North Cascade Insurance

10/19/2026

This should be scary fun....

10/17/2026

Is Your Yard a Haven for Wildlife? Here's how.

Leave the leaves, but not in the street!

Fallen leaves are essential winter habitat for much of Washington’s wildlife. They provide warmth and shelter for amphibians and reptiles. Butterflies and moths spend the winter in cocoons among the leaves. Songbirds like spotted towhees and robins forage in the leaves for insects.

But leaving leaves in the street can harm wildlife. Rain washes leaves into storm drains and carries them to nearby waterways, where their nutrients fuel algae growth. When algae die and break down, they use up oxygen that fish and other aquatic wildlife need to survive.

Here’s how you can help:
• Keep leaves out of the street. Remove leaves from streets and throw them away rather than compost them – they likely have pollutants from cars in them.
• Rake a drain. Remove leaves and other debris from around storm drains. Blocked storm drains can lead to flooding.

Taking care of wildlife habitat helps us coexist. Visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/habitat-at-home to explore habitat-building and caretaking resources.

Already have a wildlife habitat? Apply to certify your space! Habitat at Home participants receive a free sign, stewardship tips, a native pollinator pack, and more. Your participation helps wildlife and supports conservation across Washington! Learn more and apply online.

Photo by George Filip

10/17/2026

Is your boat secure and ready for winter?

As we head into fall and winter weather, now is the time to winterize your boat and prepare for seasonal conditions. Check your lines, canvas covers and fenders to make sure your vessel is secure.

Boaters should also be aware of the risks of anchoring in Fidalgo Bay during the winter. While some areas are protected from north winds, the bay remains exposed to southeast weather. Soft sediments and eelgrass also make for poor anchorage, increasing the risk of dragging anchor and washing ashore.

Taking steps now to prepare your vessel and secure your mooring can help keep you, your boat and our waterfront safe this winter. Stay safe out there!

10/17/2026

The ferry terminals are going to get a little facelift.

Beginning in early 2027, we’ll replace aging vehicle transfer spans at Anacortes, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Coupeville.

Work will be done at Anacortes from Feb. 22–26, causing single-slip operations. We will then have 48-hour closures at Orcas Island March 9–10, at Lopez Island March 16–17, and at Coupeville March 23-24.

These critical lift systems date back to between 1979-1993. Upgrading them will modernize our infrastructure, improve crew safety, and ensure long-term service reliability.

We know these changes will affect travel, especially for island communities. We worked with local communities to choose dates that limit disruption as much as possible. We’re sharing the dates now so you have time to plan ahead.

10/16/2026

Add this to your haunting schedule. :-0

10/15/2026

Consider this your friendly fall maintenance reminder. 🍁

10/14/2026

10/09/2026

It’s officially fall in the Skagit Valley, where October Events take center stage - from pumpkins to b**r festivals.

10/08/2026

Experience the joy of bird watching in Skagit Valley, where vibrant bird species and breathtaking landscapes await your exploration.