Outdoors & Nature   

Join us on a once in a lifetime sunset hike on Mount Rainier (Tahoma). This hike offers lavish wildflower displays and some of the best opportunities to view the flowers in the glow of the afternoon sun highlighted by the early evening sunset. 

It’s a phenomenon you must see to believe.

Mt. Rainier’s wildflower displays are often heralded as the world’s best. Pinks, purples, blues, yellows are represented in awe-inspiring displays. Come see for yourself, from an up-close look at a delicate glacier lily, to expansive fields of purple lupine. Dress ready for what ever the weather has to offer, wear solid foot ware, stay hydrated, and bring along a snack. You will need to arange travel to the site.

In this hands-on studio class, you'll create your own 5x7" painting while following step-by-step demonstrations from a skilled instructor. Learn techniques in real time and receive personalized tips to bring your artwork to life. All materials are provided, including watercolors, brushes, paper, and a project sketch so you can focus on painting and having fun. No experience needed—just come ready to explore your creativity!

Join us this week as we paint a Washington State Ferry.

Uncover the geologic events leading to the 1980 eruption of the most active volcano in the Cascade Range. Explore the economic and political underpinnings that shaped the local and regional reactions as the mountain prepared to explode. Understand the multiple volcanic events that made up the May 18, 1980 eruption.

 Learn how the ecosystem has recovered over the five decades since the catastrophic events that forever changed over 230,000 square miles of forest. Discover the significance of the volcanoes to local indigenous populations.

Join us for an added adventure on the mountain on August 29, led by the instructor. Get more details here.
 

Explore Mount St. Helens in person with an experienced guide as we uncover the geologic events leading to the 1980 eruption of the most active volcano in the Cascade Range. We will discuss what first shaped the mountain and the local and regional physiological reactions as this massive explosion shaped a landscape.
 
We will see first-hand how the ecosystem has recovered over the five decades since the catastrophic events that forever changed over 230,000 square miles of forest. 

The Silver Lake area where we will first meet is free to all participants, however as we travel through the national park, there may be additional fees for access. You will need to have transportation to the mountain and from site to site.

If you'd like to learn more about Mt St Helens and its history, you can take a class with the guide before you hike!

Step into the living history and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest on this guided ecological walk. We’ll begin at the historic Stump House—a hollowed cedar carved with springboard notches in 1890—using it as a lens to explore the environmental impacts and legacy of logging. From there, walk among towering 200‑year‑old Bigleaf Maples, explore the preserve’s wetland and stream ecology, and follow the landscape as it opens to the Hood Canal shoreline. This experience blends natural science, local history, and storytelling for curious learners of all backgrounds. Dress for the weather and wear solid footwear as we will hike through the forest down towards the Hood Canal shoreline.

In this hands-on studio class, you'll create your own 5x7" painting while following step-by-step demonstrations from a skilled instructor. Learn techniques in real time and receive personalized tips to bring your artwork to life. All materials are provided, including watercolors, brushes, paper, and a project sketch so you can focus on painting and having fun. No experience needed—just come ready to explore your creativity!

Join us this week as we paint Bones and Skulls for the start of Spooky Season!

This hike traverses 1,000 feet of elevation gain—with a spectacular summit reward waiting at the top with views of the Olympic Mountain range, Mt Tahoma & Mt Baker, and the Seattle Skyline.

As we climb through shifting forest layers and overlook the Puget Lowland, we will earn about the geologic history of the region, including how glaciers carved Green Mountain into its distinctive “whaleback” shape and shaped the surrounding terrains, including several deep fjords. Come ready for hiking along elevation changes.  Bring ample water, and dress for whatever October weather the area has to offer that day.

Step inside the world of Washington's salmon hatcheries and discover how science, culture, and conservation come together to sustain this iconic species. During this immersive field experience, you will follow the salmon's journey from tiny fertilized eggs to ocean travelers and their astonishing return to freshwater to spawn. Learn how hatchery biologists and tribal partners manage each life stage through careful broodstock selection, spawning techniques, rearing practices, and strategies that protect genetic diversity. Whether you are curious about ecology, fisheries, or tribal stewardship, this visit offers a deeper understanding of the science and culture behind healthy salmon runs. 

Class comes to completion with a short hike through the forest adjacent to the hatchery which has been fertilized and fed by years of Salmon carcasses.

Located in North Kitsap. Address will be sent to class participants. This class is approved for Clock Hours.
 

In this hands-on studio class, you'll create your own 5x7" painting while following step-by-step demonstrations from a skilled instructor. Learn techniques in real time and receive personalized tips to bring your artwork to life. All materials are provided, including watercolors, brushes, paper, and a project sketch so you can focus on painting and having fun. No experience needed—just come ready to explore your creativity!

Join us this week as we paint Mushrooms.

Explore the magical kingdom of fungi!

Join us and acquire a basic understanding of fungi ecosystems. This class is for outdoors lovers, scientists, naturalists, herbalists, foragers, and chefs.

Day 1 =  Dive Into the Science - What are fungi
Day 2 =  Wild Mushrooms -  Foraging & Mushroom Identification
Day 3 =  EthnoMycology -  Mushroom Cultivation, Current and Historic Uses of Fungi

After the first three classes are completed Aaron will guide a foray into the forest to get your feet on the ground and your hands on the mushrooms!

The class will consist of three in-classroom sessions on Wednesdays, then a final Saturday hike. The mushroom foray will be located at a park in South Kitsap on the scheduled Saturday.  Address will be sent to class participants.  

In this hands-on studio class, you'll create your own 5x7" painting while following step-by-step demonstrations from a skilled instructor. Learn techniques in real time and receive personalized tips to bring your artwork to life. All materials are provided, including watercolors, brushes, paper, and a project sketch so you can focus on painting and having fun. No experience needed—just come ready to explore your creativity!

Join us this week as we paint Holiday Greeting Cards.