Summer 2024 Photo Round-up!
What a summer it’s been, jam-packed and overflowing with fun as Institute programs got folks outside exploring and learning in our wild backyard! A sampling of the action included birding, frog-catching (and releasing), snake-counting, Big Canoe-ing, knot-tying, star-gazing, s’mores-ing and a lot of ooo-ing and ahh-ing. By that count alone, summer at the Institute was a spectacular success with the photographic evidence below—thanks for being a part of it!
Field Excursions
Follow this summer’s Adult & Family field excursions on a map and you’ll see a zigzag of adventure with pins dropped as far apart as Artist Point, the Columbia Basin, and the San Juan Islands. Hannah, Lindsey, and our passionate guest experts brought participants out by boat and boot to get hands on with seaweed, snakes, pollinators and more. Where will we go next? Keep up with future class offerings in our monthly enewsletter Field Notes.
Family Getaways
Learning can feel a lot like play around here—especially during Family Getaways. From morning’s first light right up until bedtime, our multi-generational groups had options galore—guided hikes to Sourdough Waterfall, canoe voyages, and lessons on bears, bugs, plant medicine and more. There were nature crafts, costume parades, skits, songs and games. Phew, how did we fit it all in?! Big props go to every staff member at the Learning Center for the hustle it takes to create these experiences connecting families with nature! 
Youth Leadership Adventures
Over the course of 9 backcountry trips, our Youth Leadership Adventures program engaged more students this summer than the program has served in a season since 2018. Students gained new skills in leadership and connection even in the case of 2 bilingual trips that brought together English-only and Spanish-only speakers. Through games, laughter, and shared experiences on the trail, students learned it’s possible to Create Community Beyond Language. Listen to students’ post-trip reflections in “What YLA Means to Me” and see more highlights in our YLA 2024 photo album.
Skagit Tours
Nearly 3,500 visitors joined us this summer to take in the splendor of Diablo Lake views from the deck of the Alice Ross IV. We also saw the return of “Dam Good” Chicken Dinners at the historic Gorge Inn in Newhalem—a tasty tradition since the 1930s! See Skagit Tours 2024 for more trip photos.
Retail & Outreach
Summer is always a whirlwind for our Retail team operating North Cascades National Park gift shops, and this has been another record-breaking season with long lines of visitors snapping up souvenirs. Outreach Coordinator Britt also set up our booth in some particularly beautiful spots like Artist Point and Heather Meadows to introduce park visitors to North Cascades Institute.
Gatherings at the Environmental Learning Center
In addition to welcoming hundreds of walk-up visitors and program participants, the Learning Center hosted several group gatherings. Staff from the Sedro-Woolley office and the Learning Center gathered for team-building, instructor-led lessons, and a group lunch during our All-Staff Day. Outdoor Asian Washington, Latino Outdoors, and members of Outdoor Afro, visited campus for our inaugural Affinity Weekend—a chance to rest, reflect, connect and explore this beautiful, shared landscape. Our Board of Directors and Leadership Team came together for a working retreat to bond as a team and plan for the future. We also hosted a special event for Headwaters Club with a presentation by NPS biologist Roger Christophersen and skulls lesson with Victoria and Annabelle.
Wow, we packed in so much over a few short months and there’s a lot to feel proud of—thanks for taking a tour of the season’s best!
What a fabulous summer! Thanks to all for the deep spirit and good energy you bring to the collective mission. Makes my heart sing. 🎶♥️
It was indeed a FANTASTIC summer. So glad to be a part of learning, growing, and exploring in the North Cascades!