September 7-22, 2013
Below are last year's events. Come back in August for this year's list of events.
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Whatcom Water Weeks Kick-off10 AM - 3 PM Check out displays and information about all Water Weeks activities. Get a hug, handshake or picture with Water Weeks mascot “Wayne” Drop - WWIN member will be available to answer questions and distribute event materials. |
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Taylor Shellfish Tour and Cooking Demo11 AM - 1 PM Take a tour of Taylor Shellfish Farms. Participants will learn about the historic industry of shellfish farming in Washington state along with a cooking demonstration. Samples from the cooking demonstration will be available for tasting! Contact: Nicole Hopper, Nicoleh@taylorshellfish.com, (360) 701-7637 |
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Skookum Hatchery Open House & Salmon Lunch 10 AM – 2 PM Enjoy a unique opportunity to tour the Skookum Creek Chinook Salmon Hatchery. Learn about hatchery operations, local salmon recovery efforts and finish the event with a delicious salmon lunch. Contact: Alan Chapman, alanc@lummi-nsn.gov, (360) 384-2202 |
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Celebrate 40th Birthday Party for Lake Padden11 AM - 3 PM Join your friends and neighbors for the 40th birthday celebration of wonderful Lake Padden. Check out the guided walks, races, and many other events happening throughout the day. Be sure to stay for inspirational words from local elected officials and finish the afternoon with a chorus of happy birthday and a delicious piece of birthday cake – compliments of Haggens! The celebration will also include displays and information highlighting actions you can take to help protect the park and the lake’s water quality for future generations. For details on all the activities click here. Contact: Betsy Gross at People for Lake Padden website www.p4lp.org |
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Celebrate Local Food - Whatcom County Farm Tour 10 AM – 5 PM Don’t miss the free, self-guided tour of the bounty that Whatcom County farms have to offer. Tour goers will have the chance to explore Whatcom County’s diverse family-owned farms and the rich agricultural history in Washington’s northwest corner. Visitors will find exciting educational and interactive activities at each tour stop and a chance to win prizes by getting their Farm Tour passport stamped. http://sustainableconnections.org/events/whatcom-county-farm-tour-1 Contact: Sara Southerland, sara@sconnect.org, (360) 647-7093 x114 |
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Rain Barrel Workshop 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Whatcom County residents are encouraged to attend this FREE workshop to learn about the basic principles of rainwater collection and receive hands on instruction on how to install and maintain a rain barrel. Participants will take home a pre-drilled 55-gallon barrel. Space is limited. Register online at: www.bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org or call Ingrid at: (360) 715-7450, ext. 50787 |
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Sustainable Landscapes - Lake Whatcom Self-Guided Tour10 AM - 3 PM A self guided tour for the public of three examples of sustainable landscaping practices. Each of the three properties illustrates different approaches to managing stormwater on-site. Tour participants will be provided with a write up on sustainable practices utilized at each site, an opportunity to talk to the property owner and a list of best management practices that they could incorporate into their own landscape. Contact: Sue Taylor, sl-taylor@comcast.net, (360) 671-3891 |
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4-H Clubs Invited! Activities & World Monitoring DayVisit the Whatcom 4-H “Stewardship is Where You Are” Water Bugs on-line activities to find fun, science-based activities you can do with your club. http://whatcom.wsu.edu/4-h/nrs/waterbugs/ex.html The Whatcom Extension 4-H office also has a limited number of “World Water Monitoring Day Kits” available for free, as well as a list of local streams for your club to test and explore! Call and get started on your water projects now! |
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None currently specific to this date, events being added weekly. Be sure to check multi-date events. |
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Preschool Storytime - Deming Library10:30 AM Preschool Story Time is a fun learning program for 3 to 5 yr olds. We will sing songs, tell stories and read books. This story time will focus on our local watershed and Wayne Drop will be visiting too! Watershed materials will be on display in the kid’s room. Contact: (360)592-2422 |
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Whatcom Creek Restoration Walking Tour4 PM - 5:15 PM Walk through three habitat restoration sites on Whatcom Creek: Redtail Reach, Salmon Park and Cemetery Creek. These large scale, in-stream sites were completed as part of Whatcom Creek long-term restoration efforts in response to the 1999 Olympic Pipeline Incident. Funding came from the Olympic Pipeline settlement. Walk through three habitat restoration sites on Whatcom Creek: Redtail Reach, Salmon Park and Cemetery Creek. These large scale, in-stream sites were completed as part of Whatcom Creek long-term restoration efforts in response to the 1999 Olympic Pipeline Incident. Funding came from the Olympic Pipeline settlement. Contact: Renee LaCroix, rlacroix@cob.org, (360) 778-7966 |
