land we loved. We were not alone. There were many others, throughout the Northwest and around the world, who were also discovering the power of reconnecting with wild places and relearning a broader defi nition of “home.”

Our plans coalesced around campfi res and over kitchen tables. In 1986, as a newly incorporated nonprofi t organization, we published our fi rst small catalog, a typewritten, black-and-white booklet with a photograph of Mount Challenger on its cover. Two decades later, I am struck by how our words in that fi rst catalog still ring true: We seek to bring together people who are interested and eager

Local photographer

Lee Mann donated the

striking photograph of

Mount Challenger for

our fi rst catalog.

21


DIABLO LAKE BREAKS ALL

THE RULES OF WATER

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Molly Hashimotomists, forests and glacial lakes

THOMAS MORAN’S SKETCHES and paintings

of Yellowstone National Park fi rst inspired me to

paint natural wonders. Through the years I have

continued to learn from the work of many land-

scape masters. What gives their art its power is

their unique way of expressing the emotion of that moment of vision;

I feel the immediate awe of being there.

When I teach, I start with the skills of representation. I break

down the different elements of the landscape based on close obser-

vation. The Learning Center provides a landscape of astonishing

beauty. We look at the branches and tips of Douglas fi rs and use a

certain wrist motion with a round sable brush to establish that form.

On a rainy day, under a shelter, we study the lichens on alders, using

masking fl uid to preserve areas of lightness. 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 fi nally 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.

With these tools, students can begin to articulate their own

personal vision. Some may see the landscape as a chaotic world of

merging forms and choose a wet-into-wet paint technique. Others

may assert the solidity of individual shapes and paint clearly defi ned

edges. Each is a valid expression of individuality. When we paint

landscapes, we establish the importance of what we view. We say

that this place is worthy of our deepest attention and care.

PAINT WITH MOLLY IN LANDSCAPE WATERCOLOR

Women, Wilderness and Wildfl owers Backpack [26]

MARLEE OSTERBAUER

August 3–7, 2006 (Thu–Mon) 24 U

Okanogan National Forest $295

Enjoy spectacular scenery, the freedom of wild places and the company of other women, all with a rooted naturalist. After a night of preparation and camping near Winthrop, we’ll head off to explore moss-lined creeks and craggy ridgetops. Our back-country base camp will be in a wildfl ower paradise at Boiling Lake along Sawtooth Ridge. We’ll take day hikes to alpine meadows, stopping to study the intricate beauty of plants. In the evenings we’ll share writings and refl ections on women in nature. Prepare for fun and adventure as you gain confi -dence in backcountry travel. Please read the special backpacking section on page 39.

North Cascades Landscape Watercolor [27]

MOLLY HASHIMOTO

August 11–13, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Learn to paint the rich and diverse visual elements of a North Cascades landscape: cliffs, rocks, bro-ken glaciers, forested ridges and a deep array of conifers. Each day we’ll take a closer look at one or more of these elements and do careful studies of them. We’ll create one complete landscape painting, discussing the many ways to put together a com-position. Techniques include working wet-into-wet, working with glazes and layering one landscape zone onto another. We’ll pay special attention to atmospheric perspective and how to achieve it with these methods. Some basic knowledge of watercolor materials and drawing experience is necessary, though all skill levels are welcome.

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Grizzly and His Brothers: The Science of Conservation Biology [28]

CHRIS MORGAN

August 11–13, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Discover the science and controversy behind restoring Ursus arctos to its native habitat in the North Cascades. Study bear biology, research and conservation with a dynamic scientist who has studied bear species worldwide. On day hikes in the upper Skagit, we’ll get acquainted with hair snares, moth traps, gps units and data sheets for recording observations such as scat, claw marks and diggings. While focusing on grizzlies and black bears, we’ll also discuss other species that require landscape-level management, such as cougars, wolves and lynx. Although seeing a grizzly is highly unlikely, the instructor will address safety precautions.

Bats of the Pacifi c Northwest: Ecology and Research [29]

ROGER CHRISTOPHERSEN

August 11–13, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Did you know that there are at least 16 species of bats living in the Pacifi c Northwest, second only to rodents in mammalian diversity? As the only major predator of night-fl ying insects, bats play a critical role in biological diversity and ecologi-cal balance. Join a passionate fi eld researcher and unravel the myths and mysteries of this furry friend of the night sky. We’ll learn about their life histories, behaviors and habitats, and dispel a few human misconceptions. We’ll also participate in active research as we attempt to catch and release bats for scientifi c data collection, a truly unique and one-of-a-kind hands-on experience.

Beat Poets and Backcountry Writers [30]

JEFF MUSE

August 17–20, 2006 (Thu eve–Sun) 1C/18 U

Learning Center companion class > S$325, P$425

From hardscrabble explorers to Beat poets in fi re lookouts, the North Cascades have inspired many to put pen to paper. It’s time you did the same. Join a literary naturalist to mix books with rucksacks, writing with adventure. We’ll turn fi eld notes from daylong journeys into stories of our own. On Friday, we’ll canoe up Diablo Lake to the centuries-old cedars along Thunder Creek. Saturday, we’ll hike the 6,000-foot peak that inspired Gary Snyder’s “Mid-August at Sourdough Mountain Lookout.”

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Poems Born from the Upper Skagit [32]

JUDITH ROCHE

August 18–20, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Experience Diablo Lake and the spectacular upper Skagit landscape by combining quality writing time with exploration around the Learning Center. We’ll venture onto nearby trails and respond to specifi c “prompts” from nature. Working alone on individual projects both indoors and out, we’ll combine close fi eld observation with proven writing exercises, giving direction to your work, no matter your style. Learn from the work of writers such as William Stafford, Lew Welsh, Wendell Berry, Blake and Wordsworth. Both group instruction and private, one-on-one coaching will be offered in this class, which is suitable for both beginners and advanced writers.

