Whatcom Water Week Events
Event Details Below!
September 14-22, 2024
StoryWalk Read Aloud
September 13 10:30am-12:00pm/Bellingham
Early Whatcom Water Week Event!
Water Week Storywalk®
For children ages 3 – 8. Celebrate Water Week with a read aloud of the Storywalk® along Taylor Dock! This special collaboration with Public Works will feature story, songs, and end with nature inspired crafts. Meet at the play structure at Boulevard Park.
Location: Boulevard Park at the play structure.
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham Public Library and Public Works
Stormwater Discovery Tours
Week-Long Event/Whatcom County and Bellingham Locations
Discover where all that rainwater goes on Bellingham's Stormwater Discovery Tours. Explore our urban and parkland areas while learning how we work hard to keep the water clean, filter out pollutants, and prevent flooding.
Visit stormwater.cob.org for tour maps and location descriptions.
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Marine Life Center
Week-Long Event/Bellingham
Times Vary- Check Description!
Let us surprise you with the diversity of creatures found in the unique marine environment of the Salish Sea. The more you look the more you see! Our friendly staff will answer your questions, point out hidden wonders, and guide you through Whatcom Water Week stewardship activities.
Open 10am-4pm Monday-Sunday except closures on Wednesday and between 12:30-1:30pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Marine Life Center, Squalicum Harbor, 1801 Roeder Ave., Ste 100, Bellingham
Event Organizer: Marine Life Center
StoryWalk at Cordata Park
Week-Long Event/Bellingham
Water Week Storywalk®
Join us for a splash of fun and learning at a StoryWalk® Stroll through Cordata Park and read Water is Water by Miranda Paul. It's a fun way to learn about the incredible journey of water and its importance to our community!
Available during park hours.
Location: Cordata Park, Bellingham.
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham Public Works
StoryWalk at Taylor Dock
Week-Long Event/Bellingham
Dive into the wonders of the Salish Sea with at a StoryWalk®! Walk along Taylor Dock and read 1, 2, 3 Salish Sea by Nikki McClure. Learn about the amazing animals that live in our ocean and why we need to protect them!
Available during park hours.
Location: Taylor Dock, Bellingham.
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham Public Works
Wild Things
September 14, 20, and 21 9:30-11:00am/Bellingham
Rain or Shine!
Designed for young children, their adults and siblings, Wild Things is a place based community program that explores local parks each month to see what nature has to offer. Hands on exploration and a chance to make new friends! This month, we're at Whatcom Falls Park, noticing fall changes to the creek and the forest. Learn more and register (free, donation encouraged): https://www.wildwhatcom.org/wild-things
Location: Whatcom Falls Park, 1401 Electric Ave., Bellingham
Event Organizer: Wild Whatcom
Run with the Chums
September 14, 8:30am/BP Highlands
Register Early!
Join your community in celebrating healthy water, healthy habitat, and healthy people during the 12th annual Run with the Chums 5K Fun Run! This free event welcomes people of all ages and speeds. The 5K course has beautiful views of Whatcom County shoreline and beaches. Children 10 and under can enjoy the Smolt Sprint obstacle course.
Location: BP Highlands, 6898 Point Whitehorn Road, Blaine
Event Organizer: Whatcom Conservation District
Community Work Party at Whatcom Creek by City Hall
September 14, 9:00am-12:00pm/Bellingham
Reserve your spot!
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Join the City of Bellingham's Parks Volunteer Program and the Bellingham Kiwanis at our annual Whatcom Water Week work party to restore salmon habitat and clean up the well-loved trail behind Bellingham's City Hall. All ages and abilities welcome. Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Tools, gloves, and instructions are provided. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Questions? Contact us at pkvolunteers@cob.org or call 360-778-7105. Additional information will be emailed to registered participants. Register early, space is limited!
Location: Whatcom Creek at City Hall
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham Parks Department with Bellingham Kiwanis
Whatcom County Farm Tour
September 14, 10:00am-4:00pm/Whatcom County
Multiple Farm Locations!
