Irish culture in Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia

Table of Contents Introduction Music and Dancing Symbolism Religion Language Conclusion Works Cited Introduction The entry of Irish immigrant in Cape Breton began after the discovery of the island by John Cabot in 1497, this also saw the influx of other communities such as Scottish, French and English in the island.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Irish culture in Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Since then, these communities and others who came afterwards have remained on the island to date. Various historical authors have given the factors why Irish immigrated to Cape Breton. The potato famine, which occurred 1840s in Ireland, is thought to be the driving factor behind their immigration. However, other historians cite that Ireland is a country that has been made up of tenants, laborers and farmers with its economic lifeline dependent on Britain. Hence, these econom ic struggles and challenges with prospects of land ownership in North America motivated them to emigrate. The Irish people carried along their culture to new lands during their emigration; hence, this became a part of their community daily life. In Cape Breton, where they settled between 1700s, they continued to practice their culture besides adopting other cultures among other communities they interacted with. This paper discusses the Irish culture in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The writer indicates that the Irish people have continued to preserve their culture over the ages, hence, this is reflected in their music and dancing, symbolism, language, religion among others. Music and Dancing Music and dancing are important elements for a human soul. Music inspires and relaxes the soul, thus bringing about happiness. Similarly, dancing is captivating and is also critical for a person’s mental and physical well-being. Thus, Irish community in Cape Breton has maintained this culture close to their heart. McGee illustrates that Irish people still embrace their traditional music on the island to date (60). Hence, common musical varieties on the island includeAdvertising Looking for research paper on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Anglo-Irish folk songs, Gaelic, pipe and fiddle music among others. Also, McGee (83) indicates that Irish music is a popular among other communities on the island because it is lively and fosters passion. On a similar note, Irish dancing styles are astonishing. The Irish people have continued to uphold â€Å"Step Dancing†, a style of dancing, on the island (Hedican 319). Step dancing is where a dancer swings his/her loose ankle swiftly causing the sole of the shoe to make comical sounds. Similarly, an Irish dancer uses rigid torso and a free leg while dancing to the music rhythm. The uniqueness of Irish Music culture in the island has attracted many young people f rom other communities. Hence, most of them have emulated the music and dancing styles through learning and practicing. Besides, music and dancing culture has encouraged young people to participate in Irish competition such as Feis (Hedican 317). Feli, a form of dancing has been replicated by other cultures, such as Acadian and Scottish living in Nova Scotia. Also, the Irish communities have set aside a period where youngsters are taught about storytelling, local history and community customs. They view these aspects as a part of Irish community living culture. Thus, activities such as â€Å"Kitchen Party† or Ceilidh (a visit) are famous within the community. They provide an opportunity for sharing language, story, song, tracing family roots, and music (McGee, 94). Symbolism For ages, Irish people have revered symbols in their daily lives. They view them as a reminiscence of some phenomenon or certain important events in life. Elliott (140) points out that the most widely reco gnized symbol in the Irish community is the Celtic cross.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Irish culture in Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is a symbol which was used by Irish Catholic communities in 1800s. Hedican (129) cites that the cross was significant to Irish community because it was used to decorate tombstones and jewelry among others during the celebration of Celtic culture. Presently, Houston and William (89) note that this symbol helps Irish people remember significant events in Irish-Canadian history. Also, the names also contain symbolism, which forms a significant part of Irish culture in Cape Breton. According to Houston and William (123), Irish names are unique compared to others in different cultures, thus, it is easy to differentiate them. For instance, Hedican illustrates that a person with a surname starting with O’ is always perceived as a person who has an Irish origin (319). Elliott demonstrates that another significant symbol among Irish in Cape Breton is St. Patrick (136). Irish people recognize St. Patrick as the Patron Saint of Ireland, and the onset of Christianity in Ireland, hence, this day is important for Catholics and Anglicans in residing in Cape Breton. The Irish people celebrate this day by consuming Irish bacon, cabbage and drinks. The Irish people use this day to recall their motherland and bond with their countrymen. Religion Despite some Irish joining with other religions, majority of them is largely Catholics. They follow Catholicism to connect with their native land, which is predominantly Catholics. They have also borrowed architectural styles of building churches from their native country, most catholic