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Own Your Own Rain Barrel Demo6 PM - 7:30 PM Hands-on demonstration of rain barrel installation and construction of your own 55-gallon rain barrel to take home and install. Cost is $35 ($30 for RE Sources members), pre-registration is required. All Whatcom County residents invited to participate. Website link for registration – http://www.re-sources.org/events/sustainable-living-center-events-series#TOC-Rain-Barrel-Construction-Installation Contact: Anitra Accetturo, aaccetturo@cob.org, (360) 778-7732 |
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None currently specific to this date, events being added weekly. Be sure to check multi-date events. |
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None currently specific to this date, events being added weekly. Be sure to check multi-date events. |
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Land Trust South Fork Bicycle Tour9 AM - 2 PM Join Whatcom Land Trust representatives at the south end of Lake Whatcom for a 20-mile bike tour through the Wickersham and Saxon areas. WLT protects a number of properties along the route that provides habitat for salmon, unusual frogs and other wetland species. We’ll stop for lunch at the Blue Mountain Grill. Bring lunch money for a stop at the Blue Mountain Grill. Event is open to the public. Suggested donation for the tour is $10. Please register with Whatcom Land Trust. This will be an easy ride at a slow pace with little elevation gain. Contact: Natalie Whitman, Natalie@whatcomlandtrust.org, (360) 650-9470 |
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Little Squalicum Park Wetland and Stream Restoration9 AM - Noon Little Squalicum Park Wetland and Stream Restoration event kicks off what will be the first of many weeding, mulching and re-vegetation work parties hosted by RE Sources at Little Squalicum Park. All are invited. For more information visit: www.re-sources.org/programs/baykeeper |
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Bellewood Acres Celebrates Water Weeks11 AM - 5 PM Bellewood Acres is celebrating Whatcom Water Weeks and everyone is invited to participate. Creek activities –Stream Science Walk (1:00pm with NSEA staff) explore water health, bugs in the creek and much more. A visit from Sal the Salmon and an educational display to learn about how BelleWood is a Salmon Safe farm. Kids activities - Horse rides, given by the Arabian Youth Club, Apple Bin Express train rides, face painting and a visit from "Wayne" the raindrop, the Whatcom Water Week mascot. Booths and display from NSEA and the Conservation District. Contact: Sarah Fowler, sarah@bellewoodfarms.com, (360) 318-7720 |
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Bellingham Traverse Multi-event RaceNoon Start The Bellingham Traverse is an endurance multi-sponsor challenge that celebrates the life journey of salmon. Soloists, tandem and relay teams compete for survival on the course that demonstrates the urban and natural challenges that salmon face in their journey. The course begins and ends at the Bellingham Farmers Market. You can watch the race or put together your own team to raise funds and win prizes. |
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International Coastal Clean-up Event - Locust Beach/Whirlwind Beach10 AM - Noon The MRC and Surfrider will team up with volunteers to pick up trash along Bellingham Bay. We will fan out from Locust Beach, aka Whirlwind Beach, and tally what we find to submit to the International Coastal Clean-up event. This is also a chance to explore 13 acres of newly acquired public tidelands. Contact: Melissa Roberts, mroberts@co.whatcom.wa.us, (360) 676-6876 |
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Rainwater Harvesting & Rain Garden Workshop12:00-2:00pm This event will feature a workshop for planning, designing, and building rainwater harvesting system for irrigation or applications for indoor usage, as well as landscapes and gardens for stormwater control. We will demo numerous different types of rainwater harvesting systems from 50 gallon barrels to 1,000 gallon systems made from multiple tanks, pumps and how to connect and build these systems into irrigation that works for all kinds of landscapes. We will discuss and demonstrate different types of applications for rainwater harvesting that can save money on water and mitigate negative effects from stormwater runoff. The workshop will highlight various types of low cost rainwater harvesting and rain garden systems people can apply to their own project. Additionally, we will have discounts and sales on rainwater harvesting systems and components. Contact info: C.J. Huxford, (360) 566-2261, www.nwrainsolutions.com |
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Family Story Time - Everson Library10:30 AM Children, ages 2-7, and their parents are invited to attend a fun-filled water-themed story and activity time. Join us for a half-hour of fun songs and stories. During Whatcom Water Weeks we will learn about our watershed through water themed story and song. Contact: (360) 966-5100 |
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Toddler Storytime - Blaine Library10:30 AM Toddler Time: 20 minutes of stories, songs, and other amusements celebrating Whatcom Water Week. Meet our special guest, Wayne Drop! Preschoolers are welcome, but content is aimed at 3-5 year olds. Contact: (360) 332-8146 |