Drawing the Details [31]

LIBBY MILLS

August 17–20, 2006 (Thu–Sun) 18 U


Drawing is a valuable skill for the curious natural-ist. Relax and take in the details that emerge with observation. Fill pages with images from the North Cascades as you wander hillside and shoreline, seeking inspiration. Libby will show you how pencils can explore both the light and shadow of the large landscape, and the lines that separate members of the plant world. Experimentation with graphite, colored pencil and pens will all be encour-aged. Come ready to try something new.

Ross Lake by Canoe and Journal [33]

BYRON RICKS

August 18–22, 2006 (Fri–Tue) 2C/24 U

Ross Lake $295

Uncover the powerful metaphor of “journey” as you enter the land of Gary Snyder’s famous directive to “tell a good story when we get back home.” We’ll mix invigorating movement, moments of refl ec-tion and surefi re writing exercises on Ross Lake. This 25-mile-long jewel is nestled amid glacier-carved mountains and ancient woodlands. Enjoy snow-capped peaks, a warm breeze and the echo of distant waterfalls while we camp in sites along the lake. You must carry your personal gear about one mile down a steep trail to the dock on Saturday and back up Tuesday. Tuition includes canoeing equip-ment and a fi nal night at the Learning Center; prior experience not necessary.

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Astronomy in the High Desert [35]

KARL SCHROEDER

August 25–27, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 18 U

Brooks Memorial State Park $195

The night sky is an infi nite canvas painted with the ever-changing moon, planets and constellations. In the crisp air of the high desert, we’ll use binoculars and telescopes to observe these and other night-time wonders. Guided by an enthusiastic teacher, we’ll identify celestial objects while discussing their natural history and the stories that people have told about them for centuries. Highlighting the course will be a trip to the Goldendale Observatory to view the sky through a 24.5-inch Cassegrain telescope, one of the largest public telescopes in the nation. Take home your newfound knowledge and enjoy a lifetime of stargazing and planetary observation. We’ll camp at Brooks Memorial State Park.

Copper Ridge Backpack [34]

DAVID MOSKOWITZ

August 21–25, 2006 (Mon–Fri) 24 U

North Cascades National Park $295

Get in on one of the Northwest’s best-kept secrets, the Copper Ridge traverse. From this spectacular six-mile-long subalpine ridge, you’ll have rare views of countless snowy peaks: Baker, Shuksan, Icy, Redoubt, Bear, Slesse and more. Accompany an experienced wilderness guide on a naturalist’s adventure along one of the nation’s most spectacu-lar hikes. En route to the high country we’ll pass through the old growth of the Nooksack headwaters and wildfl ower meadows below Ruth Glacier near

Hannegan Pass. Enjoying the warmest and driest month of the year, we’ll tour the diverse geology, fl ora and fauna of different ecological zones, from lush riparian forest to the tenacious microfl ora of the rocky alpine ridgelines. We’ll sample the sun-ripened blueberries at their best as we discuss the impact of the region’s harsh climate, abundant precipitation and glaciers as determining factors of the local ecology. Please see the section on page 39 about backpacking courses.

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The Natural History Essay [37]

SUSAN ZWINGER

September 8–10, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Retreat into the North Cascades and give voice to your muse. Led by naturalist and award-winning author Susan Zwinger, we’ll engage all of our senses in writing that incorporates natural history and cultural ties to place. In three days of inten-sive literary exercises designed to inspire you to new heights, skills and approaches, we’ll practice description, narration, metaphor and other tech-niques to enrich our prose with clarity and insight. Our focus will be on the essay form, although these skills can also serve poetry, fi ction and science writ-ing. Use the prompts of nature and come away with valuable writing tools and skills. Newcomers and veterans of all forms of writing are welcome.

Raptor Migration Research [38]

KENT WOODRUFF

September 13–15, 2006 (Wed–Fri) 1C/18 U

Chelan Ridge $245

Journey to the high ridges of the North Cascades to see science in action and watch raptors on their way to winter haunts as far away as Argentina. We’ll visit the best migration locations in Washington at the peak of movement. Up to 16 species of raptors could be encountered, including rare broad-winged hawks. Participants should know the groups of rap-tors and be able to tell an accipiter from a harrier. We’ll camp two nights at Chelan Ridge, joining the Chelan Ridge team Thursday evening for a potluck meal and to share fi eld notes. Students will learn fi rsthand about ways to contribute to wildlife con-servation and will be given ideas for volunteer proj-ects to complete on behalf of our wild neighbors.

Art and Yoga: Plein Air Creativity [36]

JOAN STUART ROSS and LISA BLACK

September 8–10, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 12 U


Rejuvenate your imagination, soul and artistic spirit with an experienced yoga instructor and a noted Northwest artist and poet. Mornings will be spent in a group yoga session beneath towering peaks. After lunch you’ll spend the afternoon drawing outside. We’ll gather for evening poetry readings and fi reside chats, and have plenty of free time for meditation, day hikes and canoeing. This is a per-fect introduction for beginners or recharging experi-ence for veterans.

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WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED in the Arctic Refuge it

was an overwhelming and disorienting experi-

ence for me. Beauty was not in my mind; survival

was. I saw the land as grand yet simple and

harsh, a place where the existence of life, includ-

ing wild fl ora and fauna and native cultures, is modest and fragile. I

wanted to portray the duality of grandness and simplicity, as it was

the simplicity that I was irresistibly drawn to.