churches in Cape Breton bear resemblance.Advertising Looking for research paper on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Akenson (102) illustrates that this architectural designs show their strong connection with their motherland. Besides believing in Jesus Christ and Mary, they also embrace Saints. They view saints as a link or intermediaries between them and Jesus Christ, hence, the church has set aside specific days for commemorating their feasts (HoustonWilliam 1990). The Catholic adherents believe that drinking is not a bad thing because the church tolerates the act. Their culture views the act as a form of personal relaxation and reduction of frustrations. Consequently, the respect for priests and other church clergies is common among the Irish in Cape Breton (Akenson, 235). The culture of forming a person wholly is also common. This stems from the teaching and traditions of the Catholic Church. Hence, Irish people do not discriminate, favor or deny anyone, especially in their schools, hospitals and in the society as a whole. They allow everybody to benefit from their accomplishments (Akenson, 3 12). Language Elliott illustrates that Cape Breton is a multicultural island with many diversities from different parts of the world (143). Hence, language spoken in the island has contributed to its outstanding uniqueness. Irish language in Cape Breton reflects its widespread culture in the island. It is taught in communities and in institutions of higher learning such as universities. Similarly, language conventions and immersion weekends are common, where Irish language is spoken. Elliott (123)cites that literature supporting Irish is also available in the island. It supports people who want to learn the language and offers guidance on spelling and pronunciation. Conclusion Irish people in Cape Breton have preserved their culture to present. Despite facing changes due to the different factors, such as globalization, the community has endeavored to protect its traditional culture which is evident in music and dance, symbolism, religion, language and others. This preservation has e nsured continuity and preserved history for future generations. Works Cited Akenson, Donald H. Small Differences: Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants, 1815– 1922, 1991. Print Elliott, Bruce S. Irish Migrants in the Canada’s: A New Approach, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1988. Print Hedican, Edward J. â€Å"What Determines Family Size? Irish Farming Families in Nineteenth-Century Ontario,† Journal of Family History, (2006): 315-334. Print Houston, Cecil Jand William J Smyth.Irish Emigration and Canadian Settlement. Patterns, Links and Letters, Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 1990. Print McGee, Thomas D’Arcy. A History of the Iriih Settlers in North America, Baltimore, Genealogical Publishing, 1982. Print This research paper on Irish culture in Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia was written and submitted by user Eileen Obrien to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on St. Thomas Aquinas

Reimer-1 The argument for God’s existence has persisted for thousands of years. Many great philosophers have attempted to prove, or disprove the existence of one, or many Gods. One Italian philosopher named Thomas Aquinas offers five different arguments for the existence of the catholic God. One of his arguments, I believe, holds great truth in proving the existence of God. This argument is commonly referred to as â€Å"The Teleological Argument.† Using simple and obvious ideas I will further defend Aquinas Teleological argument against some famous objections. I will do first by explaining the teleological argument. Secondly, by offering simplistic ideas that further defend the argument. Finally by replying to his two most common objections. Aquinas’ fifth argument, commonly called the teleological argument attempts to prove the existence of God. The argument states that unintelligent beings or things tend to act, grow, or develop towards an intelligent goal or end. The following is taken from Aquinas â€Å"Summa Theologica† explaining his teleological argument for God’s existence: The fifth way is taken from the governance of the world. We see that things which lack knowledge, such as natural bodies, act for an end, and this is evident from their acting always, or nearly always, in the same way, so as to obtain the best results. Hence it is plain that they achieve their end, not fortuitously, but designedly. Now whatever lacks knowledge cannot move towards an end, unless it be directed by some being endowed with knowledge and intelligence; as the arrow is directed by the archer. Therefore some intelligent being exists by whom all natural things are directed to their end; and this being we call God.(Aquinas-19) To illustrate consider a natural object that lacks intelligence, much like a tree. When the tree experience a drought it extends it roots down deeper into the soil. It... Free Essays on St. Thomas Aquinas Free Essays on St. Thomas Aquinas Reimer-1 The argument for God’s existence has persisted for thousands of years. Many great philosophers have attempted to prove, or disprove the existence of one, or many Gods. One Italian philosopher named Thomas Aquinas offers five different arguments for the existence of the catholic God. One of his arguments, I believe, holds great truth in proving the existence of God. This argument is commonly referred to as â€Å"The Teleological Argument.