North Cascades Institute - Connecting people, nature, and community since 1986

Before diving into the exciting learning adventures we have planned for this summer, join our Field Programs team Emily Schauble and Shelby Gresch on a photographic review of 2026 field excursions so far! See even more photos in the Institute’s Flickr albums.

Birding Across the Skagit Valley

The beginning of 2026 saw Field Programs venturing forth to observe migratory birds with avian enthusiasts Joe Ordoñez and Brendan McGarry. Affectionately called “Birding by Butt”, we warmed up in our vehicles in between each birding hotspot so that we could brave chilly temperatures.

Jun 15, 2026North Cascades Institute

This Spring, Mountain School welcomed hundreds of students from across the region into the forests, watersheds, and communities of the North Cascades. Throughout the season, students hiked …
Read More of Spring 2026 Mountain School Highlights

Jun 5, 2026Marissa Bluestein

In Search of Waterfalls, Lush Forests, and Quiet Trails Early spring in the North Cascades is a time of transition. Snow still covers the high peaks, but …
Read More of From the Trail: Spring Hiking in the North Cascades

May 18, 2026North Cascades Institute

For forty years, the North Cascades Institute has believed transformation happens outdoors—in mossy forests, along singing rivers, under open skies. This spring, we’re honoring those roots. This …
Read More of Tom Fleischner with Saul Weisberg 40th anniversary events this week

May 14, 2026Marissa Bluestein

Every spring, the skies above the North Cascades come alive with one of nature’s greatest hidden spectacles: bird migration. While hikers and wildflower lovers explore the trails …
Read More of The Secret Skyway: Spring Bird Migration in the North Cascades

Apr 28, 2026Special Guest

The heart of my new book Astonished By Beauty: A Field Guide to the Practice of Paying Attention consists of two main sections. The first, “A Geography …
Read More of “Crossing the Threshold” with Tom Fleischner

Apr 14, 2026Marissa Bluestein

Spring has sprung in the North Cascades Congratulations! After surviving the dark and rainy days that is Washington winter, Spring is finally here in the North Cascades! …
Read More of From the Trail: Phenology and Climate Change in the North Cascades

Apr 6, 2026North Cascades Institute

At North Cascades Institute, service is not an abstract value—it’s something we practice. Through our Service Day program, staff are encouraged to volunteer their time and talents …
Read More of Service Days in Action: How Institute Staff Are Showing Up for Community, Conservation, and Care

Mar 15, 2026Marissa Bluestein

The Secret Winter World Underwater in the North Cascades Living close to the Skagit River over the years and watching fall slip into winter can be a …
Read More of From the Trail: The Secret Winter World Underwater in the North Cascades

Mar 2, 2026North Cascades Institute

By Kate Little, Youth Leadership Coordinator When I’m downvalley and strangers ask me about my job and Youth Leadership Adventures, I’ve always had a response ready to …
Read More of YLA Life: Trust, Solving Problems, and Living inside a Garmin!

Spring 2026 Field Programs Highlights

Birding Across the Skagit Valley

Spring 2026 Mountain School Highlights

From the Trail: Spring Hiking in the North Cascades

Tom Fleischner with Saul Weisberg 40th anniversary events this week

The Secret Skyway: Spring Bird Migration in the North Cascades

“Crossing the Threshold” with Tom Fleischner

From the Trail: Phenology and Climate Change in the North Cascades

Service Days in Action: How Institute Staff Are Showing Up for Community, Conservation, and Care

From the Trail: The Secret Winter World Underwater in the North Cascades

YLA Life: Trust, Solving Problems, and Living inside a Garmin!

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