Diablo Lake Sunset. Photo by Carson Yach.
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November Photo Round-Up!

Well the cold weather is officially here in the North Cascades. Washington Pass has closed for the year, and the mountains are shimmering with the beginning of their winter coats. While we are still waiting for the first flakes to fall on the Environmental Learning Center, the dwindling daylight, and freezing temperatures make it clear that winter is just around the corner.

With Mountain School in its final week, graduate students wrapping up their Natural History studies, and staff preparing for winter, it’s time for another Monthly Photo Round-Up! I’ve received some great images from staff and grads of the fantastic work and play we’ve been engaged in this November. Take a few minutes and join us in reliving some of these magical moments. 

During the first week of November, graduate students from the M.Ed Residency Program had an opportunity to get a glimpse of what they will be doing in their teaching practicum next spring, with a 3 day Mountain School shadow.

Graduate Student Christine Sanderson (back center) and Mountain School Instructor Christina Maples (back left) with their students, The Bobcats. Photo by Amy Fitkin
Mountain School students writing letters to themselves on the beach of Diablo Lake. Photo by Amy Fikin.
Mountain School students enjoying some November sunshine on Diablo Lake. Photo by Amy Fitkin
Students from Mt. Erie Elementary in Anacordas at Mountain School. Photo by Amy Fitkin

Aside from Mountain School, graduate students have been very busy with their studies. Natural History projects culminated the week before Thanksgiving break with project presentations. After the break, students returned for a whirlwind Foundations of Environmental Education course, and an opportunity to meet some of their future professors at Western Washington University.

Graduate students engaging in an interactive Natural History presentation in Newhalem, facilitated by yours truly. Photo by Amy Fitkin
Graduate students engaging in discussion during their class at the Canada House on WWU’s campus. Photo by Amy Fitkin

Over the weekend of the November 16-17, The Northwest Youth Leadership Summit (NYLS) was held at the Mountaineers Seattle Program Center. North Cascades Institute was featured along with dozens of great agencies and organizations to provide lessons and opportunities for youth age 14 to 26 to get outside and develop their outdoor leadership skills!

Students practicing their ropes skills with The Mountaineers Adventure Club. Photo by Deven Vilar.
Maketa Wilborn illustrating youth voices and ideas in the Open Space activity. Photo by Deven Vilar.

 

C17 Graduate Student Tanner Johnson sharing opportunities offered by North Cascades Institute. Photo by Deven Vilar.
Aleta Eng speaking during the “Envisioning Yourself as a Ranger” breakout session  led by the US Forest Service. Photo by Deven Vilar
Participants of the 2018 Northwest Youth Leadership Summit (NYLS).

Of course no Photo Round-Up would be complete without featuring our main attraction: Mother Nature! Several members of our community got out in our beautiful backyard last month take in views, track animals, and enjoy some early season ski laps at Mt. Baker!

Bear tracks on Heart’s Pass. Photo by Amy Fitkin
Snowshoe Hare tracks on Hart’s Pass. Amy Fitkin
Hart’s Pass. Photo by Amy Fitkin
Backcountry powder seekers at Mount Baker. Photo by Carson Yach
Beautiful Mt. Shuksan from Mt. Baker Ski Area. Photo by Carson Yach
Chum Salmon after spawning on the Nooksack River. Photo by Sam Olson

Lastly, on behalf of the North Cascades Institute, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to our I Love the North Cascades Photo Contest. In all, we received over 300 photos from staff, grads, friends and fans! We compiled all of your wonderful pictures in a Flickr album. Take a look!

Thanks for viewing, and stay tuned for our December round-up coming next year! If you have any great pictures you’d like to see in an upcoming photo round-up, please email them to me! matt_ferrell@ncascades.org 

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