† Using simple and obvious ideas I will further defend Aquinas Teleological argument against some famous objections. I will do first by explaining the teleological argument. Secondly, by offering simplistic ideas that further defend the argument. Finally by replying to his two most common objections. Aquinas’ fifth argument, commonly called the teleological argument attempts to prove the existence of God. The argument states that unintelligent beings or things tend to act, grow, or develop towards an intelligent goal or end. The following is taken from Aquinas â€Å"Summa Theologica† explaining his teleological argument for God’s existence: The fifth way is taken from the governance of the world. We see that things which lack knowledge, such as natural bodies, act for an end, and this is evident from their acting always, or nearly always, in the same way, so as to obtain the best results. Hence it is plain that they achieve their end, not fortuitously, but designedly. Now whatever lacks knowledge cannot move towards an end, unless it be directed by some being endowed with knowledge and intelligence; as the arrow is directed by the archer. Therefore some intelligent being exists by whom all natural things are directed to their end; and this being we call God.(Aquinas-19) To illustrate consider a natural object that lacks intelligence, much like a tree. When the tree experience a drought it extends it roots down deeper into the soil. It...

Humans Speak to Humans through Literature Research Paper

Humans Speak to Humans through Literature - Research Paper Example Throughout our studies in literature, it is evident that literature is divided into different fields such as short stories, poems, narratives, and novels. If literature has to remain relevant to the society, then the different subgroups of literature require having a common basis. A critical observation on the different subclasses of literature proves that there is a universal asset or literature. This aspect enhances relevance of literature and hence its continuity and development throughout different generations. This essay will therefore analyse factors that enhance the relevance of literature and its interconnectivity across different generations. Literature has been accused of being biased towards the past generations. In this context, the present generation feels that literature dwells a lot on past occurrences and events with little or no concern about the future and the present generation. This aspect of classic literature has provided basis for the criticism of modern litera ture. However, different criticism on modern literature lack validity since this aspect is critical in the development of modern literature and its significance. However, this model does not nullify the significance or relevance of modern literature. ... The overdependence of experiences in modern literature is therefore, a basis for the creation of modern work. Focusing on experiences also enable artists to compare the past and present life experiences. This comparison strengthens or provides classical literature with a foundation and, it is not a source of irrelevance. The bias of literature towards written literature results from the need to preserve the work of an artist. Although there are numerous ways of storing literature materials, writing remains as the most preferred method. This preference is in relation to the artists and the audience. Different forms of literature including oral narrations are being transformed into written literature. Despite its significance in literature, writing did not exist in the entire history of humanity. This indicates that most works of literature have not been put down in form of writing. It is also obvious that most of the past human experiences have not been written down (Rokeach 167). The re is fear that we might lose our heritage that has been opposed down from one generation to the next in the form of oral narration. Over emphasizing on past life, experiences by classic literature results from the obligation of literature on preserve such works and not a source of irrelevance. Incorporating literature in modern technology minded generation has been an uphill task for artists. This aspect has contributed to the claim that modern literature is irrelevant. In this case, literature is irrelevance because it does not capture the significant issue or features of modern generation. This notion however depends on the perspective of an observer since a rational minded person will be able to visualize

Health Promotion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Health Promotion - Essay Example Campaigns carried out by the mass media helps in exposing a high proportion of the public to health promotion information. Mass media is used as a tool for education on the population on health-related matters (Cook& Frances 2004). Campaigns by the mass media are favorable because they can pass information around, increase awareness and impact a large portion of the population. Interventions by the mass media result in positive health changes on a big scale. These interventions enforce positive health characters in the population. Radio is used by media organizations to broadcast information on health because it can reach many people and still maintain a strong impact. Some media interventions have been classified as cost effective bearing in mind the gains that related to expenditure. Health messages disseminated by the radio are less costly than the television because information on Radio reaches people at their workplaces, in cars and at home. Short educational radio segments are put in between programs when the largest part of the population is tuned in. A research conducted by an American organization found out that the ability people who listen to the radio to recall the broadcast’s details is high even after several months. The findings of the study support the ability of the radio as a mass media tool for disseminating health promotion messages which positively impact listeners. Like other public health campaigns, interventions carried out on the radio must be designed and implemented carefully (Nwaerondu& Thompson 2007). Successful radio interventions use experienced trainers who understand the local community, work together with community leaders, develop programs from existing work that has succeeded in the region, respect accepted and established social structures, use village intermediaries, and encourage uneducated persons to communicate their concerns and ideas

