For many people in Bellingham, healthy environment is a community value. In the last year and a half, more than 500 volunteers have planted over 1,200 plants to help restore the newest reach of Squalicum Creek. And it’s no mystery why— restoring our local streams improves the health of our environment, provides wildlife habitat, and supports the survival of salmon—a cornerstone of our local culture and economy. Healthy environments are inextricably tied to our quality of life.
This Earth Day—Saturday, April 22—you are invited to get outside with Bellingham Parks and Public Works project staff as we enjoy the benefits of nature, while continuing to improve one of Bellingham’s newest stream corridors and trails.
What: Earth Day community work party
When: This Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Where: Bay to Baker Trail along Squalicum Creek
Travel by car: Follow signs to park at the end of
West Orchard Drive off of Meridian Street, then follow more signs leading to the work site.
Travel by bus: Several Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) routes serve the area, with a nearby stop at Meridian and W. Orchard Drive. Once you arrive, follow signs leading to the work site.
Hosted by: Bellingham Parks and Bellingham Public Works Natural Resources
Who: YOU, your friends and family, and other community members (all ages welcome)
You need: Weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes
We provide: Tools, gloves and guidance
Work party contact: Rae Edwards, Bellingham Parks Volunteer Coordinator (360) 778-7105 or
redwards@cob.org
Details: RSVP is
not required for this free, all-ages event. Unaccompanied youth under the age of 18
must provide a *Youth Liability Release Form signed by their legal guardian to participate.
*The
can be found at
www.cob.org by searching “Parks Liability Form.”
Help spread the word! Print the flyer and post it to your local bulletin.
The new segment of Squalicum Creek was created to separate the creek’s flow from the warm and stagnant waters of human-made Sunset Pond to create major and lasting improvements to water quality. Squalicum Creek is Bellingham’s largest salmon-bearing stream and is home to four out of the five types of Pacific salmon, as well as endangered steelhead trout. The stream enhancement project was completed by Bellingham Public Works in January 2015, while the new trail was completed by Bellingham Parks in fall of 2016. You can learn more by watching a short video on the City’s YouTube channel—”Squalicum Creek Reroute Phase One” or visiting
www.cob.org/squalicum.