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Each of the 16 farm locations will offer a unique opportunity to meet the folks who grow and raise our food and learn more about how that food makes it from the farm to our plate. This self-guided event is FREE for all ages! Start your self-guided tour at any of the 16 participating farms! Each farm has something unique to offer. Cloud Mountain Farm Center will have local nonprofit NSEA on site to tell you more about their creek restoration project at the the farm.
Map of Participating Farms and More Information
Event Organizer: Sustainable Connections
Whatcom Creek Information Booth
September 14, 1:00pm-4:00pm/Bellingham
Visit us at the Maritime Heritage Park!
As salmon begin returning to Whatcom Creek and fishing season opens, our community is curious about what they are seeing. NSEA will be stationed at Whatcom Creek near BTC to provide salmon education, information about what is returning, and to try and answer whatever questions you have. If you are in the area, feel free to stop by!
Location: Maritime Heritage Park, 500 W. Holly Street, Bellingham
Event Organizer: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA)
Ladies Night Out - Moon of Harvest
September 14, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Pre-Register!
For women ages 18 and over (LGBTQ+ welcoming). We will be looking for evidence that autumn is just around the corner, and learning about native plants and trees along an uphill hike to a peaceful lake. Learn more and register (free, donation encouraged): https://www.wildwhatcom.org/ladies-night-out
Location: Pre-register to receive location details.
Event Organizer: Wild Whatcom
ROAM Coffee + Beer Bingo Night
September 14, 6:00-8:00pm/Bellingham
Support Whatcom Land Trust!
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Join us for a water-week-themed bingo night benefiting Whatcom Land Trust! In the last 40 years, Whatcom Land Trust has successfully protected over 26,000 acres of land, much of which actively protects habitat within and along vital watersheds.
ROAM will be donating all bingo card sales and $1 from every pint sold to this awesome local organization. Bingo cards will cost $3/card or 4 cards for $10.
Come and enjoy some friendly bingo to support the Land Trust and everything they do for our water health! We look forward to seeing you there!
Location: ROAM Coffee + Beer, 1205 Washington St., Bellingham
Event Organizer: ROAM Coffee & Beer in partnership with Whatcom Land Trust
Family Field Day: Beach Exploration
September 15, 9:00-11:30am/Birch Bay State Park
Family Fun!
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Family field day at Birch Bay State Park. Register Here!
Location: Birch Bay State State Park
Event Organizer: Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum
WWIN Water Week Cornhole Tournament
September 15, 12:00-3:30pm/Bellingham
Reserve your spot!
Join Bellingham SeaFeast, Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County, and Whatcom Watersheds Information Network for a Water Week Cornhole Tournament at Menace Brewing. Doug’s Burgers will be onsite with food available!
Upper Left Cornhole will run the tournament with a total of 32 teams openings available for registration. Proceeds will support Whatcom Watersheds Information Network.
Tournament details:
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$50.00 per team
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Teams will receive 3 games guaranteed; 2 games of round-robin followed by a single elimination bracket for prizes.
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The tournament will follow American Cornhole League rules with tournament-quality equipment.
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Bring your own bags or use the bags provided.
All ages and skill levels are welcome and spectators are encouraged!
Digital scoring will be available on the Scoreholio app.
Register at https://share.scoreholio.com/wO0xLSyWOLb.
Location: Menace Brewing, 2529 Meridian St., Bellingham
https://www.facebook.com/events/1048328553311464
Event Organizer: Bellingham SeaFeast
Little Storytime
September 16 & September 17, 10:05am, 10:35am, 11:05am
Bellingham Public Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun!
Location: Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave., Bellingham
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Protecting Whatcom Waterways: Community Stewardship
September 17, 5:30-8:00pm/Bellingham
See you there!
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Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring Whatcom Land Trust, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Whatcom Marine Resources Committee, and Whatcom Conservation District. Discover the efforts of local organizations to enhance water quality and habitat in Whatcom County and learn how you can contribute to these important initiatives. This event includes:
• A moderated panel discussion
• Time for questions
• Opportunities to socialize
Enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and hot dogs (with vegetarian options). Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the bar.
