Dive into Whatcom Water Week, Sept. 13–21
Celebrate our local water resources with fun and educational events throughout Whatcom Water Week. We are hosting several events, including:
- StoryWalks® at Taylor Dock and Little Squalicum Pier
- Tours of our drinking water and wastewater treatment plants
- Themed story times with the Bellingham Public Library
- And more!
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a curious learner, or just looking to have some fun, this is your chance to connect with Whatcom County’s water resources in a meaningful way. Visit the Whatcom Water Week website for a full list of events.
Help grow our urban tree canopy
Our popular Tree Coupon Program is back! Starting this fall, you can get up to a $100 discount per tree on a variety of eligible trees from participating local nurseries to plant on private property. This program is part of our ongoing effort to increase Bellingham’s urban tree canopy, helping us create a healthier, more beautiful community for everyone. Last year’s program was a huge success, with over 500 new trees planted across the city. Learn how to sign up on our website.
Lee Memorial Park gets a weekend spruce up
City of Bellingham Park Operations is renovating the shrub bed areas at Lee Memorial Park this weekend, Sept. 6–7. They’ll remove overgrown shrubs, weeds, and invasive species. Please plan to use the main entrance to the Bellingham Central Library on Central Ave — access to other entrances will be limited.
Improving public spaces
From Sept. 9–19, crews will be sealing cracks in the roadway along Hannegan Road from Bakerview Road to Division Street, and up Division Street to Hammer Drive during the day. Crack sealing helps extend the life of the roadway and reduces maintenance costs. If possible, use alternative routes to avoid traffic delays in the area.
Progress also continues on the Roeder lift station to improve sewer capacity. Night work (6 p.m.–7 a.m.) is tentatively planned for Roeder Avenue between Coho Way and Squalicum Way Sept. 8–11.
Is your sidewalk clear and passable?
Clear sidewalks make it safer and easier for everyone to get around — whether you’re walking to school, pushing a stroller, using a mobility aid, or simply out for a jog. But blocked sidewalks can quickly turn into hazards.
City crews maintain sidewalks in public spaces and address structural repairs, but it’s your responsibility to keep the sidewalk in front of your business or home clear. That means:
- Trim back trees, shrubs, and ground cover that are encroaching on the sidewalk.
- Don’t forget the branches! Trim all trees and shrubs so there’s at least 8 feet of clearance above sidewalks and 15 feet above streets and alleys.
- Keep the full width of the sidewalk free of trash bins, parked cars, and other obstacles.
You can report overgrown vegetation or other problems you spot via SeeClickFix. Learn more on our Street Maintenance webpage.
In case you missed it!
- First Friday: Visit Whatcom Museum tomorrow, Sept. 5, for a special Free First Friday celebrating the Salish Sea.
- Parks Playbook: The Parks and Recreation Fall Playbook has arrived! Discover upcoming events, activities, classes, and more.
- We Scoop: Got a photogenic pup? Enter our annual photo contest and help remind everyone to scoop the poop!