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Leadership And Teamwork Skills In Caterpillar Management Essay

Leadership And Teamwork Skills In Caterpillar Management Essay The report which I have prepared tells about the ways by which leadership qualities and team success can be improved in an organization. Now days organizations are spending a lot of resources on training the employee to be a good industry leader for coming future. In addition to this organizations are also grooming employees by introducing training and development programs, so that employee can adapt themselves to work in a team. This will help the organization to achieve the optimized output and economic benefits. Introduction Every organization effectiveness and profitability depends on its leadership quality and teamwork. Better they are, better will be the productivity. Organizations goals and commitments can only be achieved, if there is a self regulatory teamwork. Teamwork not only develops the public relation skill in an employee but at the same time develops timely execution of work with accuracy and efficiency. An organization can still be successful if it has an efficient leader but inefficient team. If there is an efficient team and inefficient leader, the company will never be able to compete or be successful in a market. At the current time of recession, leaders visualize the changes need to bring in an organization and consider this periods as an opportunity to diversify them. In practical life it is been observed that leadership and teamwork goes hand to hand. They both are two sides of a coin; they both are mostly use in place of one another. It is very difficult to differentiate them. Leadership Discussion on leadership is not a new area of topic. It is been discussed and criticized from the ancient times. Leadership is very complex and it is applied universally but still there is no general definition of leadership as it is studied and practiced in number of ways, which require different definition of each. Kotter believes that leadership is not a trait with which a person is born with, it can be developed; it can be made perfect by exposing to the working environment of an industry or can be learned as life is an ongoing learning process at each single step (Kotter J. P, 1999). According to Stogdill, leadership is a process which involves social phenomena in which an employee exercises power and influences group or an entity behavior to achieve desired goals (Stogdill, 1974). Useem defines leadership as a Subject of making a difference in which an organization chooses reasonable alternatives to get a particular work done by mobilizing and motivating employee (Mullins L. J, 2009). Teamwork In todays world, time is a luxury. This in future will be very less so organizations give priority to the teamwork, as its speeds up the process. It is experienced that, when an employee of an organization work in a team. It makes an organization move ahead in a precise direction. This also make easy for them to implement changes (Kotter J. P, 1996). Katzenbach and Smith define teamwork as a small number of people with complementary skills, who are committed to a common purpose, performance and goal, and approach for which they are mutually accountable (Katzenbach and Smith, 1999). From a long time its been observed and debated that group work and teamwork are both different entity in an organization. They both distinct each other on the basis of the mutual responsibility for a common goal, In addition to this leadership style also differ in both of them. For example in teamwork there is a shared or a rotating leadership. Where as in a group there is a solo leadership (Robbins, 2005). As a consultant for Caterpillar, I will be going through their leadership and teamwork programme and will be giving them recommendation on ways of increasing leadership and teamwork success. C:Documents and SettingsadMy DocumentsMy Picturescaterpillar_logo.gif Leadership and teamwork qualities in Caterpillar Caterpillar is a multinational company with a turnover of 22.7 billion pounds and with its operation in more than fifty countries with manpower of 100,000. Caterpillar is not a manufacturer of a single product; it has a wide range of portfolio from Cat logistic, Cat financial, Cat rental to Cat cranes. Their success and increase in market share to large extent goes to its leadership qualities and teamwork success. In Caterpillar there are around 8500 leader and 6500 supervisors (Caterpillar Inc. annual report, 2003). Mr. Benjamin Holt is an owner of a Caterpillar, which come in fortune 500 companies and they are ranked 44. Mr. Benjamin Holt has the following leadership qualities: Diversity and safety: diversification in terms of race, customs or comprehensive knowledge or variety of different other