North Cascades Institute

“The Finance Committee reviews the 990 and then presents it to the Board for their review and approval.”

“Board members sign a conflict of interest disclosure annually with any conflicts noted.”

“The Institute's Board of Directors conducts an annual review of the Executive Director's performance. The Board uses Survey Monkey to survey members of the Institute's Leadership Team and, separately, members of the Board; questions are based on the duties described in the Executive Director's job description. Every two to three years, the Board also seeks feedback from the Institute's key partners and stakeholders. The Executive Director completes a self-evaluation. Before setting compensation for the Executive Director, the Board Chair presents to the full Board results of these evaluations and information on changes in compensation for members of the Leadership Team as well as current information on compensation for executive directors of nonprofit organizations in Washington State and, when available, compensation of executive directors at peer organizations across the United States. The Board Chair makes a recommendation on compensation; the Board discusses the recommendation and votes on the recommended (or a different) amount.”

“The Institute's website includes the 990, the audit and annual report. The form 1023 and policies are available upon request.”

“OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: Conferences and Retreats take place throughout the year at the Learning Center and include trainings and special events. Participants work with Institute staff to tailor learning experiences to meet the needs of their group. Each group receives guided naturalist opportunities and participates in learning about the Institutes foodshed program. The Institutes foodshed program educates the public about food systems and the environmental and health benefits of eating locally sourced food. 2017 participants: 1,057 OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 5: Community and Neighborhood programs involve a broad variety of groups, ages, partnering organizations and program types. Education activities are integrated into all programs to augment the projects and engage the participants. Projects range from invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, seed collection, monitoring/inventories of flora and fauna, and habitat restoration and cleanup. Programs include: Concrete Summer Learning Adventure in Concrete, WA, Kulshan Creek Neighborhood Youth Program in Mount Vernon, WA and Youth Ambassadaors in Concrete, WA and Mount Vernon, WA. 2017 participants: 164 OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 6: Skagit Tours are interpretive tours of the Upper Skagit Valley offered by boat, bus, and on foot in partnership with Seattle City Light and North Cascades National Park. 2017 participants: 4,807 OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 7: Bookstores provide visitor services through retail sales at six National Park bookstores, along with naturalist activities. The bookstores offer products that help educate visitors and inspire them to experience, enjoy, interpret, share and remember their experience in the North Cascades. Revenue supports youth education programs. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 8: The M.Ed. Graduate Program is offered in collaboration with Huxley College of the Environment (Western Washington University) and includes a year-long professional residency at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Graduate students learn, teach, study and work in all aspects of the Institute and its programs. Students earn certificates in Nonprofit Leadership and Administration and Northwest Natural History while adding valuable work skills and experience to their graduate degree. 2017 participants: 28 OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 9: North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (the Learning Center) is a hub of discovery for all ages in one of the wildest, most biologically diverse landscapes in North America. The Learning Center, which opened in 2005, is situated on Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. The Learning Center includes a natural history library, aquatic and terrestrial classrooms, dining hall, amphitheater, overnight accommodations for 92 participants and 14 staff, outdoor learning rooms and access to trails. In 2008, the Learning Center was awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for high levels of achievement in sustainability and integration with natural systems.”