North Cascades: The North Cascades Institute recently announced about a dozen new courses over the next several months. Check out the list here.
Go snowshoeing: There are many options to get out and play in the snow. We have a roundup here.
Eagle watching: The Skagit Eagle Festival continues through the end of this month. Events are every Saturday and Sunday. Get more info here.
Avalanches: Learn basic skills to recognize avalanche danger at the Alderwood REI at 7 p.m. on Jan. 21. Get more info here.
Navigation: Learn the basic of navigation of using a map and compass at the Alderwood REI at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 23. Get more info here.
Photography: Learn to use your new camera (or old one) at a class at the Mountaineers in Seattle on Jan. 25. It’s a hands-on workshop that will get you comfortable with your camera in no time. Get more info here.
Night beach walk: A low-tide beach walk is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Olympic Beach, 200 Admiral Way, Edmonds. It’s free and all ages are welcome. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Meet at Olympic Beach’s visitor station. Explore the beach and then enjoy some hot beverages. Registration is not required. Call 425-771-0227 for more information.
For students: EvCC’s Ocean Research College Academy will have an open house at 6 p.m. on Jan. 30 at its waterfront location, 1205 Craftsman Way, Suite 203, Everett. ORCA is an early college academy for high school students, who can earn up to two years of college credit while completing their high school education. Most students graduate with an associate’s degree in addition to a high school diploma. Get more info here.
White birds: Learn about swans and snow geese at the Northwest Stream Center on Jan. 30. See photos and learn about the birds’ natural history and identification tips. Get more info here.
For ladies: The GRO Snow Ladies Day is Feb. 1 at Stevens Pass. Ski and ride with other women and enjoy goodies and try your luck in the raffle. Get more info here.
First aid: The Mountaineers are offering a wilderness first aid course geared toward teenagers. The course is Feb. 1-2 in Seattle. Get more info here.
Hoot: See a film about three kids who team up to save the homes of a group of burrowing owls. The movie is rated PG and is free. It’s at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7. Register in advance by calling 425-316-8592. Get more info here.
Bird festival: The Edison Bird Festival is Feb. 8-9. Get more info here.
Geocaching: Get an introduction to geocaching with an experienced trip leader on Feb. 9 at Cama Beach. Get more info here.
Birds: Learn about attracting birds to your back yard through gardening choices, nest boxes and water features. Master birder Neil Zimmerman will speak at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 in Everett. Get more info here.
More birds: Join in the Great Backyard Bird Count from Feb. 14-17. Learn more here. If you’d like to attend training, there is a course on Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon in Edmonds. Get more info here.
Scramble: Learn how to reach many of the peaks in the Cascades. Scrambling is like hiking, but with more time off trail and more clambering over rock or snow. Learn how to do it safely with an Everett Mountaineers class that begins on Feb. 20. Learn more here.
Lynx and hare: Learn about lynx and snowshoe hare at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Northwest Stream Center. Researcher Aaron Wirsing will tell what he’s learned about these interesting species. The event is $5 for members and $7 for nonmembers. Get more info here.
Want to tell me about an upcoming outdoor event? Email me at jloerch@heraldnet.com.
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