“Part of the Whidbey Institute’s path is to help people find their own authentic center point, the place in themselves where they are able to be at ease, to be resilient, to be flexible, and to be at peace.” —Joel Shrut

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About Us

The Whidbey Institute offers spaces and experiences that inspire, as well as partnering with a vibrant network of program leaders working in the areas of generative leadership, ecosystem vitality, community resilience, and more. Our 108-acre woodland campus, integrated gardens and forest ecosystem, four mile public-access trail network, and comfortable facilities invite nature connection and serve an engaged community. The land is home to a woodland sanctuary, a labyrinth, two residential-style homes, locally designed and built cabins, and more. Meals are lovingly prepared by a professional chef, using fresh, organic, grown-on-site ingredients whenever possible.

Looking to get involved?

Bring Your Work Here

At the Whidbey Institute, we host a variety of partner-led programs, workshops, retreats, conferences, and seminars. Inquire about holding your work at the Whidbey Institute.

Volunteer

Connect with others on fun projects—weekly, seasonally, or just once in a while! We have a variety of indoor and outdoor volunteer jobs for a range of interests and skill levels.

Visit and Explore

Explore our 4 mile public trail system, visit our gardens and labyrinth, take a pause in our woodland sanctuary, and more. Here’s how to get her and what to expect.

Experience a Program

Whether you’re looking for a skill-building workshop, a restorative retreat, or an inspiring conference, our events calendar has something for you! Check out our upcoming programs.

About the Whidbey Institute

Our guiding purpose

To serve as a home for ongoing inquiry, learning, and transformation in response to the unprecedented challenges of our time.

Our mission

To cultivate place, nurture community, and co-create experiences which grow our human capacity for compassionate, courageous action.

Our vision

People and communities wholeheartedly meeting
the complex challenges of our time.

 

Community Equity Principles

Members of the Whidbey Institute team commit to honor these community equity principles and invite all who come here to do the same.

Our History

The Whidbey Institute grew out of the Chinook Learning Community, founded in 1972 in service to Earth, Spirit, and the Human Future. Learn more here.

Our Team

Our staff, board, contractors, interns and volunteers are wholeheartedly committed to the work, mission, and stewardship of the Whidbey Institute. Meet the team.

Who We Serve

A home for transformational learning since 1972, we exist for those who sense the urgency and responsibility of this moment in history and feel called to respond. Learn more.

We acknowledge this place, its history, and the people—past, present, and future—upon whose traditional lands we live and work. The Whidbey Institute is located on the territory of the Lower Skagit, Swinomish, Suqamish, and Snohomish tribes—the island Tscha-kole-chy, named Whidbey Island by colonial settlers.

We exist for those who sense the urgency and responsibility of this moment—this world in turmoil, and this culture in transition.

With capacity to lodge up to 45 participants, our campus effectively supports multiple small groups gathering concurrently, larger groups of 45+, and summertime camping for groups including youth engagement. Our campus is also home to Whidbey Island Waldorf School, providing a preK through 8th grade education rooted in creativity, compassion, and reverence for nature.