Book Field Program at North Cascades National Park By March 31 and Save $50

National parks are incredible classrooms of the natural world. You can venture into those classrooms via field trips sponsored by many institutes and associations affiliated with individual parks. And if you sign on for a program with the North Cascades Institute between now and month's end, you can save some cash.

For nearly a quarter-century the institute has been offering programs and courses interwoven with North Cascades National Park in upstate Washington. The programs pretty much run the gamut, from literary arts to backcountry adventures.

There are birding classes, wildflower courses, watercolor seminars, even basket-making.

And, if you sign up via telephone (360-854-2599) by March 31, you can save yourself $50 on the price of a course. You can find a list of programs at this site.

Some courses even count for college credit.