Location: Transition Outpost, 5090 Samish Way, Bellingham
Event Organizer: Whatcom Land Trust in partnership with Transition Outpost
Little Storytime
September 18, 10:05am, 10:45am, 11:25am
Bellingham Public Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun!
Location: Bellis Fair Branch of Bellingham Public Library, One Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Bellingham Water Treatment Plant Tour
September 18, 10:00am-11:00am/Bellingham
Reserve Your Spot!
Celebrate Whatcom Water Week! Tour the City of Bellingham's drinking water treatment plant on Wednesday, September 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. Learn about where the City's drinking water comes from, how the water is filtered and sanitized for drinking, and challenges the drinking water treatment plant operators face due to human impacts in the Lake Whatcom Watershed. Tour will include Q & A with plant operators and laboratory staff.
A week advance notice is required for accessible tours and language accommodations.
Please email haroger@cob.org or call 360-778-7970 to register for the tour.
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Managed Aquifer Recharge Site Tour – South Fork Nooksack River
September 18, 12:00-4:00pm/Acme
Let us know you're coming!
Join the City of Lynden and project partners Associated Earth Sciences, Inc., Reichhardt & Ebe Engineering, along with project funding partner, the Department of Ecology, for a tour of one of two potential City of Lynden Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) sites in the Nooksack Basin. This year’s tour will be to the Saxon site along the South Fork of the Nooksack River. The project goals include increasing late summer Nooksack River flows to improve aquatic habitat for salmon and other species, offsetting decreases in snowpack, creating mitigation flow for the City of Lynden, opportunities for downstream surface water rights, and addressing public health concerns for users of certain downstream water wells.
The MAR Saxon site tour includes walking portions of the undeveloped South Fork MAR site, while discussing the exploration efforts, the geology and hydrogeology of the area, groundwater modeling, conceptual facility components and locations, and how a MAR facility aims to provide multiple streamflow restoration benefits for approximately 45 miles of the Nooksack River downstream to Bellingham Bay. Come prepared to walk approximately 1 mile on gravel roads and dirt trails; wear sturdy footwear. dress for the weather, and a water bottle is recommended. The site tour will depart from the Acme General Store along State Route 9. Restrooms are available at the Acme General Store but, no restrooms are available at the MAR site.
For additional details and to RSVP, please email Lori Jilk: JilkL@lyndenwa.org
Event Organizer: City of Lynden and Associated Earth Sciences, Inc.
Preschool Storytime
September 18, 12:05pm/Bellingham
For children ages 3 - 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, and fingerplays. Lots of fun!
Location: Bellis Fair Branch of Bellingham Public Library, One Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Bellingham Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
September 18, 12:30pm-2:00pm/Bellingham
Reserve Your Spot!
Tour the City of Bellingham's wastewater treatment plant on Wednesday, September 18 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Learn how our used water is filtered and sanitized before returning to Bellingham Bay. Tour will include Q & A with plant operators and laboratory staff.
A week advance notice is required for accessible tours and language accommodations.
Please email haroger@cob.org or call 360-778-7970 to reserve your space.
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Little Squalicum Estuary Tour
September 18, 5:30pm-6:45pm/Little Squalicum Estuary
Watch for Details!
Join City of Bellingham staff for a tour of the Little Squalicum Estuary project completed earlier this year! Learn how this estuary in Little Squalicum Park restores coastal habitat, improves water quality, and supports salmon. We will talk about the estuary's construction, benefits, maintenance, and how you can help protect it. Meet us at the entrance of the park closest to the Bellingham Technical College parking lot. Visit www.cob.org/lse-tour-2024 to find a map and directions for the tour location.
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Lynden Water Treatment Plant Tour
September 19, 10:00am-11:30am/Lynden
Reserve Your Spot!
Tour the City of Lynden's drinking water treatment plant on Thursday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn about where Lynden's drinking water comes from and what type of treatment process the City uses to make clean drinking water.
Please email liboltj@lyndenwa.org or call 360-255-5470 to register for the tour.
