Learn about events that we host each year to support environmental education and stewardship.
National Public Works Week
Across the country, and here in Bellingham, each May during National Public Works Week, we recognize the services that Public Works provides our communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Bellingham Public Works department provides essential services such as clean drinking water, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, protection of natural resources, and safe streets and sidewalks for transportation. Learn about the activities the City offers to celebrate this week.
Meet a Public Works Truck
This event is an opportunity for children, their families, and other interested individuals to view some of the equipment used to keep our City running and meet the staff who operate this equipment. The event features demonstrations, activities, and crafts for children.
Whatcom Water Week
This annual event celebrates the importance of our water resources through a multitude of activities that share information, inspire stewardship, and foster community. Held each September, Whatcom Water Week is coordinated by the Whatcom Watersheds Information Network (WWIN) and partially sponsored by the City of Bellingham.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Tours
Tours of the Water Treatment Plant and the Wastewater Treatment Plant are available free of charge to interested groups by request. Go behind the scenes with City staff at Whatcom Falls Park to see the process of cleaning our drinking water from Lake Whatcom and/or visit Post Point to discover how we treat our dirty wastewater before discharging it into Bellingham Bay. The Public Works Department also provides tours of the treatment plants to 5th grade students in Bellingham as part of its Bellingham Water School program.
Annual Volunteer Work Parties
The Public Works Natural Resources Division and Bellingham Parks Volunteer Program co-host three annual work parties in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in January, Earth Day in April, and Make a Difference Day in October. These work parties provide opportunities for the community to contribute to efforts that improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat in local streams. Sign up for the quarterly Habitat News email to receive updates about these three work parties, or find a list of upcoming work parties.
Neighborhood Meetings or School Presentations
City staff are available to attend neighborhood meetings or provide presentations or tours to school groups to share information about issues of interest or concern. Please contact nreducation@cob.org to request more information.
More Information
Resources
- Public Works Contacts
- What You Can Do for Clean Water
- Water Conservation
- Bellingham Parks Volunteer Program
Contacts
Environmental Education and Outreach Group
Public Works Natural Resources
nreducation@cob.org