I always wondered how is it that millions of Americans who have

never set foot in the remote Arctic National Wildlife Refuge care so

passionately about its preservation. Edward

Abbey wrote in Desert Solitaire, “A man could

be a lover and defender of the wilderness

without ever in his lifetime leaving the boundaries of asphalt, power

lines, and right-angled surfaces. We need a refuge even though we

may never need to go there. I may never in my life get to Alaska, for

example, but I am grateful that it is there.”

I believe traditional wilderness philosophy breaks down when

it advocates that man does not belong in a wilderness. Henry David

Thoreau had a different idea when he wrote, “I wish … to regard man

as an inhabitant, or a part and parcel of Nature.” Read Walden and

you will know man must belong to understand that notion.

Imagine you are in a wilderness, where man does belong, and

you are with your indigenous friends who are teaching you about wil-

derness. My Gwich’in and Inupiat friends taught me as much about

wilderness as I learned reading the great wilderness writers.

In my mind these are the most profound connections between

wilderness and imagination.

JOIN SUBHANKAR FOR LANDSCAPES OF IMAGINATION

Cougars and Their Prey: Wildlife Tracking [39]

CHRIS CHISHOLM

September 15–17, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 18 U


Cougars thrive in the North Cascades, from remote wildlands to the edges of towns and cities. Spend a weekend learning about these large, elusive and adaptable creatures and the ecology required to sup-port them. Under the guidance of an expert tracker, we’ll study the fundamentals of wildlife tracking, including identifi cation, interpretation, trailing and timing. Chris will share his intimate knowledge of forest ecology, cougars and their surprising variety of prey. We’ll get a fi rsthand look at the terrain these big cats reside in. Before tracking we’ll discuss the relative danger cougars pose and safety precautions in the event of an encounter.

Landscapes of Imagination [40]

SUBHANKAR BANERJEE and SAUL WEISBERG

September 15–17, 2006 (Fri–Sun) 1C/18 U


Many forms of art infl uence our perception of nature, sometimes substituting for fi rsthand experi-ence. Watercolor images presented before Congress led to the establishment of Yellowstone National Park, the fi rst land to be set aside for preservation. In 2001, Subhankar went to a remote part of Alaska to document the rich, vibrant life there. The photo-graphs he took became instrumental in the debate over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Join him and Institute director Saul Weisberg as we explore the ideas of wilderness and the effect of nature imagery on personal and public perception. Discussions will be interspersed with guided natu-ralist walks and opportunities for exploration.

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I SAW THE LAND AS

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Subhankar Banerjee wilderness and imagination

E X C E R P T E D F R O M “ W I L D E R N E S S A N D I M A G I N AT I O N , ” D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 0 5


looking for our fall programs? Starting this year, we’ve split our season into two catalogs. Later this summer, you’ll receive a second edition that includes fall and winter seminars. We hope this change will help you plan ahead and make time in your busy schedule to take a fi eld semi-nar, attend an event or join us for a free day hike.

Can’t wait until the next issue? Visit www.ncascades.org and sign up for our e-newsletter. You’ll read about new courses as they are confi rmed, as well as spe-cial events, job opportunities and other announcements.

Registration for fall/winter fi eld seminars begins June 1 when seasonal seminars are posted to our Web site. We’ll be adding more great seminars over the next few months, but here’s a quick preview of what’s in store:

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FALL / WINTER PREVIEW

FIELD SEMINARS

Astronomy’s Big QuestionsKARL SCHROEDER

October 20–22, 2006

FungiFRED RHOADES

October 20–22, 2006

Inspirations From the Forest: Nature JournalingHEATHER WALLIS-MURPHY

October 27–29, 2006

Tsimshian BasketryLOA RYAN

November 10–12, 2006

Chum Spawning on the Sauk STAN WALSH

November 18, 2006

Wilderness First ResponderREMOTE MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL

December 10–18, 2006

Raptors on the FlatsDAVID DRUMMOND

January 27, 2007

Wilderness EMTREMOTE MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL

February 1–March 2, 2007

cascades range

They come from the gradual violence

of colliding continents,

earth’s crust scraping and buckling by

two inches a year,

the hot thrust of rock and

silent weight of ice.

I would like to have seen it then,

though I see it now.

The fracture, wrench, and rise

roar and shake this land.

A slow exposure of how mountains

live underground.

And if in an eon they fl atten,

plates crawl apart, volcanos die, rain and snow erode,

tectonic histories of molten rock and sheets of ice

will write themselves again,

until behind one mountain is born another and behind that

a hundred more

strung together by some deep underground movement

that resonates

in my own solid core.

SARA STEELE / 2005 Retreat participant

29360 856 5700 ~209

GARY FERGUSON

KATHLEEN DEAN MOORE

ANA MARIA SPAGNA

OCTOBER 10–14, 2006

REGISTER AT WWW.NCASCADES.ORG

Nature Writing RetreatThunder Arm

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A Native Plant Steward

volunteer gets down

and dirty replanting the

Learning Center campus.

Volunteer stewards

planted more than 9,000

plants in 2005, with more

than 12,000 to go.

© D A V I D S N Y D E R

VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIPHELP CONSERVE AND RESTORE

get involved with your community and help protect the environment in a hands-on way. As a steward you’ll receive free, specialized training in the area you choose, sharing what you’ve learned through volunteer service: planting trees, guiding a trail or helping a child spot an eagle along the river.

31

STEWARDSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT

WWW.NCASCADES.ORG/STEWARDSHIP

OR CALL 360 856 5700 ~209

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STEWARD

Native Plant StewardsVolunteer Season: March–July 2006

Application deadline: March 1, 2006

Help restore more than 22,000 native plants to the national park lands that surround the Learning Center. Although North Cascades National Park includes pristine wilderness, many areas have a long record of human use. Sites affected by invasive species, construction, wildfi re and other impacts require consider-able restoration. We need help removing exotic plant species, collecting seeds and cuttings, and monitoring results.

