Weekly Photo Roundup: February 26 2017

Every Sunday I will be posting photos collected from various NCI graduate students and staff. Please enjoy this glimpse into our everyday lives here in the North Cascades.

Cohort 16 graduate students relaxing at Skalitude. Photo by Angela Burlile

On February 18th, graduate M.Ed students began their week-long winter natural history intensive in the Methow Valley. Staying at the Skalitude Retreat Center, students focused on winter ecology, snow science and winter camping skills.

The main lodge at Skalitude Retreat Center. Photo by Melissa Biggs

The Bermhouse suites. Each room has 2 or 3 bed and composts toilets. Photo by Kay Gallagher

Graduate Program Director, Joshua Porter, explaining how to properly document animal tracks.  Photo by Melissa Biggs

On the first day of the natural history intensive, graduate students practiced their tracking skills around the 160 acre Skalitude property. By the end of the day, grads had identified and documented coyote, bobcat, cougar, snowshoe hare, grouse and more!

Heading out for a day of tracking. Photo by Angela Burlile

Taking a break to enjoy the afternoon blue skies. Photo by Angela Burlile

Photo by Ash Kunz

On Wednesday, graduate students built two quinzee huts and two mega mid snow structures for a night of winter camping. These snow forts were put to the test, as temperatures dipped down to the single digits that evening.

Grad student, Rachael Grasso, working on the outdoor kitchen area. Photo by Angela Burlile

The complete outdoor kitchen and fire ring. Photo by Kay Gallagher

Grad students, Rachael Grasso and Dan Dubie, lighting up the stoves for breakfast. Photo by Ash Kunz

Grad student, Dan Dubie, identifying the different layers found in his snow pit. Photo by Ash Kunz

Thursday was spent hiking up the ridge behind the Bermhouse to do a bit of snow science and avalanche safety training.

Clear evening skies made for ideal stargazing opportunities. Photo by Kay Gallager

Title photo by Angela Burlile