Imbolc: The Promise of the Return of the Light
Photo by tree
The word Imbolc is derived from the Old Irish word "Imbolg," meaning "in the belly," and this Gaelic festival symbolizes the burgeoning life nestled within the womb of the Earth. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic word oimelc, meaning “ewe’s milk.” The modern name is pronounced “im-bowl-k” or sometimes “im-bowl-g”.
Traditionally, Imbolc signaled a time of getting ready for the agricultural season for Gaelic communities, who would cleanse and purify their homes in anticipation of the increasing light (spring cleaning, anyone?). The festival's themes of ewes and lactation is connected with the forthcoming birth of lambs and the anticipation of prosperity. Fire represented the sacred flame of Brigid, associated with wisdom, poetry, healing, protection, smithing and domesticated animals, and of revitalization returning to the land.
After months of hibernation and rest, of turning inward during the Dreamtime, life is beginning to stir again. Choose your seeds wisely for the growing season ahead. Consider the metaphoric soil and nutrients that you are able to offer, and don’t crowd the garden of yourself with too many things. All things in good time and in good season.
Light a candle, symbolizing your light that stands with myriad other lights, on the turning of the year back towards the light and longer days in the Northern Hemisphere. We will only thrive in the ongoing Collapse together. Separation is not the answer. War can never bring peace. #ceasefirenow
Photo credit Laura Albast, National March on Washington, November 4, 2023.
“Every particular in nature, a leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole. Each particle is a microcosm, and faithfully renders the likeness of the world.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Our planet consists of a massively complex interchange of systems nested within systems. An individual physical body is composed of various organs and systems, each maintained by groups of cells, molecules, and atoms. Zoom out, and families, communities, regions, and species are all governed by similar, if more metaphoric, systems of regulation.
We are embedded in ecosystems: the biosphere, the solar system, our galaxy, and the universe. Human beings are as much a part of nature as the oceans, trees, and stars. “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself,” as Carl Sagan famously said.
In a complex system, one benefits from looking at things from more than one perspective. A single line of sight can lead one to think they understand the whole system, but by shifting angles and seeing how the relationships shift between elements, a deeper understanding is gained. Medicine and science have firmly held specific viewpoints that continue to morph and change as new information comes to light. For example, gravitational theory continues to be updated as new information is gained, from Aristotle to quantum physics and beyond.
The conflict in Gaza is complex. So is the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Pro-Israel groups have labeled the phrase antisemitic; when Palestinians use this phrase, many Zionists argue that this is a Palestinian call for genocide. But as historian Maha Nassar has noted, there has never been an “official Palestinian position calling for the forced removal of Jews from Palestine.”
From Yousef Munayyer, head of the Palestine/Israel Program and senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC: “The phrase “from the river to the sea” captures the hoped-for future of Palestinians as no other can, because it encompasses the entire geography in which Palestinian rights are denied. It is across this space—and across the political and geographic divisions that Israeli rule has imposed—that Palestinians must unite to create change. It is this space that Palestinians call home, regardless of what anyone else calls it.”
As supporters of Real Rent Duwamish and the end of settler colonialism, we support the indigenous efforts of Palestinian solidarity. From Indigenous Solidarity with Palestine: “Decolonization is the only form of justice for the crimes of settler colonialism. Those who advocate for Native liberation from US occupation must also advocate for decolonization in Palestine. And those who advocate for decolonization in Palestine must also advocate for Native liberation from US occupation.”
We are all connected, even from the other side of the world. War will never bring peace. As of the writing of this newsletter, the latest death toll stands at 27,270 Palestinians killed and about 1,139 people killed in Israel since October 7. “The war against the earth begins in the mind,” says Dr Vandana Shiva, an Indian physicist, environmentalist, and recipient of the 2010 Sydney Peace Prize.
The ecological toll of the conflict in Gaza transcends borders on the currents of the waters and the atmosphere. From polluted water supplies to toxic smoke-filled air from burning buildings and bodies, every aspect of life in Gaza is now filled with some form of pollution. The planet-warming emissions generated during the first two months of the war in Gaza were greater than the annual carbon footprint of more than 20 of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, new research reveals.