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Family Story Time - North Fork Library10:30 AM Children, ages 2-7, and their parents are invited to attend a fun-filled water-themed story and activity time. Join us for a half-hour of fun songs and stories. During Whatcom Water Weeks we will learn about our watershed through water themed story and song. Contact: (360) 966-5100 |
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Pickford 3rd Annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival23Doors: 6 PM &
Film: 6:30 PM For the third year in a row, the Northwest Straits Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation brings the SYRCL's Wild and Scenic Film Festival to Bellingham. A great selection of the festival films will be shown that were made by environmental activists with the intent to inspire the audience to not only to plan their next great outdoor adventures, but to get up and go out and take action to save the places we love to play outdoors. Contact: nws@surfrider.org |
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DIG (Downtown Improvement Gardens) Open House295:30 PM The event is open to the public and will provide information about the program, show rain garden locations and allow businesses to “adopt” rain gardens. Contact: Amy Vergillo, amy@downtownbellingham.com, (360) 527-8710 |
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Stewards of Drayton Harbor Education Cruise3010 AM - Noon Aboard the historic ferry, Plover, passengers will travel the waters of Drayton Harbor taking water samples and learning to analyze them for dissolved oxygen, pH and salinity. Plankton trawls will be taken to explore the critters of Drayton Harbor that make it such a bountiful place. A field station will be set up at the Semiahmoo Yacht Club float to explore the “catch” from the trawl net with microscopes and magnifying glasses. SPACE IS LIMITED and RSVPs are required. Please contact Captain Richard Sturgill at (360) 332-5742 to reserve your spot. All ages welcome. |
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Bellingham Library Time for Tales2 PM - 2:45 PM Celebrate water with stories, songs and crafts. For children ages 4 - 8 years old. Free to attend! Contact: (360) 778-7266 |
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Raccoon Story Time10:15 AM - 10:45 AM & 11 AM - 11:30 AM Celebrate water with stories, songs, finger play and a simple craft. For children ages 2 ½ - 4 years old with an adult partner. Free. Contact: (360) 778-7266 |
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Aquatic Invasive Species Presentation6 PM - 7 PM City of Bellingham Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, Teagan Ward, and her team will present information relating to current efforts and strategies to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels from being introduced to Lake Whatcom. Information will also be presented on strategies for controlling the invasive Asian clam, which already exists in Lake Whatcom as well as various aquatic invasive plants. Residents of Sudden Valley and surrounding communities throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties are welcome to attend this free presentation. Contact: Andy Schene, Ces1@suddenvalley.com, (360) 734-6430 |
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Efficient Irrigation Using Rainwater Workshop1PM - 5 PM This four hour workshop will discuss low/zero pressure drip irrigation and soaker hose installation and use. Irrigation source is from two rainwater harvesting systems. This workshop is for home owners and education professionals seeking to learn more about efficient irrigation systems and alternative water sources. Contact: Anitra Accetturo, aaccetturo@cob.org, (360) 778-7732 |
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Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation Facility TourNoon - 3 PM Visit the “nearly new” Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation Facility and learn how wastewater is treated. Art and exhibits demonstrate importance of water and illustrate high quality of treated effluent and how it is used. Contact: Emily Resch, Emily@bbwsd.com, (360) 371-7100 |
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Walk in our Watershed…6 PM - 7:30 PM Join us for a moonlit stroll along the shore of Lake Whatcom for a distinctly different exploration of a wonderful watershed. So, what’s in a watershed? You are! Hills, basins, streams, river otters, fish, boats, streets, cars, restaurants and homes. Discover why it’s important to all who call it home and change your address according to the nearest stream. This is a family friendly event that is suitable for ages 5 and up. Registration is required, email wildwhatcomwalks@gmail.com to register. $7 per person or $12 per family of four. |
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Discover the Sea and Mountains at Larrabee State Park10 AM - 4 PM Connect with the wonders of our environment while having fun learning many ways to protect our fragile resources at “Discover the Mountains and the Sea at Larrabee”. Join the celebration at this beautiful waterfront park with hands-on activities and educational materials from local organizations that work to help restore our environment. For more Information visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/events/ or go to “CamOcean” on Facebook. Poster: 2012LarrabeePoster.pdf |