thing which will lead to the new ideas. This at last will be beneficial for the development of a new product. For example, for this they recruited people from minorities group and females in there groups. He also believed, if there is less injury to his employees. Then number of days without work will be less. This will ultimately result in minimization of cost. So he always emphasis on safety of his employees (Kirkpatrick. D. L, Kirkpatrick J. D, 2006). Integrity: Mr. Benjamin believes that his company foundation is based on the honesty and the commitments which he makes with his employees, customers and business associates. Risk taker: after creating an impact on the American, South American and European countries. Now caterpillar is trying to invade Indian and china market with huge investments, as these markets are not catered with the services provided by them. (Caterpillar Inc. annual report, 2003). A leader in a caterpillar has the following role to play: Leader ensures the safety and the sustainability- Caterpillar believes that their success totally depends upon the safety and sustainability of their employee. So leader should encourage its counter employee that they apply these measures in daily life. Leader should also help the peer employ learn to do so (Orlemann. Eric. C, 2000). Transfer of knowledge- leader let it peer employ know about the various things going in the caterpillar by carrying out the meetings. Recoginisition of the employee-leader in caterpillar should find an employee who contributes a lot in the leadership of a company. Recruitment of a new talent-leader in a caterpillar recruits the new talent and makes them know about the goals and value caterpillar believes in so that they can be a future caterpillar leader (Leffingwell. Randy, 1994). Advocate and share success: leader in caterpillar shares success and accomplishments with its peer employees and advocate their rights in behalf of them in front of the top level of management Caterpillar believe that there leaders have following qualities which differ them from the rest of the industry leaders. These are urge for leadership, good command on language as well as they are self starter of in what so ever task they do. Leadership programme in Caterpillar Caterpillar gives training to its supervisors by placing them in the Caterpillar University College of leadership, so that they can understand and develop themselves for the different leader levels (Caterpillar, 2009). Caterpillar evaluates and tries to fill the gap between the existing leadership potential of a leader with the capability of leadership which caterpillar need to execute in its strategic vision (Caterpillar, 2009). Caterpillar recently introduced a course for its mid level and frontline leaders, which is known as six sigma course. This is basically employed to increase the efficiency and to reduce the time spent away from the job by leaders. In this leader were given class rooms lessons, proficiency and expertise practice. They were also taught about the caterpillar values and priorities. Caterpillar uses very distinct style to increase leadership among its leader. They call leaders from the different departments of company and make them debate on the specific problem, which they are facing currently. This kind of a debate leads to a solution. As a result leaders from different departments get knowledge, that how to tackle a problem. It also helps them in generating new idea, which is not only beneficial for their department but for other departments of company as well (Caterpillar, 2009). Caterpillar do not hire third party for training there leaders or supervisors (who will be future leader). They are been guided and taught by the high level management people, for example vice president or chief executive officer of a Caterpillar. As they believe that they are most respected people in the industry and they are the world class in their specific field (Development Dimension International, 2008). Team work in caterpillar Caterpillar believes that by working in the team they can achieve good results instead of working individually. They believe its good to share talent and knowledge with the employees we work with and live with. This will ultimately result in high productivity. Caterpillar believes that in teamwork there are number of members with different values and discipline, which will create a new idea. This can be helpful for company (Haddock. K Orlemann. E.C, 2001). As per S.P Robbins teamwork not only depends on the individual technical knowledge but it solely depends, how well they gel with one another (Robbins, 2005). Caterpillar applies teamwork, when they are manufacturing a same kind of a product or dealing with the other business entities then their own business. For example vendor development. As caterpillar is a multinational company with offices in so many countries, so they have to deal with various government regulations and economic policies this makes them form a team which provides flexibility to its manufacturing programme. Drawbacks in leadership and teamwork skills in Caterpillar as per me: Caterpillar still uses the taylorist model, in which the work is divided between the people. Which is of the same form of a work, they are been doing from the past many years. This does not upgrade their knowledge and innovation skills. Which s very important at the current situation, where there is uncertainty in market and lot of competition. As the employees need to perform repetitive work in a team, they will not be having the power of judgment and the skill of communicating socially. By making