Rewilding means decolonizing. From Rewild Portland’s Decolonizing in Rewilding class: “For indigenous people, rewilding is a fight to reclaim and decolonize their lands and to rekindle ancient traditions of place-based resilience. For displaced Native and non-native people, rewilding is a struggle to shed the reliance on conveniences associated with the devastating impacts of capitalism and repair the damage we’ve done as threads in the colonial tapestry. For all of us, rewilding is about understanding the traumas inflicted on humans and our ecosystems by those with power and privilege, and working our way back to a regenerative, non-invasive (or “naturalized” in plant terminology) relationship.”
Falastiniyat: A grassroots collective of diasporic Palestinian feminists in Seattle living & organizing at the intersection of gender justice and anti-colonialism
Jewish Voice For Peace: “Jewish Voice for Peace is the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world. We’re organizing a grassroots, multiracial, cross-class, intergenerational movement of U.S. Jews into solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle, guided by a vision of justice, equality, and dignity for all people.”
IfNotNow: “We are a movement of American Jews organizing our community to end U.S. support for Israel's apartheid system and demand equality, justice, and a thriving future for all Palestinians and Israelis.”
International Solidarity Movement:“The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) is a Palestinian-led movement committed to resisting the long-entrenched and systematic oppression and dispossession of the Palestinian population, using non-violent, direct-action methods and principles.”
Paulé Wood, one of the co-initiators of Rewild Salish Sea, just did a talk on loneliness at the 7th Annual North American Rewilding Conference. So many people are saying they feel separation, they feel loneliness. More than half of U.S. adults say they’re lonely, and of course, holding identities or factors outside of the default narrative increases loneliness. For instance, if you’re a queer, neurodivergent, single parent of mixed race, the factors of loneliness get much more acute in navigating the spells of modernity.
Some of the antidotes to loneliness included:
Create and support third spaces, like makerspaces and libraries
Get yourself outside, even just to your backyard or a local park. Fight disassociation and ground yourself with physical activity. Physical exercise outside at least once a week = 50% decrease in risk of mental unwellness
Move your body as you can, sing with people, cook and eat meals together. Cooking and eating together has physical, mental, and emotional benefits past nutrition. Music and dance ignite hedonic brain networks, giving rise to action, emotion, and learning.
Regain the muscles of social stamina that might have atrophied in the pandemic lockdowns. We’ve somewhat lost our ability to be in discomfort or disagreement with each other, which is necessary to build robust, mutual ties. We will only rise together.
Check on each other, hang out together with no agenda, make things (even badly! especially badly!)
Rely less on social media for your social and communication needs and text or call people and directly invite them to do something with you.
Get to know people who are not like you. Go meet those neighbors you’ve been avoiding (yes, those neighbors). Find common humanity and ground where you can, and navigate away from disagreement unless you can hold space for each other and feel mutually heard. GO SLOWLY and build stamina and trust together We will only thrive in climate collapse together
Watch the full talk, “Rewilding Loneliness: A Crisis of Community and Loss of Shared Spaces”
Regenerate Cascadia Bioregional Learning and Education UnConference
10am-4pm, Saturday, February 17th
Join Regenerate Cascadia at an online Open Space exploring the topic of bioregional learning and education in Cascadia with te goal of launching a Bioregional Learning Guild. This event is an opportunity for educators, students, thinkers, do-ers, and community members to come together and delve into the transformative power of bioregional education and learning.
An open-space format will be used for gathering and organizing the sessions, with the Framing Question: How can bioregional learning patterns help communities better understand and connect with their local ecosystems and cultural identities?
Join us in shaping a future where education and ecology meet, creating a more connected and resilient Cascadia. Your insights and participation are vital in turning this vision into reality. The Zoom link will be emailed out after registering, along with further instructions and ways to prepare.
