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Spring 2026 Field Programs Highlights

Spring 2026 Field Programs Highlights
Jun 24, 2026North Cascades Institute

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 …
Read More of Spring 2026 Field Programs Highlights

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Recent Articles

  • Guardians of Life: Vancouver Island Rebuilding Indigenous Sovereignty
  • “The Earth Said Remember Me” by Jason Dove Mark
  • Leave No Trace in the North Cascades: Protecting a Wild Place During Peak Adventure Season
  • Spring 2026 Field Programs Highlights
  • Spring 2026 Mountain School Highlights

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Inspiring environmental stewardship through education, exploration and connection since 1986.
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Join us this Saturday, July 18 at WWU's new House Join us this Saturday, July 18 at WWU's new House of Healing for a presentation by National Geographic photographer Kiliii Yüyan, during the Nature of Writing Summer Series. 

As the biodiversity and climate crises converge, Guardians of Life highlights the vital role of Indigenous leadership in sustaining ecological and cultural resilience. Based on Yüyan's photography, this stunning volume, published by Braided River, journeys to communities living in deep relationship with their ancestral homelands. Through vivid portraits of Indigenous leaders, youth, and elders, it reveals enduring ways of knowing and caring for the land—grounded in a profound respect for life. The book affirms Indigenous sovereignty and calls for a broader movement to protect and sustain the living planet.

Kiliii will be joined in conversation by Free Borsey (Tsx’vilum)—a member of the Lummi Nation and First Nation We Wai Kai—and local student and Youth Leadership Adventures alumni, Abi Schenken. 

🎟️ Reserve Your Seat at ncascades.org/now

Panel no. 1: Image by Kiliii Yüyan, used with permission from Braided River. The traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht includes Radar Beach, shown in this aerial photograph. This area often described as one of the world’s most beautiful tourist destinations. The Tla-o-qui-aht believe in sharing their pristine natural places with the wider public, but only if that public in turn accepts the essential nature of Tla-o-qui-aht sovereignty over their land.

Panel no. 2: Image by Kiliii Yüyan, used with permission from Braided River. Carrying cedar boards that he will use to repair a walkway, Joe Louie passes the welcome sign to the Tla-o-qui-aht’s Meares Island tribal park, on western Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Since the 1980s, the Tla-o-qui-aht have protected, managed, and maintained Meares Island through the work of park guardians like Louie.
Grrrrr 🐯. Columbian Lily (Lilium columbianum) is a Grrrrr 🐯. Columbian Lily (Lilium columbianum) is also known as a tiger lily and they’re pretty neat. 

🐯🪷 Columbian lily occurs in western North America primarily British Columbia, California, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. 

🐯🪷 Originating from a large white ovoid bulb, it is a widespread native perennial with one strong unbranched stem reaching as high as four feet and is identified with its orange or orange-red flowers with dark spots. 

🐯🪷 Its habitat is broad ranging from coastal scrub to prairies, meadows, coniferous forests, open woodlands, and roadsides. 

🐯🪷 Coast Salish and other western Washington indigenous people steamed, boiled or pit-cooked its bulbs. With a peppery flavor, they were mostly used as a flavoring, often in soup with meat or fish.

Have you ever seen a tiger lily in the wild? Leave a 🐯 in the comments. 

📸: Hannah Black
Trade busy schedules for mountain trails, lakeshor Trade busy schedules for mountain trails, lakeshore discoveries, and evenings beneath brilliant star-filled skies.

Family Getaways invite families of all kinds to spend a memorable weekend together at North Cascades Institute’s Environmental Learning Center on the shores of stunning Diablo Lake. Nestled in the heart of North Cascades National Park, you’ll enjoy comfortable lodging, delicious meals, and a welcoming community while Institute naturalists lead hands-on activities designed to engage curious minds of every age.

Hike to a hidden waterfall, explore ancient old-growth forests, search for wildlife, bond over art projects and nature games, and uncover the fascinating natural history of the North Cascades. After dinner, venture out on a nighttime adventure to learn about nocturnal animals and find the Big Dipper beneath some of Washington’s darkest skies.

“We wanted a new experience to be out in nature and enjoy many components of “camping” without having to deal with all the logistics, supplies and cooking. It was a perfect introduction to hiking and being in nature. We continue coming back every year because it’s such a magical place. It is a treat to travel and have all our needs taken care of.” — Rebecka Family Getaways participant

Family Getaways offers a rare opportunity to unplug, learn together, and create lasting memories in one of North America’s most spectacular landscapes.

