June 15-17, 2012
With Quinn Fitzpatrick at the North Cascades Basecamp
Join artist Quinn Fitzpatrick at the North Cascades Basecamp in the Methow Valley for a weekend workshop on botanical illustration. This class is geared to both artists who’d like to learn more about plants, as well as botanists who’d like to learn more about drawing them. All skill levels are welcome and all participants will gain some knowledge of the art and field of botanical illustration. We’ll review some basic plant anatomy and drawing skills. We’ll explore the flora on the east side of the Cascades that will provide interesting examples of a variety of plants and flowers for us to draw from. We will practice quick sketching techniques, working mostly in pencil, pen and color pencil (if you have them). Participants will go home with a small finished piece.

Material list will be provided or purchase supplies on the day of the workshop. Please let us know if you want art supplies.
Course Outline:
FRIDAY
6:00 Dinner at the Basecamp
6:45-8:00 Introduction with Quinn
SATURDAY
8:30-9:30 Nature Walk
9:30-10:30 Art Talk and preparatory exercises
10:30-12:30 Field drawing/sketching
12:30-1:30 Lunch break
1:30-3:30 Field drawing/sketching/FREE TIME
SUNDAY
9:30-11:30 More time in the field and review
Call the North Cascades Basecamp to reserve your spot in the workshop (509) 996-2334.
May 25-27th, 2012
with Bruce Thompson and Hannah Hinchman at the North Cascades Basecamp. Call Kim and Steve at 509/996-2334 for more information.
During this weekend workshop, join two popular naturalist educators Hannah Hinchman and Bruce Thompson for a unique integration of observation, personal reflection, and field interpretation: the nature of art and science.
To be fully present in the natural world, we must be alert and inquisitive—receptive to the small signs and subtle clues around us. A field journal is an ideal way to record moments of discovery, as well as a quiet way of simply being present outdoors. In this workshop, naturalist Bruce Thompson joins artist/writer Hannah Hinchman in exploring the richness of our mountain habitats, opening windows to nature’s many secrets and learning to personalize these experiences through journal entries, both drawn and written.
May 4-6th, 2012
Cybertracker Certification Evaluations
with David Moskowitz at the North Cascades Basecamp
$330
Join CyberTracker Conservation and the North Cascades Basecamp for a Tracker Certification weekend in Mazama, WA. Some of the best tracking environment in the North Cascades and Washington, the most inspiring landscape of the Methow Valley, and the hippest Basecamp with the best cooked local organic foods to enjoy in eastern WA.
In wildlife research, natural sign surveys are an effective means of collecting wildlife monitoring data because they are low-cost, non-invasive, quick to conduct and can easily provide a broader set of ecological data. There are concerns, however, about the integrity of the data that comes from these types of surveys. In response to this need for certainty about data accuracy and to the increasing call to reintegrate field skills into conservation training, CyberTracker Conservation is making its Track & Sign Certification available as an inspiring and rigorous training tool to improve your skill level, whether you are a park ranger, biologist, naturalist, citizen scientist, student, or outfitter.
The Tracking Evaluation is a two-day practical field test that emphasizes open, honest dialogue and real learning. The tracks and sign of any and all species encountered in the field are asked, whether big or small, clear or obscure. After participants give their answers, a dialogue ensues to provide the opportunity for participants to internalize the field marks for identification. Initiating the use of Evaluations not only gives biologists and research teams an edge in identifying and relaying biodiversity but also facilitates viable contribution from the public, or “local experts.” North American Tracker Evaluations emphasize practical tracking and the development of reliable field skills. Click here for more information: CT_brochure.pdf
March 8th-11th, 2012
with Sussi Rowntree at the North Cascades Basecamp
Cost is $155/person for one night lodging (shared room), meals, daily Pilates classes and evening ecology programs; $170/person for private room. 2 night minimum. Additional drop in Pilates classes $10 (space limited).
Join us for 4 days of Pilates mat classes, Nordic skiing and ecology programs in the winter wonderland of Mazama, Washington. Get started with your first Pilates lesson, or advance your practice at this retreat which offers introductory and intermediate classes each day (private and semi-private sessions available). Sussi is a passionate teacher motivated to help others find flexibility, strength and an increased quality of life through the Pilates method. Pilates can benefit anyone from age 9 to 99; come engage your body and mind and learn to move in a way that will benefit your everyday life through increased strength, ease and grace.
When not in Pilates classes, ski from your front door onto over 200 km of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Explore the natural world through the Basecamp’s evening ecology programs, enjoy homemade and nutritious meals, sign up for a massage, and soak in the outdoor hot tub.
For more about the Pilates instructor, see her website at www.RowntreePilates.com

Sunday, February 19, 2012 1-4pm
with Northwest Watercolorist John Adams
at the North Cascades Basecamp
Cost: TBA
This 3 hour class will include an instructor demonstration and each participant will be guided to create their own unique and expressive artwork based on the demo painting or a subject of their choice. We will use the shapes of mountains and trees as a place to begin an adventurous exploration of watercolor painting. All levels of experience are welcome!
A signature member of both the National and Northwest Watercolor Societies, John is a part-time Methow Valley resident who paints the Methow Valley and North Cascade landscape in all seasons.
www.johnadamsdesign.com
Saturday, January 7th. 2012
with Libby Mills and Kim Romain-Bondi
Cost: $50 per person – full day workshop. Optional day workshop $30; evening dinner and presentation $20. 10am – 8pm.
Workshop Description: Spend a day with wintering Bald Eagles in the Methow Valley and interpreter, educator and birder Libby Mills. Workshop includes observation of eagles foraging throughout the valley, an evening roost site survey, as well as wintering eagle ecology lessons. The evening portion of the workshop includes a fabulous dinner and dessert at the North Cascades Basecamp with a presentation by Libby to follow.
Contact the Basecamp for registration at 509/996-2334 or info@northcascadesbasecamp.com
This wintering bald eagle workshop will take place at the North Cascades Basecamp, a beautiful family run lodge and cabin in the upper Methow Valley, Mazama WA. Amenities at the Basecamp include an outdoor hot tub, ski and snowshoe trails out your door, comfortable living space with wood stove and natural history library, and homemade meals featuring local ingredients from the Basecamp garden and family farms in the Methow Valley. Vegetarian meals are always available.
Questions about the course and logistics? Contact Kim or Steve at the North Cascades Basecamp at 509-996-2334 info@NorthCascadesBasecamp.com