Hospicing Modernity: join us for a 7-month book club / experiential hybrid practice
Hospicing Modernity: Facing Humanity’s Wrongs and the Implications for Social Activism by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira is a book that serves as a foundational resource for people who long to respond to the overlapping crises created by capitalist modernity with more awareness, maturity, and playfulness.
It can be a highly uncomfortable read, but by gathering and incorporating somatic practices, we hope to expand our collective capacity for discomfort and together allow ourselves to become disillusioned with the extractive, violent systems that affect us all.
We plan to host seven monthly Friday evening meetings from January to July on Zoom and weave in in-person gatherings as possible. Jan 19th, Feb 16th, Mar 15th, Apr 12th, May 10th, Jun 14th, Jul 12th
Upstream Podcast: radical ideas and inspiring stories for a just transition to a more beautiful and equitable world
“Founded in 2016, Upstream is a podcast that offers a quarterly Documentary series and a bi-monthly In Conversation series exploring a wide variety of themes pertaining to economics — from an anti-capitalist perspective. Through a mixture of heartfelt stories, expert interviews, and rich sound design, we invite you to unlearn everything you thought you knew about economics and imagine what a better world could look like.”
Be sure to check out these episodes:
The multi-episode deep-dive conversations about Palestine with leading activists and academics
A series outlining the history and context of the formation of the state of Israel, how Palestinians resisted Israeli occupation from before the state was even created, and how they continued to resist throughout the disingenuously named “peace” process that culminated with the Oslo Accords, which was never intended to bring lasting peace to the region but was intended to cement in the status quo. (Episode list)
The Case Against the Professional Managerial Class with Catherine Liu
Professional Managerial Class (PMC) elite workers labor in a world of performative identity and virtue signaling, publicizing an ability to do ordinary things in fundamentally superior ways. Author Catherine Liu shows how the PMC stands in the way of social justice and economic redistribution by promoting meritocracy, philanthropy, and other self-serving operations to abet an individualist path to a better world. Virtue Hoarders is an unapologetically polemical call to reject making a virtue out of taste and consumption habits. (Listen)
Upcoming events around the Salish Sea
Events are in chronological order. Tell us about your event and we will share it.
Free Wilderness Awareness School: eCourses
Online in your email inbox
Bird Language, Wilderness Survival, Wild Plant Identification, Nature Connection, and Secret World of Mushrooms eCourses. “Gain a renewed perspective for the natural world with free eCourses delivered right to your inbox.”
Sign up
The Heron’s Nest Landback Project: Outdoor Education & Restorative Justice Volunteer Land Stewardship Day
Every Monday, 10 am - 2 pm
”Work includes general landscaping, blackberry root removal, ivy and invasive species removal, new plantings, weeding, small building projects, and more! All ages activities, Gloves, tools, snacks, and drinks are available. Come as you are, feel free to bring what you like. On-leash dogs welcome.”
More information
4818 Puget Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 (above the Duwamish longhouse)
Seattle Spoon Club
Every third Friday of the month, 6 - 9 pm
“A gathering of spoon enthusiasts in the Seattle area. Come join this wonderful community. We will have spoon blanks available, but we ask that you bring your own tools.”
More information
Seattle Spoon Club at Pratt Fine Arts Center, 1902 South Main St, Seattle, WA 98144
Green Seattle Partnership
Myriad opportunities across the City of Seattle
“The Green Seattle Partnership is a collaboration between City of Seattle, community groups and non-profits, businesses, schools, and thousands of volunteers working together to restore and actively maintain the City’s forested parklands.”
Check website for details
Washington Native Plant Society
Myriad opportunities across the City of Seattle
“The mission of the Washington Native Plant Society is to promote the appreciation and conservation of Washington's native plants and their habitats through study, education, and advocacy.”