🌲 Explore upcoming weekends and register today: ncascades.org/family
Join us at Village Books this Thursday, July 16th, Join us at Village Books this Thursday, July 16th, as we welcome Jason Dove Mark with his latest book "The Earth Said Remember Me," as part of the Nature of Writing Summer Series. 

As climate change accelerates and biodiversity declines, we risk adapting to loss without noticing—a phenomenon scientists call “shifting baseline syndrome.” In "The Earth Said Remember Me", environmental activist and former Sierra editor-in-chief Jason Dove Mark offers a hopeful antidote, built around four simple practices: go outside, bear witness, make a record, and pass it on. Through stories of citizen scientists, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts, Mark shows how everyday actions can help us reconnect with the natural world and support conservation, one person at a time.

📌 Reserve Your Seat at ncascades.org/now
Hiking and backpacking season are in full swing! Hiking and backpacking season are in full swing! 

🥾🏕️ With adventures through lush forests, slogs to high alpine lakes, sufferfests climbing up remote and rugged peaks, there’s something for everyone in the North Cascades!

🥾🏕️ North Cascades National Park is over 95% wilderness and is surrounded by several National Forests. Being able to recreate in these places means we also have to take care of them. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles when you are out on the trail. 

What hikes and/or backpacks are you looking forward to this season?

📸: @bluemrb
What if you could go to Mountain School, too? Thi What if you could go to Mountain School, too?

This fall, bring your family to the North Cascades for a shared outdoor learning experience inspired by our award-winning program. Spend three days exploring forests, watersheds, and wildlife together—through guided hikes, hands-on science investigations, nature journaling, games, and creative activities.

Set along the shores of Diablo Lake, this 3-day, 2-night experience invites families to learn side by side, build confidence and curiosity, and connect more deeply with each other and the natural world. The cost for this unique learning experience is subsidized by donor support in order to welcome as many learners as possible!

🌲 Openings available Oct 12-14, and Nov 16-18. Register online today! 

https://ncascades.org/signup/programs/open-enrollment-mountain-school-october-12-14-2026

https://ncascades.org/signup/programs/open-enrollment-mountain-school-november-16-18-2026
NEW ART AND POETRY CLASS! On Saturday, Sept 5, joi NEW ART AND POETRY CLASS! On Saturday, Sept 5, join Methow Valley–based writer and artist Sarah Gilman for a field course on crafting an illustrated poem in conversation with the land. 

Starting from the Environmental Learning Center, we'll explore the edges of burn scars from the Goodell and Sourdough fires, gathering reference photos and sketches, writing notes and impressions, and learning about the area's natural history and renewal. Back in the classroom, Sarah will help participants shape their observations into a final illustrated piece, capturing the beauty and resilience of the North Cascades. 

>> Sign up today at https://ncascades.org/signup/programs/wild-and-fire-illustrating-poetry-about-our-dynamic-landscapes

(images by artist and writer Sarah Gilman @hiddendrawerdesigns )
North Cascades Institute, Village Books and Settin North Cascades Institute, Village Books and Setting Sun Circle invite you to join us for the Nature of Writing Summer Series, featuring Jason Dove Mark and Kiliii Yüyan!

On July 16, we'll welcome environmental journalist Jason Dove Mark to Village Books to share his new book "The Earth Said Remember Me"—an invitation to go outside, bear witness, make a record, and pass it on. 

Then, on July 18, enjoy a slideshow and conversation about "Guardians of Life" with National Geographic photographer Kiliii Yüyan. Through vivid portraits of Indigenous communities—youth and elders, hunters and farmers, spiritual leaders and craftspeople—this new book from Braided River offers powerful perspectives on relationships to land and care for our planet and one another. 

📚 Get Tickets Today! >> ncascades.org/now
The Washington State Wilderness act turned 42 last The Washington State Wilderness act turned 42 last week. Happy belated anniversary/birthday? Either way it’s something to celebrate 🥳! 

🌲 Signed on July 3, 1984 the act permanently protected over one million acres of Washington State land, designating them as wilderness areas. 

🌲 This act established or expanded 23 wilderness areas, including notable locations like Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and Henry M. Jackson. It also created the Mount Baker National Recreation Area and the North Cascades Scenic Highway.

🌲 The act aimed to preserve these areas for their natural character, offering opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation while prohibiting  development, motorized and mechanized equipment, with some exceptions for managing agencies.

Let's continue to celebrate and care for our Washington wilderness areas!

📸: @awilsondc
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