The Native Plant Stewards program provides education that helps protect and restore public lands while encouraging people to tread lightly on the land. Volunteers receive training and then work under the supervision of Institute and national park staff, contributing 20–30 hours of time. Volunteers must be over 21 years of age and physically able to work outdoors in all weather. Free overnight lodging and camping accommodations on a space-available basis.

Mountain StewardsVolunteer Season: July–September 2006

Application deadline: July 1, 2006

Help protect and restore Mount Baker’s most popular trails by teaching day hik-ers, backpackers and climbers how to travel safely and reduce their impact on its slopes. Through our partnership with Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, you’ll receive initial training in low-impact recreation skills, natural history and backcountry-management issues. You’ll share your new knowledge with visitors while stationed along hiking trails on Mount Baker. Volunteers must be skilled in hiking and outdoor recreation, including snow travel, but will not be required to travel on technical climbing routes.

A Mountain Steward

volunteer joins rangers

to educate hikers on

the trail to Schriebers

Meadow, Mount Baker.


32

GRADUATE PROGRAM MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

“WE’RE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WITH A PASSION FOR FIELD-BASED

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION. THAT MEANS AN EQUAL INTEREST IN

FIELD-TEACHING TECHNIQUES AND THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES WORK

THAT MAKES PROGRAMS HAPPEN AND ORGANIZATIONS THRIVE.”

SAUL WEISBERG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

During a year-long

professional residency,

graduate students live in

Learning Center housing.

© D A V I D H A L L

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FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

WWW.NCASCADES.ORG/GRADUATE

OR CALL 360 856 5700 ~209

interested in a career in environ-mental education or nonprofi t leadership? Consider our graduate program offered in collaboration with Huxley College at Western Washington University. You’ll explore all aspects of this growing fi eld while acquiring skills in science and cultural studies, teaching all ages and managing an organization.

Unlike most graduate residencies available, ours results in a MEd degree thanks to our partner-ship with Western Washington University. During a year-long professional residency, students live, work and study at the Learning Center, then follow that with coursework at the university’s campus in Bellingham. Throughout the residency, students tackle key responsibilities under the supervision of North Cascades Institute faculty and staff – from designing, teaching and evaluating programs to nonprofi t administration, risk management, mar-keting, fundraising and community relations.

A Master of Education in Environmental Education with a Certifi cate in Leadership and Nonprofi t Administration is earned upon comple-tion of coursework. The seven-quarter program begins in June with a summer of fi eld studies in the North Cascades. Hit the trail with us and join tomorrow’s leaders!

Working in a hands-on

environment, graduate

students teach all ages

at the Learning Center

and in the fi eld.


34

Mountain School students hit

the trail to learn about geology,

ecology and cultural history in

the outdoor classroom of North

Cascades National Park.


MOUNTAIN SCHOOL BRING YOUR CLASS TO THE CASCADES

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established in 1990, Mountain School is a nationally recognized environmental education program for elementary, middle and high school students offered in partnership with North Cascades National Park. It has become a model for teaching young people about the natural world through fi rst-hand experiences in the dramatic wildlands of the North Cascades.

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 communi-ties and cultures. Learning takes place on the trail and within our well-equipped classrooms, under the guidance of experienced staff and hike leaders. Teachers may choose a program with Learning Center lodging or at the Mountain School shelter in the park’s Newhalem campground. Both offer highly trained staff, curricula aligned with state learning goals and excellent teaching materials to integrate study of mountain environments into classroom activities.

35

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT MOUNTAIN SCHOOL VISIT

WWW.NCASCADES.ORG/SCHOOL OR CALL 360 856 5700 ~209

“AS A FIFTH GRADE TEACHER, I HAVE FOUND THE MULTI-

DISCIPLINARY CURRICULUM HELPS STUDENTS SUCCEED IN THE

NEWLY MANDATED FIFTH-GRADE SCIENCE WASL.”

DAVID HIRDLER, FIFTH-GRADE TEACHER

Ecosystem Explorations4th–8th grade; Learning Center or Newhalem

Through experiential activities and interdisciplinary journals, students investigate mountain ecosystems and gain a strong foundation in science and Northwest natural and cultural history. Topics may include geology and glaciers, forest and aquatic ecology, plant and wildlife diversity and conservation of natural resources.

Community Building Through Restoration 6th–12th grade; Learning Center

Students examine their role as community mem-bers by examining public land use, resource con-servation and restoration through team-building activities. Topics may include biodiversity, ecological restoration and the roles of science and other disci-plines in conservation.

Field Science and Leadership9th–12th grade; Learning Center

Students learn about current research projects in North Cascades National Park and work closely with Mountain School staff to investigate their own top-ics of interest. Research topics may include native plant restoration and monitoring, stream studies and assessing wildlife habitat.

Students draw and write

in nature journals, taking

note of what is seen and

discovered during the

Mountain School program.

© A L L I S O N U M B A U G H

36

SCIENCE AND LEADERSHIP, LEARNED IN THE FIELD

GIRLS ON ICE

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Teenage girls get a rare

opportunity to do glacier

research and learn

mountaineering skills

during the 10-day Girls on

Ice leadership program.

© MICHELE KOPPES

venturing onto mountain glaciers, Girls on Ice is a free 10-day program for teenage girls, the only one in the nation that combines leadership, mountaineering and science. Led by professional women glaciologists and Institute mountaineer-ing guides, young women come into the alpine wilderness of the North Cascades to hike, camp, and collect and analyze scientifi c data. As they cover challenging terrain and engage in the process of critical thinking, participants are introduced to new roles for women as scientists, philosophers, moun-taineers and explorers. The setting is dramatic – the Easton Glacier on the south side of Mount Baker – and the experience is life changing.