More information
ʔálʔal Café Gallery: Crystal Christopherson and Kalee Nelson
Now until Mar 1, Tue-Fri, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
“Chief Seattle Club is proud to present the winter exhibition in ʔálʔal Café featuring artwork by Crystal Christopherson (Tlingit) and Kalee Nelson (Tsimshian). Winter for many is a season for remembrance and reflection. In Alaska Native communities, people return home, gathering inside to make art and pass stories from one generation to the next. For this exhibition, two artists bring us comfort in a time of cold by sharing works that uplift their cultural traditions and relatives who have passed on.”
More information
ʔálʔal Café at 122 2nd Ave S, Seattle
North Cascades Institute: Bald Eagles of the Skagit Valley
Sat Feb 03, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
“To get to know the bald eagle better, join naturalist Joe Ordóñez for a journey exploring the Skagit Valley. Joe has decades of experience observing, photographing and interpreting bald eagles' behavior. We will learn about bald eagles' life cycle, annual migration patterns and how bald eagles fit into the local ecology. We will discuss the winter chum salmon runs on the Skagit, Nooksack, Fraser and Chilkat Rivers and their critical role in sustaining healthy bald eagle populations.”
More information
Howard Miller Steelhead Park
Northwest Natura: Outdoor Skills: Fire & Breadmaking
Sun Feb 4th, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
“Come out and enjoy an afternoon learning survival firelighting and baking bread over a campfire with Northwest Natura! This course is designed to be highly engaging with hands-on activities, including practicing firelighting with a ferro rod, locating materials for fire making, and preparing and baking (and eating!) 2 loaves of bread at camp.”
More information
The location of this course will take place on forested public land in Whatcom County. Registered Participants will receive driving directions and other information in an email sent 3-4 days prior to the event.
North Cascades Institute: Painting the PNW in Watercolor (Online Event)
Sun, Feb 04, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (part 1 of 2)
”Join local watercolor artist Claire Giordano for the first of a unique two-part online workshop where we will explore the wonders of the Pacific Northwest with watercolor. On each day of the class Claire will lead us through a beautiful landscape painting with color mixing and techniques practice followed by step-by-step instruction so we can bring the painting to life together. Our landscapes will be a coastal mountain scene and a woodland or waterfall painting.”
More information
Online
Northwest Natura: River Time: A Mental Health Day
Thu Feb 8th, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
“Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a day on the riverbank looking at wildlife tracks, observing wildlife, learning names of plants and fungi, having skipping/throwing rock contests for giggles, and to just get away from it all in this special outing designed to uplift and inspire the winter blues to take a hike. Expect gentle walking on sandy and gravely ground next to the Nooksack River.”
More information
Eagle Homestead Park - Nooksack River
Wilderness Awareness School: Monthly Night Club
Fri Feb 9, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
“Night Club invites you to explore your relationship with darkness and light by practicing nature connection beyond the realm of day. Through games, discussion, modeling, art, sensory play, and more, you’ll experience astronomy, awareness, games & challenges, nocturnal critters, and campfire connection."
More information
Linne Doran Campus, Cedar Lodge, 20410 320th Ave NE, Duvall, WA, 98019
Duwamish Longhouse: Soul to Soul — Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Sat Feb 10, 4:30 - 7:00 pm
More information
Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center, 4705 West Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA, 98106
North Cascades Institute: Painting the PNW in Watercolor (Online Event)
Sun, Feb 11, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (part 2 of 2)
”Join local watercolor artist Claire Giordano for the second of a unique two-part online workshop where we will explore the wonders of the Pacific Northwest with watercolor. On each day of the class, Claire will lead us through a beautiful landscape painting with color mixing and techniques practice followed by step-by-step instruction so we can bring the painting to life together. Our landscapes will be a coastal mountain scene and a woodland or waterfall painting.”
More information
Online
North Cascades Institute: Under the Surface with Bird Bones and Skeletons (OnlineEvent)
Wed Feb 14, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
“In part one of a four-part series of talks on bird biology, naturalist David Lukas will introduce us to bird bones and skeletons. We will learn about skulls, beaks, eyes, wings, legs and feet, and the unique features of a bird skeleton, while discussing how each feature helps birds adapt to and move in their environments. David is a well-known naturalist based in the Methow Valley, author of seven books on a wide range of nature topics, and veteran of thousands of natural history tours, classes, workshops, and presentations.”
