Whatcom Museum to host French masterworks
The Whatcom Museum is proud to present Verdant, an intimate exhibition of three masterworks by Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse. The exhibition opens to Whatcom Museum members on Feb. 13 and opens to the public on Feb. 14. The paintings, on long-term loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., are part of the “Across the Nation” program, which is sharing iconic artworks from its collection with 10 regional museums around the U.S. Thanks to local donors, the Whatcom Museum is introducing an educational pilot program that will provide free admission for K-12 school field trip groups to see the masterworks. More details and ways for educators to reserve a K-12 tour are available on the School Tours and Workshops page.
Ready for winter weather
With snow in the forecast for the weekend, our crews are prepped and ready for anything nature throws our way. Trucks and plows are loaded with salt, sand, and brine to help keep city streets safer. If snow hits, we’ll prioritize clearing main streets, secondary arterials and routes vital for WTA, Bellingham Schools, and emergency responders. Embrace the winter fun but be sure to stay aware and take care in the conditions. Please take precautions to protect yourself and our community by avoiding unnecessary travel, clearing sidewalks near your home, preventing frozen pipes and reporting issues to Public Works either via SeeClickFix or calling (360) 778-7700 for urgent issues. We’ll keep you updated on any service closures or changes through our news and social media pages. Find more winter weather tips on our website.
Weigh in on the future of Parks and Recreation
Throughout 2025, we will be updating our Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PROS Plan), the strategic plan that guides the future parks and recreation system for Bellingham. Exciting things are coming, including trail connectivity, all-season recreation, and expanded water access! Whether you’re into hiking, biking, picnicking or simply enjoying nature by the water, tell us your goals and priorities and what you would like to see more of in the future. Take our 15 minute(ish) survey now through March 2 to weigh in.
Largest purchase made yet to protect Lake Whatcom
In case you missed it – earlier this week we announced that City Council approved the purchase of 754 acres of forested land in the Lake Whatcom watershed this week, marking the largest purchase ever made through our Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program that began in 2001. This purchase helps safeguard Bellingham’s drinking water source while also protecting a significant area of forest from development and timber harvest. The purchase is funded through watershed fees on utility bills that are specifically collected for protecting Lake Whatcom. While no trails are planned for the site, we will be actively managing the property to enhance forest health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. The sale is expected to close in mid-February. Learn more in our news release.
Committed to more efforts to protect our drinking water
This has been a big week for Lake Whatcom! Also, this week, local legislators approved the 2025-2029 Lake Whatcom Management Program Work Plan. This work plan is a coordinated effort between the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District and will help guide our work to protect Lake Whatcom over the next five years. Thank you to everyone who provided valuable input on the draft plan in 2024 to help shape the final version.
Next steps for Holly St. bike lanes
At the Jan. 27 meeting, Bellingham City Council received an update on the Holly Street Bike Lane Pilot Project, which has made significant progress in improving downtown bike connectivity. Launched in May 2024, the project has increased ridership and proven integral to the city’s bike network. During the pilot, public feedback and traffic data revealed safety concerns, particularly with congestion and “right hook” conflicts at intersections. To improve visibility in the parking-protected area, some parking was removed, and lane adjustments, along with signal timing changes, helped with traffic flow. Moving forward, an interim design will be rolled out this spring, when drier, warmer weather allows for repainting and refinements. While some worry about congestion, a vibrant downtown thrives when there’s more space for people to bike and walk, not just drive. The success of this pilot shows that a designated bike lane can improve connectivity and safety, supporting local businesses and creating a more accessible downtown for everyone. To ensure continued success, a long-term solution with dedicated bike infrastructure will be key to balancing traffic, safety, and a thriving community.
Temporary South Bay trail detour
Just a heads up that early next week, a small section of the South Bay Trail will be temporarily closed between the State Street Roundabout and Pine Street due to some construction equipment on site (weather depending). If you’re planning to use the trail, not to worry. You will be able to get around the blocked section via Boulevard Street. This work is all part of our future Pine Street Crossing Project to improve transportation safety. A contractor will be drilling some small holes (borings) near the trail to take soil samples. Thanks for your understanding!
