August 2026 Backyard Bulletin

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August is often a challenging month in the Methow Valley. The excitement of early summer has waned, but the heat remains. Small talk becomes (almost exclusively) smoke talk, and I mostly feel like sitting around complaining with my friends while enjoying delicious seasonal produce (August's true saving grace). I'd love to tell you this year is different, an August free of strife or complaint. But the AQI outside my house is 247 right now, so I'll have to reserve my optimism for September.

There is some good news, though. I've become an expert in a new sport I like to call clean air chasing. First, you open up the interactive map on PurpleAir.com and look for anything within an hour's drive that might be breathable. Then, you check regional satellite maps and assess wind direction. Finally, you hop in your car and drive. If you're lucky, you'll hit a clean air bullseye (see photo above). To hit that bullseye is quite a rush! It's akin to that first day back after getting over an illness. When you reclaim the everyday pleasures you once took for granted. More twisted good news: thanks to the power of contrast, that crisp fall air is going to be sweeter than honey this year. Until then, take it easy on yourself and on your lungs.

~ Bridger Layton, Education Programs Manager

Photo: Bridger Layton