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1st Annual Whatcom Skillshare Faire - Deming Log Grounds10 AM - 11 PM Come participate in the first annual Whatcom Skillshare Faire – a fun festival about teaching and learning all kinds of useful, handy and practical skills. You will have the opportunity to take classes on composting, water barrel construction and drip irrigation among many other valuable skill lessons. Admission is $10/car or $2/person on feet, bike or bus. For more information, visit: http://whatcomskillsharefaire.org |
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Whatcom Creek Clean-up10 AM - Noon Everyone and anyone is invited to help clean-up Whatcom Creek. Please meet in the parking lot next to the Grace Community Church. Wear close-toed shoes and long pants. We will provide litter sticks, buckets, and gloves. You may sign up for the event at Whatcom Volunteer Center website or email Suzanne Gray, event coordinator. Contact: Suzanne Gray, segray@cob.org, (360) 778-7974 |
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Noisy Waters: A Nooksack River WalkSeptember 8, 15, 22 Join NSEA River Stewards as they explore the vast aquatic mysteries of the world of the river. For more information: www.n-sea.org |
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Feature a Creature at Marine Life CenterSeptember 8, 15, 22 Our trained staff will feature a specific sea creature and share fun educational facts about this animal and its habitat. Please drop in and become more acquainted with the animal world that lives beneath the sea. All are invited to participate. The MLC welcomes and appreciates visitor support. There is a yellow donation box right inside the door. Contact: Casey Cook, marinelifecenter@yahoo.com, (360) 671-2431 |
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Diner Date! All-Animal Feeding at Marine Life CenterSeptember 8, 15, 22 Our trained staff will make the rounds through the tanks feeding the myriad of creatures living at the Marine Life Center. You’re sure to see something exciting during this dinner date! All are invited to participate. The MLC welcomes and appreciates visitor support. There is a yellow donation box right inside the door. Contact: Casey Cook, marinelifecenter@yahoo.com, (360) 671-2431 |
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Tour Bellingham's Water Treatment PlantSeptember 11 & 15 Have you ever wondered how water gets from Lake Whatcom to your faucet so crystal clear and refreshing? Here is your chance to find out how water is drawn, purified, tested and delivered to you, the consumer. Take a tour of the City of Bellingham’s treatment plant and learn about your drinking water and how your conservation and pollution-prevention efforts are helping the process. Contact: Emily Johnson, eejohnson@cob.org, Doug Stark, dastark@cob.org, (360) 778-7974 |
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Giant Octopus Feeding at Marine Life CenterSeptember 12, 19 Our trained staff will invite our very special resident octopus to dine on one of its finest delicacies. Maybe a clam, prawn or scallop? Come see what our octopus fancies for lunch! All are invited to participate. The MLC welcomes and appreciates visitor support. There is a yellow donation box right inside the door. Contact: Casey Cook, marinelifecenter@yahoo.com, (360) 671-2431 |
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Gardening Green: Sustainable LandscapingTuesdays and Thursdays from September 11 - 27 Open to Whatcom County residents. The class provides practical information and simple but powerful actions to protect water quality. This approach to gardening builds a foundation of healthy soil, organizes the garden to reduce on-going maintenance and focuses on selecting plants that are adapted to our area. Learn about good gardening practices you can put in place that will give you that beautiful landscape and the peace of mind knowing that your gardens are safe for your family and pets. Each class session includes presentations, demonstrations and landscape tours. Participants will have a hands-one experience designing three sustainable landscape “make-overs”. Each participant will develop a master plan that works with nature for a beautiful landscape. Contact: Sue Taylor, sl-taylor@comcast.net, (360) 671-3891 |
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Village Books Book DisplaySeptember 8-22 Village Books will feature a Water Week display in their front window, highlighting water resources and other "green" books to pique your interest. The community is invited to come inside and browse the collection of books. Contact: villagebooks.com |
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Celebrate Water at Museum Family Interactive Gallery (FIG)September 8-22 Stop by the FIG and explore the wondrous, watery world we live in! From the peak of Mt. Baker to our water taps and the ocean, families will have the opportunity to learn how Whatcom County and the rest of the Salish Sea basin were formed by no other than water and ice! Museum Admission/Museum Members Free Contact: www.whatcom museum.org |
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Reader Board Tips Whatcom Water Sewer DistrictSeptember 8-22 Make your commute on Lakeway Drive a little more interesting. Be sure to check out the daily water facts and tips posted on the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District reader board. The new District office is located in Bellingham at 1220 Lakeway Drive, across from the Aquatic Center and Downer Ball Fields. |
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