Voices
of Whidbey Island Institute
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Dana Lyons - Concert in the Hall
Saturday's concert in Thomas Berry Hall was the kickoff to Dana's These Songs of Freedom tour. We feel so lucky, and so grateful, to have hosted Dana here for his first concert tour! What a beautiful, fun, uplifting and important afternoon of songs, music and of course, incredible storytelling from Dana, an environmental and political activist, and committed social justice musical warrior.
The Turning of the Year
January arrives quietly.
The rush of the holidays has passed, the days stretch longer by a breath at a time, and the land itself seems to exhale.
December: A Windswept Winter Greeting
At the time of writing this, Whidbey Island is in a full blackout from the winds. In the midst of regional flooding and storms, our little island in the Puget Sound sustained 71mph squalls that wreaked havoc on the trees, power lines and homes.
Forest Medicine
With this year coming to a close and Solstice upon us, I am reminded of the priceless gifts that are offered up daily by the natural world and the forest that encompasses and defines the Whidbey Institute.
Winter Solstice: Returning to the Light
At the turning of the season, when night stretches to its longest reach, we find ourselves in the heart of winter. The Solstice is the darkest day of the year—yet it is also the threshold. This is the moment when the light begins to return.
A guided forest walk in November
Larry Rohan, Whidbey Institute Forest Steward and our guide this day says “close your eyes, breathe deeply, listen.”
Forest Medicine
In my role as forest steward here at the Institute, I have the unique opportunity to spend many hours per day on the trails and sometimes deep in the forest. Over time I have come to know the forest in a much more intimate way, noting favorite trees, mossy nooks, and areas where raven and barred owl frequent.
November: Following Golden Leaves
Autumn drapes the forest in a golden glow, and shimmering leaves blanket the trails, creating a magical scene. The warm hues invite awe and inspiration. As I wander along the golden path, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the gentle spiraling of foliage from above fill my heart with gratitude.
The Birth of Hope
We have been taught to fear the darkness, why?
Is it not in darkness that life begins?
Is it not in darkness that we can see the light of hope?
Is it not in darkness that we can see the stars and know that there is MORE!
Grief, Grace, and the Turning of the Year
As the days grow shorter and the air turns cool and fragrant with cedar and rain, I find myself feeling both tender and grateful. This time of year has a way of stirring something deep — a mix of beauty and melancholy, joy and grief.
Forest Medicine
With rainy weather returning to our region, the forest ecosystem is getting a long awaited drink. In 2025, South Whidbey experienced the driest period to date in 40 years!
October: Embracing the Beauty of Fall
Fall has enveloped our lovely land with its enchanting charm. The weather is nothing short of perfect—clean, clear, crisp, and just the right mix of wet and windy. Yet, the sun continues to grace us with its warm presence, reminding us of the beautiful balance in nature.