leaders debate on a problem, this can lead to a conflict between them. As all of them might be having different opinions and views. Caterpillar do not hire third party for the training of their leaders, they are trained by their seniors only. This kind of training is not successful as the leaders will not be able to know the various different ways, different leader think and tackle problems. Ways of increasing leadership skill in caterpillar Caterpillar needs to identify and recruit charismatic leaders. Who develops and visualizes the core vision. Who are willing to take the personal risk to achieve the pre determined vision, which they have set. At the same time, they are willing to react for its members need. For example John F Kennedy and Steve Jobs, they were the leaders who had these qualities and made their organization best among the best (Robbins S. P, Judge T. A, and Sanghi S, 2009). Caterpillar needs to customize the training and development program for its leader as per their needs and the requirement of organization. By seminars and speeches, leaders just get motivated. There is no effect on their performance. So there should be a customized training program. Caterpillar can apply a new technique to improve the quality of leadership among its leaders. In which they can pair highly skilled leaders with the newly elected leader and make them work for six to seven months. This will help the new leader to align his speed and skills with the highly skilled leader. This will ultimately increase the efficiency (Jared L. Bleak, 2007). Ways of increasing teamwork in Caterpillar Efficiency of teamwork can be increase if there are right people in a right team, with a right attitude. This can be judged by a job analysts appointed by an organizations (Harrington M. D, 1994). By making goal understand to each and every member of a team with the help of a flowchart or with Parteo chart, will result in a successful teamwork (Kattzenback. J and Smith. D, 1993). Caterpillar can increase the efficiency of teamwork by making members of each team, write goals and motive on their shirts. This will help them to create a positive environment and team spirit. For example General Electric practiced this and it resulted in a positive outcome (Harrington M. D, 1994). To increase the efficiency of teamwork, caterpillar needs to allow team members to make their own plan, inspect quality of work, of their own and plan their budget. This will make them committed to the Caterpillar (Larson. C and Lafasto. F, 1989). In teamwork, there are number of people from different backgrounds and culture. To minimize the chances of conflicts and individualism in a team. Caterpillar should organize get together events, where these members can socialize and build a strong relation. Caterpillar should start giving team incentives, as it will be beneficial in two ways. First it will induce team members to work hard to achieve the team goals. Secondly, there will be same incentive for each team member. So there will be no competition, there will be a atmosphere of cooperation and harmony (Cascio, 1995).

Northern Cascades National Park :: essays research papers

The purpose of this paper is to give you some background information on Northern Cascades National Park and to talk about the management techniques the park uses to preserve it. Northern Cascades National Park became a national park on Oct 2, 1968, when Lyndon Johnson sighed the North Cascades Act. Twenty years later congress designated 93% of the park as a Stephen Mater Wilderness. When congress declares an area as â€Å"wilderness,† it provides extra protection against human impact. Northern Cascades National Park is mostly used for backpackers and mountain climbers, who have little impact on the park. There is one gravel road open to the public that is in the park, but very few people utilize it. Each year Northern Cascades National Park receives about 400,000 visitors for recreational purposes. Native Americans were amongst the first to use this area. Four Indian tribes inhabited the Cascades; the Upper Skagits, Sauk, Suiattle, and Swinomish who were attracted to this area for its plentiful resources. By the 1770’s there was Euro American presence in the Cascades. The Euro Americans used this area to get furs and pelts for trading. The beaver, wolf, and grizzly bear were the most sought after pelts in the cascades, do to their abundance. Later many would come to mine the cascades, but there wasn’t much of what they were looking for. Northern Cascades National Park is about 684,000 acres and encompasses Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. In today’s society there are very few wilderness areas that aren’t impacted by human activity like Northern Cascades National Park. Many areas within the park have had little human intervention. In many areas of the park the only human impact is coming form air and water pollution, which doesn’t sound good. But this is still a lot less impact than other parks receive. The Cascades stretch as far south as California and continues north to British Columbia. The cascade mountain range didn’t used to be part of North America, but millions of years ago it attached itself do to accumulation of sediment, colliding tectonic plates, and volcanic activity (www.north.cascades.national-park.com/info.htm). The Cascades is one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world and one of the fasting growing. Depending where you are in the park the climate can dramatically change. From the hundreds of small lakes and rivers that sculpt the lowlands to the mountain tops that reach up to 1000