Girls on Ice is funded by donors to North Cascades Institute who

believe conservation of Northwest environments is best accomplished

by experiential learning under the guidance of knowledgeable men-

tors. The program is free to nine girls who qualify via a merit-based

application process.

FOR MORE INFO AND AN APPLICATION VISIT

WWW.NCASCADES.ORG/YOUTH

OR CALL 360 856 5700 ~209

Students learn map-

reading, canoeing and

camping skills during a 10-

day backcountry experience

for high school youth.


37

in this exciting 10-day outdoor pro-gram, high school youth explore Ross Lake, experi-encing stunning views, fantastic hikes, blue-green water and abundant wildlife sightings.

Led by experienced naturalists and wilderness guides, teenagers camp, canoe, hike and participate in the restoration of hiking trails and native plant sites. They learn how to preserve the backcountry, while also learning more about themselves and others. Equipment is provided – canoes, paddles, personal fl otation devices, camping and cooking gear – though participants must bring personal gear (assistance is available).

No experience is necessary. Expert instructor guides teach everything, from maneuvering a canoe and working with your partner, to cooking meals, reading maps and setting up tents.

North Cascades Wild is available tuition-free to qualifying groups. It is

sponsored jointly by North Cascades Institute, Student Conservation

Association (SCA), North Cascades National Park, the Alliance for

Wilderness Education and Stewardship, and Huxley College of the

Environment. The program is supported via a grant from the Arthur

Carhart Wilderness Training Center and the generous support of

individual donors. For group application and acceptance criteria,

or to support this program with your fi nancial contribution, call

360 856 5700 ~209.

NORTH CASCADES WILD SUMMER YOUTH ADVENTURE


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PRICING AND OTHER DETAILS AT

WWW.NCASCADES.ORG/LEARNING_CENTER

OR CALL 360 856 5700 ~275

NORTH CASCADES ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

bring your group to the North Cascades and host a conference or meeting at our Learning Center. Our unique fi eld campus inspires refl ection, understanding and connection to the natural world, as well as each other. We offer groups: • Lodging for up to 40 guests • Catering and meals with local and organic foods • Conference rooms, trailside shelters and a library • Hiking trails and naturalist-led activities.

The Learning Center primarily serves as a home for North Cascades Institute’s educational pro-grams. However, as our calendar allows, we meet the needs of groups who want to experience the North Cascades through their own retreats and conferences. Preference is given to organizations whose mission and values are consistent with ours, especially peer conservation organizations and education groups. Conference fees help subsidize our youth education programs and scholarships for low-income participants.

The Salal Terrestrial Lab

is one of three classroom

spaces, along with trailside

shelters and cozy lounges,

available to your group.

© D A V I D H A L L

registration

registration

You can register for seminars online or by phone

with your Visa or MasterCard. If you would rather

mail in your payment, registration forms are

available at www.ncascades.org. Upon receipt of

your tuition, we will send a registration confi rma-

tion that includes an outline of how and when to

expect detailed class information. We keep classes

small, 10–15, to ensure quality and enjoyment.

To register for other programs call us at 360 856

5700 ~209 or download the appropriate paper

application from www.ncascades.org.

tuition

Our tuition is on a per person basis unless stated

otherwise and includes a $45 non-refundable

registration fee. We cannot provide discounts

to participants who arrange alternative lodging.

Attendance at seminars is for paid registrants only.

20 percent

first-timer discount

First-timer discount applies to new participants

in adult fi eld seminars only. Offer does not apply

to family, speaker series, events, trainings or any

other programs and cannot be combined with

other offers or scholarships. Maximum discount

is $75. Discount valid for registrant’s fi rst class

only. If registering for multiple classes at one time,

discount will be applied to most expensive course.

Full payment required at time of registration.

Standard cancellation policy applies.

cancellations

Our programs proceed rain or shine. Participant

cancellations received 21 or more days before the

start of a class will receive a full refund minus

a $45 registration fee. Participant cancellations

received less than 21 days before the start of a

class will not receive a refund. If low enrollment or

severe weather forces us to cancel a class, partici-

pants will receive a full refund or transfer option.

risk and responsibility

Our programs are conducted in the fi eld and often

involve hiking or canoeing. Participants should be

in good physical condition and prepared to spend

full days outdoors. Backpacking and other back-

country or water-based classes have special safety

concerns and require preparation. Please read and

follow class letter recommendations.

Seminars are for adults only. Children 14 years

and older may sometimes participate, pending

approval by the seminar coordinator and instruc-

tor. Approval must be obtained prior to registra-

tion. Approved minors must be accompanied by a

responsible, participating adult. Pets do not make

good participants; please leave them at home.

We may encounter mosquitoes, black fl ies,

ticks, inclement weather and other unpredictable

circumstances. Protective clothing, sunscreen, rain

gear and insect repellent are advised. Participants

assume full responsibility for their own safety and

must provide their own health and accident insur-

ance. You will be required to sign a health/risk and

hold-harmless waiver before the course begins.

backpacking

All of our backpacking seminars involve moder-

ately strenuous hiking on high-elevation trails.

You must be able to carry a full pack, weighing

between 40 and 60 pounds, for an average of four

to six hours per day. Participants must be in good

physical condition and provide their own gear.

Previous backpacking experience is required. All

participants must fi ll out and return medical his-

tory and insurance information forms, which will

be mailed with your class letter.

Group success in a backcountry situation

is dependent upon how well each individual is

prepared. Your class letter will have a general

itinerary, directions to the trailhead and items to

bring, including absolute essentials. Anyone not

appropriately equipped may not be allowed to

participate and no refund will be issued.

accommodations

We provide programs to meet a variety of comfort

and activity levels. Accommodations range from

our new Learning Center to national park camp-

grounds, lodges or wilderness camps. Sleeping

arrangements vary from tents to bunkrooms to

private rooms. Some classes require participants

to provide their own bedding or camping gear.