More information
Online
EartHand: Climate and Plants- Virtual Discussion
Thu Feb 15, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
“This project brings seasonal fibre harvesting knowledge and hand skills together with citizen science opportunities for observing climate change impacts on the land and plants. Each seasonal walk provides a different focus for our collective lens of observation and discussion at each site. Returning to the same plants each walk we will develop an ongoing awareness of what we are observing in the plant cycles of growth and decay, and the harvesting and stewarding schedule that is layered onto our work with these plants.”
More information
Online
Rewild Salish Sea: Hospicing Modernity book club / experiential hybrid practice
Fri Feb 16th: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
The second session of seven of Hospicing Modernity: we will sit with, work through, and talk about Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira. This book serves as a foundational resource for people who long to respond to the overlapping crises created by capitalist modernity with more awareness, maturity, and playfulness. It can be a highly uncomfortable read, but by gathering and incorporating somatic practices, we hope to expand our collective capacity for discomfort and together allow ourselves to become disillusioned with the extractive, violent systems that affect us all.
Rewild Salish Sea, on Zoom
(RSVP - last session for open registration)
Folded Willow Bark Baskets
Sat Feb 17, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
“In this hands-on workshop participants will learn the basics of folded willow bark basketry, as well as cordage making. We will also cover how and when to harvest willow bark, how to dry, store and process for weaving. Reisha will also display and demonstrate other types of barks used in basketry. Students will go home with a finished basket! This course welcomes students 16 and up to participate on their own, and no previous experience needed. All materials and tools are included in the price.”
More information
Ravens Roots Naturalist School at Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Dr. North, Bellingham, 98225
Northwest Natura: Bushcraft Crash Course - Survival Basics
Sat Feb 17th, 2024, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
“Bushcraft is a term used to describe the practice of skills which aid in living outdoors. Here are the skills we will cover in this crash course: Survival Basics (Rule of Threes, Fire making without a lighter, Water sources and sanitation, Shelter - temporary shelter construction, Food - winter wild foods); Knot-tying and lashing basics (Tarp deployment, Cooking tripod); Tools of the trade and practice using them (Knife and ax skills, Containers, First aid kits)”
More information
This course will take place on State Lands in Whatcom County off Highway 542 near Deming, WA. Details on location will be provided in an email 3-4 days prior to the event.
Wilderness Awareness School: Monthly Tracking Club (Seattle)
Sat Feb 17, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (please arrive by 8:45)
“The mission of Tracking Club is to develop tracking skills for all ages, prepare adults to pass on tracking knowledge to youth, and to prepare children for a lifetime of learning about the natural world. You can never be sure what cast of characters we may be following: elk, otter, coyote, bobcat, bear, cougar, and more! At Tracking Club, participants are led by skillful naturalists into a world of mystery and intrigue that we call tracking.”
More information
Discovery Park (meet at back end of north parking lot at the west end of Texas Way, Seattle, WA 98199)
Wilderness Awareness School: Monthly Tracking Club (Duvall)
Sat Feb 17, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (please arrive by 8:45, carpools leave at 9:00 am)
“The mission of Tracking Club is to develop tracking skills for all ages, prepare adults to pass on tracking knowledge to youth, and to prepare children for a lifetime of learning about the natural world. You can never be sure what cast of characters we may be following: elk, otter, coyote, bobcat, bear, cougar, and more! At Tracking Club, participants are led by skillful naturalists into a world of mystery and intrigue that we call tracking.”
More information
Duvall Park & Ride, 16011 Main St NE, Duvall, WA 98019
Wilderness Awareness School: Awakening Fire
Sat Feb 17, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
“In this workshop we will explore the ancient art of making fire-by-friction, primarily using the bow-drill technique. Our main focus will be learning how to carve and use our fire kits. We’ll also prepare tinder bundles and blow them into flame. This will be a full-day program with plenty of hands-on work. You will go home with a fully functional fire kit and the skills to practice on your own.”
