Hidden Life of the Winter Forest Snowshoe Exploration
Event Details
- When
- Jan 23, 2027 from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
- Where
- Instructor
- Chris Byrd
- Class Tuition
- Minimum Age
- Add it to your calendar
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Winter may seem like a quiet season in the North Cascades, but look closely and the landscape is full of activity. What are animals doing when temperatures drop? How do plants withstand winter storms? And what stories can tracks, signs, and other clues reveal about the creatures sharing the forest with us?
Join expert naturalist and certified wildlife tracker Chris Byrd for a day exploring the hidden life of the winter landscape near the base of Mount Baker. Beginning at Shuksan Picnic Area near Deming, we’ll follow the river and wander through forests and wetlands, looking for signs of wildlife and investigating how plants and animals adapt to the challenges of the colder months.
Chris has spent nearly two decades studying natural history along the West Coast, with particular interests in mammals, birds, weather, and aquatic systems. Drawing on his experience as a Professional Tracker and field educator, he’ll help us slow down, notice subtle clues, and piece together the stories unfolding around us—even when the animals themselves remain out of sight.
After a break for lunch and hot cocoa, we’ll continue into an old-growth forest and winter wetland to explore how different habitats respond to the season. Along the way, we’ll consider the role of snow in these ecosystems and what changing climate and snowpack patterns could mean for the future of the North Cascades.
Come prepared for a full winter day outside—and to discover just how much is happening during a season that can appear still at first glance.
Snowshoes: Participants should bring their own snowshoes. Snowpack is variable at this time of year, so we may not need them. North Cascades Institute has a limited number available to loan; please contact us in advance if you would like to borrow a pair.
Scholarships and Student, Military and Disability discounts are available for most in-person programs. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Call (360) 854-2599 for more info!