Others include full amenities, as refl ected in the

tuition. At facilities other than the Learning Center,

participants must provide their own food unless

meals are noted in class description. Overnight

accommodations are for paid registrants only. We

cannot accommodate pets or unregistered guests.

THE LEARNING CENTER is our new fi eld campus

on Diablo Lake. The campus features trails, a

canoe dock, outdoor learning shelters, classrooms,

an amphitheater and a library. Facilities and local

trails are ADA accessible. The Learning Center

has three lodges for housing participants and

instructors. Each lodge has shared gender-specifi c

bathrooms with showers. The bedrooms vary from

two to three twin beds per room. Rooms with three

beds are confi gured bunk style. Bedrooms also

include Internet ports, one or two writing desks

and two built-in wardrobes. Participants are asked

to bring their own bedding and towels. If traveling

from a long distance, please inquire about renting

linens or sleeping bags. Delicious, healthy meals

incorporating local and organic foods are provided

in our lakeside dining hall for paid registrants

only. If you have special dietary requirements or

food allergies, we will gladly attempt to accom-

modate them with advance notice.

CAMPING-BASED CLASSES take place at

reserved sites in established automobile-acces-

sible campgrounds or along backcountry hiking

trails throughout the North Cascades. Participants

are responsible for their own food, often sharing

potluck dinners. Water and restroom facilities vary

from primitive to fully modern and are described

in the class materials sent to participants.

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meet our instructors


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tions to study and document wildlife on land and sea,

indigenous cultures and archaeological sites in locations

around the world. He is a former executive director of the

Whale Museum in the San Juan Islands.

chris chisholm [2, 39] is founder of

the Wolf Camp Cooperative and author of Wolf Journey:

Trail of the Naturalist. He has extensive training with

Tom Brown Jr. and other pioneers of the earth skills fi eld.

Chris is a delightful teacher who specializes in wildlife

tracking, bird vocalizations, ethnobotany, wilderness

survival and Pacifi c Northwest ecology.

roger christophersen [29] is a

wildlife biologist for North Cascades National Park and

an accomplished mountaineer and backcountry guide. He

has conducted fi eld research on a variety of birds and

mammals, including mountain goats, bats, and most

recently, forest carnivores.

gerry cook [22] 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 with a passion for

backcountry tales and wilderness preservation.

mark darrach , MS [7], is a geologist and

botanist with years of technical experience in plant taxon-

omy and plant ecology research in the Pacifi c Northwest

and the western U.S. Mark’s idea of a good time is hiking

through the desert during wildfl ower season, searching

for native plants.

roxanne grinstad , MEd [14, 17], is an

accomplished artist and educator with a gift for inspiring

students of all ages. She is author and illustrator of

Wildfl owers of Holden, a fi eld guide to wildfl owers in

the Glacier Peak area.

jennifer hahn [15, 20] is a writer,

naturalist and kayak guide. Her recent book, Spirited

Waters: Soloing South Through the Inside Passage,

won the Barbara Savage Miles from Nowhere Memorial

Award. The tale recounts her 750-mile solo kayak trip

through the Inside Passage from Alaska to Washington.

molly hashimoto [17, 27] teaches

widely in the Puget Sound area and is a noted children’s

book illustrator. Her watercolors have been exhibited at

galleries and museums in Oregon and Washington. She

enjoys working with students of all ages and helping oth-

ers to see the world with new eyes.

jim harris [18] was raised on a “stump farm”

in the upper Skagit Valley and has worked as a logger,

teacher, forest ranger and park interpreter. An expert on

local history, he shares stories of people and places to

illustrate the effects of humans on the landscape.

philip higuera , PhD [24], expects to fi n-

ish his PhD in forest ecology in June 2006. He is interest-

ed 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. Philip enjoys

exploring the Cascades on skis and on foot.

jim johannessen , MS [3], runs Coastal

Geologic Services in Bellingham, specializing in coastal

processes and restoration. He’s designed coastal restora-

tion projects throughout Puget Sound and the Northwest

straits. Jim has worked in the local consulting fi eld since

1984 and is a licensed engineering geologist.

marca kidwell-babcock , MEd

[5, 13], is currently a science education teacher in the

Bellingham School District. She enjoys teaching about

the environment, earth science, water quality and but-

terfl ies.

art kruckeberg , PhD [16], is a renowned

specialist in Pacifi c Northwest fl ora and professor emeri-

tus of botany at the University of Washington. He is a

dynamic teacher and author of Gardening with Native

Plants of the Pacifi c Northwest, The Natural

History of Puget Sound Country and Geology and

Plant Life: The Effects of Land Forms and Rock

Types on Plants.

tim mcnulty [19] is one of the Northwest’s

best poets. His volumes of poetry include Pawtracks,

In Blue Mountain Dusk and Refl ected Light. He is

a noted conservationist and the author of two nonfi ction

books: Olympic National Park: A Natural History

and Mount Rainier National Park.

bob mierendorf , MA [22, 23], has been

an archaeologist and anthropologist with North Cascades

National Park for more than 20 years. An Institute board

member for many years, Bob has been teaching since

1986, emphasizing the historical and universal connec-

tions that all people have with their environment.

libby mills [4, 11, 31] is a wildlife biologist,

artist and naturalist for The Nature Conservancy’s Skagit

River Bald Eagle Preserve. She has taught at the Audubon

Ecology Camp in Maine and aboard ships from Baja to

Alaska. Libby records the sights and sounds of nature in

fi eld journals, books and on audiotape.

