North Cascades Institute

After being inspired by the mission and vision of the Youth Leadership Adventures program, I joined North Cascades Institute’s seasonal staff in June of 2021. I’ve continued here and grown in my role because of the people—the vibrant community that the Institute creates.

In a recent conversation with my coworkers, I described the scope and impact of the Institute as a series of concentric circles: The region – our participants – our staff – and the individual.

Mar 3, 2022stephanie_friesen

Before turning our lens to spring flowers and bursting leaf buds, let’s bring winter into focus with another round-up of staff photos. As the calendar flipped forward, …
Read More of Winter 2021/2022 Photo Round-Up!

Jan 27, 2022Special Guest

The world is changing around us and I want to do my part to help and make a positive impact. — 2021 YEP! Participant, grade 10 The …
Read More of Youth come together for community climate solutions

Jan 19, 2022North Cascades Institute

In 2007, Kristofer Gilje began working for North Cascades Institute as a Facilities Manager at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. His previous experience working at Holden …
Read More of Happy Trails Kristofer Gilje

Jan 4, 2022North Cascades Institute

Since our beginning in 1986, North Cascades Institute has incorporated the arts in to our programs in service of our conservation mission. Writing, painting, poetry, literature, photography …
Read More of Whatcom READS 2022 – Read the book, join the conversation

Dec 24, 2021North Cascades Institute

Sit back with a cup of tea and your feet up and enjoy this excerpt from North Cascades Institute’s online poetry reading “Light in Winter: A Dialogue …
Read More of “Poems from the Pandemic” with Saul Weisberg and Holly Hughes

Dec 18, 2021stephanie_friesen

A lot can happen in 3 months—like an entire season of Mountain School, an epic flooding event, and sightings of wolves, cougars and dragons! On the eve …
Read More of Fall 2021 Photo Round-Up!

Dec 17, 2021North Cascades Institute

When Jennifer Morales met a female National Park Ranger at the NW Environmental Youth Summit in 2017, the seed was planted for her future coursework and career. At this …
Read More of The Difference a Role Model Makes

Dec 15, 2021Special Guest

Exciting news! Don Striker has joined North Cascades National Park as the new Superintendent. Striker most recently served as the superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve …
Read More of Welcome Don Striker to the North Cascades!

Dec 10, 2021Special Guest

Since the start of the pandemic, North Cascades Institute has offered dozens of online learning experiences exploring the natural and cultural history of the North Cascades ecosystem.
Read More of Best of 2021 Online Classes – rent a playlist!