Event Organizer: City of Lynden
Preschool Storytime
September 19, 10:30am/Bellingham
For children ages 3 - 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, and fingerplays. Lots of fun!
Location: Bellingham Public Library 210 Central Ave, Bellingham
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Whatcom Creek Information Booth
September 19, 1:00pm-4:00pm/Bellingham
Visit us at the Maritime Heritage Park!
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As salmon begin returning to Whatcom Creek and fishing season opens, our community is curious about what they are seeing. NSEA will be stationed at Whatcom Creek near BTC to provide salmon education, information about what is returning, and to try and answer whatever questions you have. If you are in the area, feel free to stop by!
Location: Maritime Heritage Park, 500 W. Holly Street, Bellingham
Event Organizer: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA)
Library Explorers
September 19, 2:00pm/Bellingham
For ages 6 – 10 with families welcome. Explore the world and wonders of the library through fun stories, experiments, crafts and more. Lots of fun!
Location: Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave., Bellingham
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Whatcom Museum Green Roof Tour and Activity
September 19, 2:00pm-3:00pm/Bellingham
Kid's Activity!
Join us at the Whatcom Museum as we tour the Lightcatcher's Green Roof and learn how rainwater collected there helps prevent polluted stormwater from entering the watershed and saves energy. A brief tour will be followed by an art activity in the Family Interactive Gallery. This program is designed for kids ages 3-10, but all are welcome to join us and learn about the benefits and possibilities of green architecture. Tour and craft are free with museum admission.
NSEA Salmon Spotters Training
September 19, 5:30pm-7:30pm/Bellingham
Let us know you're coming!
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Learn all about NSEA's citizen science program, Salmon Spotters! This presentation provides an overview of NSEA's work, a brief history of salmon decline, a review of salmon in Whatcom County, and how you can help us monitor the salmon that are returning in different creeks across the county. Great for all ages and knowledge levels.
Prior registration is preferred by not required to participate - www.spotters.nsea.volunteerhub.com
Location: Bellingham Location to be Provided
Event Organizer: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA)
Stones Throw Trivia
September 19, 7:00pm/Bellingham
Get ready for trivia!
Join Stones Throw Brewery on September 19 for trivia night. A category dedicated to Whatcom Water Week will be added to the normal trivia night event. Teams up to 4 with a $2 buy-in.
Check the Stones Throw Brewery "Trivia with Tim" event page for information.
Location: Stones Throw Brewery, 1009 Larrabee Avenue, Fairhaven
Event Organizer: Stones Throw Brewery
Stories & Play
September 20, 10:05am, 11:30am/Bellingham
For children ages 3 – 5. This is a storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and the adults who take care of them. Come enjoy stories, songs, play and activities! Lots of fun!
Location: Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave., Bellingham
Event Organizer: City of Bellingham
Nooksack River Habitat Tour
September 21, 9:00am-1:00pm/Bellingham
Save your spot!
Looking for adventure? Join the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) and Lummi Natural Resources (LNR) to tour project sites along the Nooksack River! This expedition will include a shuttle ride, a boat ride, and some short hikes for an in-depth look at riparian restoration, mitigation, and our combined salmon recovery efforts.
RSVP required. Go to www.n-sea.org/upcoming-events to learn more and save your seat!
Location: 2665 Kwina Rd., Bellingham
Event Organizer: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
NSEA Salmon Spotters Training
September 21, 10:00am-12:00pm/Blaine
Let us know you're coming!
Learn all about NSEA's citizen science program, Salmon Spotters! This presentation provides an overview of NSEA's work, a brief history of salmon decline, a review of salmon in Whatcom County, and how you can help us monitor the salmon that are returning in different creeks across the county. Great for all ages and knowledge levels.
Prior registration is preferred but not required to participate - www.spotters.nsea.volunteerhub.com
Location: Blaine Location to be Provided
Event Organizer: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA)
BIPOC Walks
September 21, 10:00am-12:00pm/Blaine
Pre-Register!