More information
Linne Doran Campus, Cedar Lodge, 20410 320th Ave NE, Duvall, WA, 98019
EartHand: Trillium Stewardship- winter care part 1
Sat Feb 17, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
“Join Sharon Kallis at Trillium for seasonal tasks in the garden. From willow harvest and pruning to observing where we want new pathways, garden beds and woven fences.”
More information
Trillium Park, corner of Malkin and Thornton St, Vancouver, BC
North Cascades Institute: Wilderness Survival Essentials in the Pacific Northwest (Online Event)
Wed Feb 21, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
“Discover practical life-saving survival skills that enhance your outdoor adventures with Jason Knight, who provides custom survival training to a broad range of clients including the WA State Department of Ecology and the US Forest Service. Together, we’ll learn about the keys to effective natural shelter-building, primitive water purification, friction fire-making, wild edibles foraging, and other skills that will keep you alive in emergencies. Through this presentation, you’ll come away with practical survival knowledge and a deeper connection with nature.”
More information
Online
Seattle Tilth/King County Seed Lending Library: The Great Seattle Seed Swap
Sat Feb 24, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
“Join Tilth Alliance and the King County Seed Lending Library for the Great Seattle Seed Swap. Learn more about seeds and seed saving throughout the day with educational presentations and family-friendly hands-on activities! From greens to roots to legumes to brassicas, the Great Seattle Seed Swap always has lots of vegetable varieties to try. Looking for something new or unusual for your garden this year? These seed swap tables will have all kinds of seeds for your edible, medicinal and floral gardens. We welcome you to add your labeled extra seeds to the mix and take lots home, too.”
More information
Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103
EartHand: Trillium Stewardship- winter care part 1
Sat Feb 24, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
“Join Sharon Kallis at Trillium for seasonal tasks in the garden. From willow harvest and pruning to observing where we want new pathways, garden beds and woven fences.”
More information
Trillium Park, corner of Malkin and Thornton St, Vancouver, BC
North Cascades Institute: Mt Baker Winter Tracking on Snowshoes
Sat Feb 24, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
“Snowy prints left behind by winter wildlife can reveal far more than most people know. Was the animal running or walking? Was it hunting? Injured? What other animals was it interacting with? We'll cover identification of genus and species so we know who's out there, gait interpretation so we understand what was happening, how to age the tracks so we have a sense of time, and behavior to add nuance to the story that emerges.”
More information
Shuksan Picnic Area, Deming, WA 98244
Twined Plantain Baskets
Sat March 2, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
“In this hands-on workshop participants will learn to twine a round basket with an unconventional, yet highly versatile material, Plantain stems! This untraditional material is found in abundance in our region and creates structurally sound and beautiful baskets We will also cover how and when to harvest plantain, how to dry, store and process for weaving. Students will go home with a finished basket! This course welcomes students 16 and up to participate on their own in this intermediate basket class. All materials and tools are included in the price.
More information
Ravens Roots Naturalist School at Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Dr. North, Bellingham, 98225
EartHand: Urban Woodland Care & Carvers Guild
Garden sessions: Sat Mar 2 & 23, 2024, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Studio sessions: Sat Mar 9 & 16, 2024, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
“This is an excellent opportunity to learn about sustaining a small woodland for crafting purposes. Individuals get the rare urban experience of picking out branches and sticks for personal projects from trees, learn about harvesting from living trees sustainably and step into the seasonal cycle of the garden and related stewardship for woodcraft. (5 studio sessions pair with 5 garden sessions)”
More information
Garden: E 6th Ave & St Catherines St, Vancouver, BC V5T 1M1, Canada
Studio: Oncle Hoonki’s Fabulous Hornshop, 710 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Y6, Canada
Northwest Natura: Outdoor Skills: Fire & Breadmaking
Sun Mar 3rd, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
“Come out and enjoy an afternoon learning survival firelighting and baking bread over a campfire with Northwest Natura! This course is designed to be highly engaging with hands-on activities, including practicing firelighting with a ferro rod, locating materials for fire making, and preparing and baking (and eating!) 2 loaves of bread at camp.”
