Volunteer Work Party in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Join the City of Bellingham, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA), and the community for our annual volunteer work party in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Together, we will plant native trees and shrubs to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality near the Squalicum Creek Re-route project. This important ecological restoration project was constructed in 2020 to benefit salmon and other native species.

All ages and abilities welcome. No previous volunteer experience necessary. Unaccompanied youth under the age of 18 must provide a City & NSEA Youth Liability Release Form signed by their legal guardian to participate. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

We will provide tools, gloves, instruction, snacks, Tony’s coffee, and free pizza. Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and layers. Spots are limited – please register in advance.

Through the work at this event, we seek to contribute to the environmental justice movement, which was inspired by Dr. King through his concern for the urban environment. Environmental justice embodies the principle that all people have the right to clean air, water, and soil, as well as the right to live in safe and healthy communities.

Donations for Lydia Place

We are partnering with Lydia Place to accept donations for their organization at our event. Lydia Place is a local non-profit working to disrupt the cycle of homelessness and promote sustained independence for current and future generations. Their highest needs currently are regular-sized bottles of dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and baby wipes.

Location

This event takes place at the Squalicum Creek Re-route site near where Squalicum Parkway and Birchwood Avenue meet, just north of PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

• Where to meet: Please meet at the Birchwood PeaceHealth Parking Lot located off of Birchwood Avenue. Parking, a free bike valet, and the sign-in tent will be located here. Event staff will then lead groups of volunteers to the work site. Thank you to PeaceHealth for providing access to this parking lot for our event!
• Travel by bus: Several Whatcom Transportation Authority bus routes serve the area, with nearby stops on Squalicum Parkway. Find your route using the online trip planner at ridewta.com. 
• Travel by bike: A free bike valet will be located in the Birchwood PeaceHealth Parking Lot where you can securely store your bike during the event. Find your bike route by visiting cob.org/bike.
• Travel by car: Parking is available in the Birchwood PeaceHealth Parking Lot. Carpooling is encouraged!

All registered participants will receive more information via email about accessing the event site.