GPI Quarterly Newsletter
Nutrient Enhancement & Energy
Here at Glacier Peak Institute, we are focused on providing lessons to learn more about the world around us while we have to stay at home! We are posting a series of educational tools, videos, and activities that can be completed at home or on your own. If you complete our activities and worksheets, comment your favorite part of the lesson or something new you learned below, or email us at Info@glacierpeakinstitute.org for the potential to win a prize or feature on our other social media.
In this video, watch as explorer Brennan explains the process of nutrient enhancement, and the ways we can find out different measurements of energy in our food! Watch the video below and print out the accompanying worksheet to complete this activity.
Backyard Exploration
Here at Glacier Peak Institute, we are focused on providing lessons to learn more about the world around us while we have to stay at home! We are posting a series of educational tools, videos, and activities that can be completed at home or on your own. If you complete our activities and worksheets, comment your favorite thing you saw or something new you learned below, or email us at Info@glacierpeakinstitute.org for the potential to win a prize or feature on our other social media.
In this activity, youth will explore and investigate the nature nearest them as part of a scavenger hunt! Be creative and draw or describe what you see in rich detail. As a supplementary craft, youth can make their own binoculars using toilet paper rolls, tape, and yarn!
Soil Shaker Test
Here at Glacier Peak Institute, we are focused on providing lessons to learn more about the world around us while we have to stay at home! We are posting a series of educational tools, videos, and activities that can be completed at home or on your own. If you complete our activities and worksheets, comment your favorite part of the lesson or something new you learned below, or email us at Info@glacierpeakinstitute.org for the potential to win a prize or feature on our other social media.
For this lesson, join Kalcia as she goes through a simple and effective soil test to learn more about what makes up soil, and what type of soil can best support plants to grow!
You can also follow along with this worksheet to practice your understanding! The soil test can be completed by youth 5 and up, the worksheet is intended for youth 8 and up, and the optional math extension activity is intended for youth 11 and up.
Meet the Species - Western Red Cedar & Western Hemlock Trees
Join adventurers Paige and Hope as they explain some of the ways you can identify two distinct but common trees in Washington! Learn about the needles, cones, and bark of these trees. Then, try finding some on your own.
Submit pictures of you identifying either tree to info@glacierpeakinstitute.org or tag us on social media to be featured on our page!
Valentine's Day Hike Challenge
This year for Valentine’s Day, we are challenging you to explore the natural places in Darrington! We are highlighting eight locations where you can go hiking, biking, and more! At each location, there will be a “heart” hidden along the trail. When you find the heart, you will see a code word and a fun fact. Record the code word, and have fun on the rest of your hike! Take pictures along the way and tag us @Glacier Peak Institute and use the hashtag #NatureIsMyValentine and to be featured on our Instagram or Facebook.
By completing a BINGO (three squares in a row) on the board below, you will be entered into a raffle to win a local gift card or piece of GPI merchandise!
Submit completed bingo cards to Info@GlacierPeakInstitute.org with all the code words you found at each location. Signs for this challenge will be posted on February 10th. This challenge ends on February 22nd, and code words must be submitted by then to be considered for the prize.
Participation in this event can also be counted towards your step total for the #StillyValleyTrek challenge, find more information here.
If you have questions, call us at (360)-436-6445 OR message us on Facebook/Instagram!
Walking the Web
Here at Glacier Peak Institute, we are focused on providing lessons to learn more about the world around us while we have to stay at home! We are posting a series of educational tools, videos, and activities that can be completed at home or on your own. If you complete our activities and worksheets, comment your favorite thing you saw or something new you learned below, or email us at Info@glacierpeakinstitute.org for the potential to win a prize or feature on our other social media.
Enjoy this video series that tells us more about food webs and counting our paces! This is the first in the series. To access the entire series, head to our Youtube page or go to this playlist.
Access the companion worksheets below! This lesson was made with fifth graders in mind, but anyone can enjoy learning something new in the videos. If you would like the answer key, email us at Info@glacierpeakinstitute.org
Rafting on the Skagit River!
We had two beautiful back-to-back days on the Skagit River! The temperatures were soaring above 90 degrees but the water was cool! Our float took us 10 miles down the Skagit River from the Goodell Creek Campground in a Class II/III white water section. The Skagit River is part of the National Wild and Scenic River System because of it's natural, cultural and recreational value. With the support from Seattle City Light, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Orion River Rafting we were able to take over 40 youth for an unforgettable experience along this treasured river!
For some this wasn't their first time rafting but maybe their first time floating the Skagit River; for others it was there first time rafting ever. Some of the inexperienced kids were showing some hesitation but the experienced youth stepped up and reassured others that this experience is safe and fun! Our professional volunteer guides took the lead on providing all the information on how to have a safe trip. Of course, before beginning our float we fed our growling stomachs with delicious sandwiches and fresh local fruit generously donated from the Mencucci Family.
During our float the kids took full advantage of any opportunity to jump out the rafts and cool off in the snow fed river. We'd even cool one another off by having splashing battles between our boats. Along the way we saw scenic views of the North Cascades, like Big Devil Peak! We also saw two avian species, Osprey and Great Blue Heron, that were curious about our presents but keeping their distance. Some of the kids said watching the birds and noticing differences in the birds flight ability and their interactions with the surrounding environment was the highlight of the trip. Next time we'll be taking some binoculars on our float!
Matthew M., Collaborative Intern USFS
Mountain Biking on North Mountain
A great thank you to the Depart of Natural Resources, North Mountain Lookout, Mayor Dan Rankin, and many more, for putting so much time and effort in the creation of the mountain biking trails on North Mountain.
Glacier Peak Institute joined in on the grand opening of the trails at the bottom of the mountain. Right now, there are around 4 miles of trails, but by the end of the project, there will be over 11 miles total. The thought that went into the building is spectacular.
There is a separation of the trails based on skill levels and it is clearly marked. There are trails for one-way traffic that increases safety for those who want to speed down the trails. There are even "do not enter" signs to make sure you know if its a one-way trail.
With a small group of four participants and four volunteers, Glacier Peak Institute was able to partner up and explore the trails. Some warmed up to mountain biking by familiarizing themselves with the beginner trails. Others tested their skills on some of the more advanced trails.
A memorable moment was when Cassius (a participant) was riding down a hilly track. One second you see him going over the jumps. The next second you see the trail heading left and Cassius heading right and sailing into the bushes. He was unharmed but did manage to land in a patch of stinging nettle. Even after a crash, he got back on his bike and went down a different trail.
We all had a great time both pushing our endurance on the uphill and testing our biking skills on the downhill. There was not one person who said they did not want to return. Again, we thank everyone who helped created this new area for outdoor recreation. We will definitely be back there soon.
-Christina L., GPI Intern