chris morgan , MS [28], has worked

as a wildlife biologist and educator for 15 years. He is

director of Insight Wildlife Management in Bellingham,

Washington, and director of science strategies for Canopy

in San Francisco. His studies of the world’s eight bear

species have led him to the Northwest where he focuses

on the conservation of grizzlies and black bears.

david moskowitz [34] is an Outward

Bound instructor, wilderness guide and naturalist. His

recent work includes environmental education trainings

in the North Cascades, rare forest carnivore surveys and

teaching for the Wilderness Awareness School. David has

been published in regional and professional publications.

scott babcock , PhD [5, 13], is a professor

of geology at Western Washington University. His research

takes him into the remote backcountry of the North

Cascades where he has contributed signifi cantly to our

understanding of its rugged landforms. His writing is

included in Impressions of the North Cascades and

Hiking Washington’s Geology.

subhankar banerjee , MS [40], came

to international attention when his exhibition, “Seasons

of Life and Land,” was shown at the Smithsonian during

the drilling debate. He has been the subject of numer-

ous features and many awards, including the Lannan

Foundation Cultural Freedom Fellowship and the Green

Leaf Award for photography.

mike barnhart [6] is a descendent of

early Lake Chelan pioneers. A professional photographer

for more than 30 years, he is co-publisher of Lake

Chelan and the North Cascades, Holden Village:

A Christian Renewal, Stehekin: A Mountain

Community and an award-winning calendar.

nancy barnhart [6] is an artist and

photographer who has captured Cascade landscapes on

fi lm for decades. With particular affection for Stehekin,

Nancy’s focus on detail and design complements her love

of the mountains. She is co-publisher of several books

with her husband, Mike.

lisa black , MEd [36], is a senior master certi-

fi ed yoga teacher and owner of SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga in

Seattle and Bellevue. She has studied yoga practices

in India, worked with yoga master Baron Baptiste since

2001 and teaches nationally and internationally. Lisa is

an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys practicing yoga

while backpacking in the North Cascades.

peter capen [10] is an author, lecturer and

award-winning photographer. A fellow of the British Royal

Geographical Society, he has participated in expedi-

41360 856 5700 ~209

jeff muse , MS [30], is our Learning Center direc-

tor and graduate residency supervisor. With eight years at

the Institute, he writes and teaches about local natural

history with a penchant for Beat lookouts and backcoun-

try tales. Jeff lives with his wife, Paula, in their newly built

“Pacifi c Rim farmhouse” in Rockport.

jack nisbet [8] has taught human and

natural history and written for various newspapers and

magazines. His books include Sources of the River:

Tracking David Thompson Across Western North

America, which won the Murray Morgan History Prize,

Singing Grass, Burning Sage and Visible Bones,

which won a Washington State Book Award in 2004.

marlee osterbauer [12, 26] is an

enthusiastic outdoorswoman and wildfl ower specialist.

Having worked as a wilderness ranger for many years,

she has a vast knowledge of the plant communities of the

North Cascades-Puget Sound region.

erin pettit , PhD [p.36], is a glaciologist who

has researched the dynamics of ice fl ow from Antarctica

to Mount Rainier. An ardent outdoorswoman who studies

and teaches about alpine wildlands, she is currently

studying dry valley glaciers.

ruthy porter [17] is an artist, illustrator

and graphic designer whose primary infl uences spring

from her passion for nature’s details. With a background

in environmental education, Ruthy employs art as a win-

dow into the natural sciences and human relationships.

susan prichard , PhD [24], is a forest

ecologist working for the Pacifi c Wildland Fire Sciences

Laboratory. A resident of the Methow Valley, she has

spent most of her life in Washington State and has

studied forests from the soil to forest canopy and from

prehistoric times to the present, focusing on the effects of

fi re and other disturbances on forest dynamics.

robert michael pyle , PhD [9, 23],

is an outstanding naturalist with a special fondness for

butterfl ies. His books include Chasing Monarchs, The

Butterfl ies of Cascadia, Walking the High Ridge:

Life as Field Trip and Wintergreen, winner of the 1987

John Burroughs Medal for Distinguished Nature Writing.

His column, “The Tangled Bank,” can be read in Orion

every other month.

thea linnaea pyle [9] is a printmaker

and gardener who majored in botany at the University of

Washington and has taught wildfl ower classes in Chelan.

Her husband, Bob, calls her “the single most observant

naturalist I know.”

byron ricks [33] is the well-traveled author

of Homelands: Kayaking the Inside Passage, a

chronicle of his fi ve-month kayak journey with his wife

from Glacier Bay, Alaska, to southern Puget Sound.

Byron’s essays have appeared in National Geographic

Adventure and Outside.

jon riedel , PhD [21], is a geologist with the

National Park Service, assisting in the Pacifi c Northwest

with management of hydrologic and geologic resources,

hazards, fl oodplains and erosion control. Jon has pub-

lished several books and papers on geologic history.

judith roche [32] is the author of two

collections of poetry, Myrrh/My Life as a Screamer

and Ghost. She is co-editor of First Fish, First People,

which won an American Book Award, and she has edited

a number of poetry anthologies. Her most recent work

has appeared in Exquisite Corpse, Pebble Review and

several anthologies.

joan stuart ross , MFA [36], is a Seattle

artist known for her prints and paintings and teaches

art at North Seattle Community College. Her work is

included in many public and private collections, including

a commission of paintings for the King County Justice

Center. She is also a published poet and the co-owner of

BallardWorks art studios.

dave sansone [12] is a naturalist who spe-

cializes in wild edible and medicinal plants from urban

areas to mountain meadows. A homesteader in the North

Cascades, he gathers and grows much of his own food.

