An Important Bioregion

Chinook is owned and operated by The Whidbey Institute, a non-profit organization located in the Pacific Northwest - Cascadia - one of the most spectacularly beautiful bioregions in North America. At the same time, environmental threats to the forests, water, wildlife, and the natural beauty are especially acute. As Northwest Environment Watch director Alan Durning believes, this area has the potential of becoming a model of sustainable culture. "The Pacific Northwest is a test case," he writes. "If this place on earth--the greenest part of the richest society in history--can't reconcile people and nature, it probably can't be done."

The Chinook land is used by the Whidbey Institute to actively engage in addressing the ecological, social and spiritual issues of our region, while maintaining a global perspective and drawing a national audience.

Deb and I are honored to have the opportunity to share such a magical place with special people on a very special day.

A Magnificent Island

Whidbey Island is a large, semi-rural island just one hour north of Seattle in the center of Puget Sound. It has a multi-layered and important history that informs our thinking today.

A Distinctive Piece of Nature

The Whidbey Institute is located in the center of the south end of Whidbey Island on a hundred acres of forest and meadowland. This land is protected for future generations by conservation easements backed by the Whidbey-Camano Land Trust.

The original buildings, a turn-of-the century Finnish farmstead with its old-world character, blend with new buildings. The land, with its fields, forest, wetlands, and extensive network of trails, engenders a spirit of thoughtful inquiry, contemplation, and renewal. This Center is called "Chinook." Please plan to take some time during the weekend to take a sweat in the wood-fired sauna, walk the trails, and of course, smell the flowers.

Not your average wedding...