Join us at a beautiful local park to get curious about water and how it connects both human cultures and entire ecosystems. We will discuss some of the history of a local creek, and take a stroll to appreciate the amazing nature thriving in this park thanks to abundant water. Learn more and register (free donation encouraged): https://www.wildwhatcom.org/bipoc-walks.
Location: Location provided with registration.
Event Organizer: Wild Whatcom
Bellingham Dockside Market
September 21, 10:00am-2:00pm/Bellingham
Shop for seafood directly from local fishermen! Bellingham Dockside Market serves as the hub for local fishermen in and out of Squalicum Harbor to sell their catch and harvest directly to you. Follow signs into Squalicum Harbor to buy seafood directly from the hardworking fishermen who catch it. You'll also find local maritime-themed arts and crafts and delicious ready-to-eat food to munch on while you shop!
Location: Squalicum Harbor, Gate 5
Event Organizer: Port of Bellingham
Gulf Road Beach Cleanup
September 21, 1:00pm-3:00pm/Ferndale
Let us know you're coming!
To combat plastic pollution in the Salish Sea, we host beach cleanups — as well as cleanups along rivers and lakes — throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties, providing cleanup equipment and a place to connect with like-minded community members. Plastic pollution is a concern for water quality and wildlife everywhere, and has even been discovered in drinking water and table salt worldwide. Recent research found that Pacific Ocean juvenile fish have been consuming microplastic particles in their first days of life, with not-yet understood health consequences. RSVP not required, but helps us plan accordingly. Thank you for keeping waterways clean! Cleanup supplies and fresh Bagelry bagels provided! RSVP here: https://p2a.co/Ot4fFYa
Location: Cherry Point, near 4601 Gulf Road, Ferndale
Event Organizer: RE Sources
Out and About - Queer Critters
September 21, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Pre-Register!
For queer adults and allies, ages 18+. Did you know that thousands of species have been observed participating in “queer” behaviors, such as same-sex coupling, changing sex, and even raising offspring with same-sex partners. From gay swan foster dads to matriarchal hawk families and asexually reproducing lizards, animals around the world exist, and thrive, outside of the hetero-normative expectations we often project onto them. Join us to explore how queerness is a natural and beautiful aspect of life for countless organisms! Learn more and register (free donation encouraged)
Location: Location provided with registration.
Event Organizer: Wild Whatcom
Water Adjudication Overview & Resources for Residential Well Users
September 23, 5:30pm-7:30pm/Ferndale
Let us know you're coming!
Learn about the upcoming water adjudication, including an overview of Washington water rights law and resources to help prepare for the adjudication. The WRIA 1 water rights adjudication is a lawsuit affecting well owners and other water users in Whatcom County. This presentation will focus on helping residential well users prepare for this process. Event hosted by Whatcom County Public Works and Aspect Consulting in partnership with Washington Department of Ecology. RSVP is encouraged: www.surveymonkey.com/r/923event
Location: Ferndale Pioneer Pavilion, 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale
Event Organizer: Whatcom County Public Works
"We Scoop" Photo Contest
All Month! September 1-30
The 2024 We Scoop Photo Contest invites residents of Whatcom County to participate by submitting photos of their dogs. Participants are also encouraged to take the We Scoop pledge, which promotes responsible pet waste management. By joining the contest and pledging, participants have a chance to win various prizes.
Contest Information: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3463/2024-We-Scoop-Photo-Contest
Event Organizer: Whatcom County Public Works and City of Bellingham
Whatcom Water Week Photo Contest
August 1 through September 30
To celebrate Whatcom Water Week 2024, the Whatcom Watersheds Information Network (WWIN) is hosting the 9th annual photo contest open to all photographers. The theme is “Water – It’s Everybody’s Business,” and we are looking for images that convey the role that water plays in your life and in the culture of Whatcom County. Photographers are encouraged to be creative and include water in all its forms. Photographers of winning photos from each of the four categories plus the Fan Favorite, Sponsor Favorite, and Best Camera Phone Photo will receive local prizes. Contest Rules Contest Site Opens August 1
Event Organizer: Whatcom Watersheds Information Network
