Procession of the Species is back – time to get ready!
Lions and tigers and creative made-up creatures, oh yeah! Procession of the Species, a parade featuring costume-clad humans of all ages, returns to our downtown streets once again next month. So dust off those feathers, grab some sparkly recyclables, and get ready to bedazzle your heart out. If you don’t have a costume, join us as we team up with Gabriel’s Art Kids at our free family craft days April 13 and 27 at Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion, with free supplies and instruction from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Then, join us at the parade on May 3 and enjoy live art, music, and more between Lee Memorial Park (library lawn) and Maritime Heritage Park. These events are part of our efforts to generate community activity and enjoyment downtown. For more information about Procession events, visit the Gabriel’s Art Kids website.
Celebrate Earth Day with us
We’ll be hosting our annual Earth Day events on Saturday, April 19. Join us from 9 a.m. to noon for a community work party at our Squalicum Creek Re-Route Project site, where volunteers will remove invasive plants to improve fish and wildlife habitat and water quality. From noon to 3 p.m., we are leading a free recycling event with community partners in the parking lot of Civic Stadium, where you can drop off hard-to-recycle items and bring sensitive documents for shredding. Got little ones? During the week of April 21, the Bellingham Public Library will have earth-themed Children’s Storytimes and a special book list for children. Find more information on our website. Hope to see you there!
Responding to food waste concerns
We are listening to concerns we have heard about the organic waste collection requirement for single-family residences in Bellingham. Here are a few of the ways we are making changes based on feedback. We are working with SSC to make smaller FoodPlus! bins available to address space constraint concerns. (If you live on a lot with 2-4 units, you might already be eligible to combine waste collection services with your neighbors). We are exploring ways to expand our Customer Assistance Program to provide more options for those who qualify for reduced rates based on their income. Discounted rates are currently available for low-income seniors and those with permanent disabilities, and many customers save money by reducing the frequency of their garbage collection. We are committed to making the transition to FoodPlus! smoother for residents while still honoring our goals to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions and complying with future statewide requirements for organic waste collection. We will continue to collect feedback and evaluate our options moving forward.
North Haven tiny home village nears completion
One year ago, the City purchased property that will be the site of a new tiny home village, North Haven, and we’re now in the final stages of construction. HomesNOW! – the non-profit organization that will manage the village – is currently building the tiny homes. Follow their progress online! In addition to securing land, the City is providing kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities; contributing up to $20,000 toward building supplies; and covering construction costs associated with electricity, water, sewer, and fencing. The move-in date is anticipated for mid May.
Learning Together Forums return with Life on Land
Bellingham Public Library will host another round of the Learning Together Forums. A forum titled Life on Land will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, April 17 in the Lecture Room of the Central Branch, 210 Central Ave. At the forum, participants will discuss how local organizations and individuals work together to promote sustainable land use, support the health of our environment, and restore biodiversity in our region. They’ll hear updates on work being done by Growing Veterans, Sustainable Connections, Whatcom Conservation District, and other organizations. Forums are free and open to all, and themes follow the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Snacks provided! No registration required.
Improving public spaces
Between April 16-21, weather depending, we’ll be closing a section of Old Woburn Street between Wildflower Way and Sweetbay Drive to install a new crosswalk. Detours will be in place. Stay up to date on other projects happening around town through our Projects webpage!