More information
The location of this course will take place on forested public land in Whatcom County. Registered Participants will receive driving directions and other information in an email sent 3-4 days prior to the event.
North Cascades Institute: Plein Air Watercolor
Sat Mar 09, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
“Join local environmental artist Claire Giordano for a colorful day exploring our world with watercolor! In this unique workshop at the stunning Seahurst Park in the heart of the Salish Sea ecosystem, we will spend a full day connecting to and painting classic Pacific Northwest land—and seascapes. Over the past 10 years of creating evocative images of local landscapes — for both artistic as well as scientific purposes — Claire devised a way to work with watercolor that is fun and accessible to artists of all levels.”
More information
Seahurst Park, Burien, WA 98166
Wilderness Awareness School: Social & Emotional Survival Skills
Sat & Sun, Mar 9th - 10th, 2024 (all day)
“In this experiential workshop, we will learn to listen deeply to ourselves and others as we cultivate our intuition, build our resilience practices, and strengthen our ability to stay true to ourselves in the heart of conflict. What would be possible if we leaned into love and compassion in hard moments? Can we view conflict as an opportunity to deepen intimacy and care in our relationships?”
More information
Linne Doran Campus, Cedar Lodge, 20410 320th Ave NE, Duvall, WA, 98019
North Cascades Institute: The Wow of Bird Colors (OnlineEvent)
Wed Mar 13, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
“In part two of a four-part series of talks on bird biology, naturalist David Lukas will introduce us to the marvelous world of bird colors and patterns. Do you know how many types of colors there are on birds, and how these colors are produced? Did you know that humans and birds see colors in different ways and that birds use colors and patterns in a wide range of ecological and behavioral contexts? This will be a fun, and colorful, talk that leaves you never seeing birds the same way again.”
More information
Online
Wilderness Awareness School: Monthly Night Club
Fri Mar 15, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
“Night Club invites you to explore your relationship with darkness and light by practicing nature connection beyond the realm of day. Through games, discussion, modeling, art, sensory play, and more, you’ll experience astronomy, awareness, games & challenges, nocturnal critters, and campfire connection."
More information
Linne Doran Campus, Cedar Lodge, 20410 320th Ave NE, Duvall, WA, 98019
Wilderness Awareness School: Monthly Tracking Club (Seattle)
Sat Mar 16, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (please arrive by 8:45)
“The mission of Tracking Club is to develop tracking skills for all ages, prepare adults to pass on tracking knowledge to youth, and to prepare children for a lifetime of learning about the natural world. You can never be sure what cast of characters we may be following: elk, otter, coyote, bobcat, bear, cougar, and more! At Tracking Club, participants are led by skillful naturalists into a world of mystery and intrigue that we call tracking.”
More information
Discovery Park (meet at back end of north parking lot at the west end of Texas Way, Seattle, WA 98199)
Northwest Natura: Lichens & Moss
Sat March 16th,, 1:00 - 4:00pm
“Join botanist and naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a walk at one of the most stunning trail systems in the Pacific Northwest. There will be an emphasis on learning lichens and ferns, but we will ID any plant or fungi species of interest. Bring your camera, come for the knowledge, and stay for the views! This is a unique field trip offering you’ll remember forever.”
More information
Deception Pass State Park
Wilderness Awareness School: Monthly Tracking Club (Duvall)
Sat Mar 16, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (please arrive by 8:45, carpools leave at 9:00 am)
“The mission of Tracking Club is to develop tracking skills for all ages, prepare adults to pass on tracking knowledge to youth, and to prepare children for a lifetime of learning about the natural world. You can never be sure what cast of characters we may be following: elk, otter, coyote, bobcat, bear, cougar, and more! At Tracking Club, participants are led by skillful naturalists into a world of mystery and intrigue that we call tracking.”
More information
Duvall Park & Ride, 16011 Main St NE, Duvall, WA 98019