karl schroeder , MS [35], is an amateur

astronomer, president of the Seattle Astronomical Society

and a builder of telescopes. When he is not teaching,

working with the elementary school science program

Project Astro or giving talks to astronomy clubs, Karl

enjoys hosting star parties to show people the wonders

of the heavens.

rainer stahlberg , PhD [16], is a

research associate in the Department of Botany at the

University of Washington. Educated in Europe, he special-

izes in photobiology, which addresses the effects of light

on living organisms. Rainer is also an excellent fi eld

instructor who has worked alongside the distinguished

botanist Art Kruckeberg for years.

mark turner [25] is a freelance editorial

photographer specializing in botanical subjects, especial-

ly Northwest wildfl owers and gardens. A member of the

native plant societies of Washington and Oregon, he has

more than 25 years of experience exploring native plants.

dana visalli , MS [1, 4], is a fi eld botanist

specializing 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.

saul weisberg , MS [40], is executive

director and co-founder of North Cascades Institute. He is

an ecologist, naturalist and writer who has explored the

Pacifi c Northwest for more than 25 years. Author of From

the Mountains to the Sea and North Cascades: The

Story behind the Scenery, Saul is also an avid paddler,

hiker and bug-watcher.

shelley weisberg , MS [24], is a

botanist who delights in teaching about the joys of native

plants. She has studied plant communities throughout

Washington and coordinated a plant restoration project

for North Cascades National Park.

kent woodruff [38] is a wildlife biologist

with the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest who

loves to teach. His classroom is where you can smell

and hear and feel the subjects under investigation. His

favorite subjects are birds, bats and butterfl ies and how

they fi t in the web of life.

susan zwinger , PhD [37], is the author

of The Last Wild Edge and Stalking the Ice Dragon,

winner of the 1992 Governor’s Writers Award. A gifted art-

ist and naturalist, Susan writes for many natural history

and literary journals and has recently completed The

Hanford Reach: A Land of Contrasts.

INTERESTED IN PROPOSING A COURSE?

We invite naturalists, scientists, educators, writers and artists to

submit proposals to teach fi eld seminars as independent contractors.

Typical courses are small, averaging 12 students, and last from one

to fi ve days. Classes take place primarily in the fi eld, using accom-

modations from backcountry camps to rustic lodges, as well as the

Learning Center. Please remember that our focus is Northwest natural

and cultural history. Many courses incorporate literature, writing,

visual arts and other subjects. Some of our classes are offered for

400-level academic credit through Western Washington University,

and others are available for teacher clock hour certifi cation. Learn

more in the employment section of our Web site or contact our adult

programs coordinator at [email protected].


HELP USCONSERVE AND RESTORE NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTS GIVE TODAY

YOUR SUPPORT makes our work possible. Return this form to North

Cascades Institute, call us at 360 856 5700 ~209 or donate online

at www.ncascades.org.

name

address

city state zip

phone (day) phone (evening)

email address

donation amount

q $250 q $500 q $1000 q $5000 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

signature (as name appears on card)


810 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 support will help us: share our flagship program, Mountain School, where children explore North Cascades wildlands up close with their classmates, teach-ers and chaperones. Children who attend show greater appreciation 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 power-ful 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 generation of young people step outside.

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art and photography

Special thanks to the artists and photographers who

donated the use of their work for this catalog:

CATHERINE AUSTIN (Pyramid p.22)

SUBHANKAR BANERJEE www.wwbphoto.com

PAUL BANNICK www.paulbannick.com

MIKE AND NANCY BARNHART www.barnhartphoto.com

PAT BULLER www.pdbphoto.com

MARIA CORYELL-MARTIN www.expeditionaryart.com (p.31)

KRIS EKSTRAND

ROXANNE GRINSTAD

DAVID HALL

RAMONA HAMMERLY (Baker p.17)

MOLLY HASHIMOTO www.mollyhashimoto.com

MEGAN MCGINTY

LIBBY MILLS

DAVID PLUTH

RUTHY PORTER

MARCIA PHILLIPS (paddlers p.12, ridge p.27)

DARIN REID www.darinreid.com

DAVID SNYDER

SARA STEELE (arrows)

MARK TURNER www.turnerphotographics.com

ALLISON UMBAUGH

Catalog direction and design:

BENJAMIN DRUMMOND www.bendrum.com

about the cover

“Between Shuksan and Kulshan” by Skagit Valley artist

REBECCA FLETCHER. Oil on used door panel; 79 ~ 30.˝

You can contact her at bfl [email protected].

copyright 2006 North Cascades Institute. All

rights reserved. Art, photo and poetry copyrights remain

with creators and are used with permission; text © North

Cascades Institute.

north cascades institute is a

501(c)(3) nonprofi t organization. We do not discriminate

on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity,

religion, sexual orientation or disability in any of our policies

or programs.

staff and board listed online. © D A R I N R E I D / D A R I N R E I D . CO M

44

NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, Washington 98284360 856 5700 ~209 www.ncascades.org

PRINTED ON 100 PERCENT POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PAPER MANUFACTURED WITH WINDPOWER

BY CHOOSING RECYCLED FIBER WE SAVED 80 TREES, 34,101 GALLONS OF WATER AND 3,618 POUNDS OF SOLID WASTE

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION JUNE 3, 2006 AT THE LEARNING CENTER

♼

YOU’RE INVITED TO CELEBRATE WITH US!

Don’t miss North Cascades Institute’s 20th anniversary

party at our new fi eld campus. You’ll enjoy a free day

at the Learning Center with tours, activities, naturalist

walks, canoe trips, a picnic buffet and live music to

celebrate our 20th year in the fi eld and the offi cial ribbon-

cutting ceremony of the Wild Ginger Library.

RSVP AT WWW.NCASCADES.ORG/CELEBRATION


Summer 2006

Documents

Transcript of Summer 2006