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Whatcom Water Week Kick-off and Executive Proclamation10 AM - 3 PM Check out displays and information about all Water Week activities. Get a hug, handshake or picture with Water Week mascot “Wayne” Drop - WWIN member will be available to answer questions and distribute event materials. The County Executive Pete Kremen will read a proclamation celebrating Whatcom Water Week at 11am. |
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Guided River Walks10 AM Join NSEA River Stewards as they explore the vast aquatic mysteries of the world of the river. Call or visit www.n-sea.org for more information. |
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Lake Whatcom Open HouseBloedel Donovan Park Join the Lake Whatcom Management Team and learn about the activities underway to protect the Lake. View posters and displays, tour new facilities and properties, hear from Team members, and share your perspectives. Check back as details and times are finalized. |
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Bellingham Traverse12:30 PM 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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Bellewood Acres Farm Tour and Much More 11 AM – 4 PM For food, fun, and education don’t miss the chance to visit Bellewood Acres. Meet Sal, the Salmon Safe mascot, take a horseback ride and learn water-friendly horse practices, taste the amazing flavors & products at Bellewood Acres, enjoy a little crafting with pumpkin/ghost sign-making and face painting, and learn about stream side- water quality testing, plant, and Tenmile Creek watershed. |
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Hatcheries in Salmon Recovery: Skookum Hatchery Open House and Salmon Lunch 10:30 AM – 2 PM (Lunch served at Noon) Enjoy a unique opportunity to tour a salmon hatchery. Learn about the role of hatcheries in recovering salmon, view displays of restoration projects and find out what is being done locally to recover salmon. Finish with a delicious salmon lunch. Please RSVP using the link provided so we can plan lunch accordingly. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SkookumOpenHouse Contact Alan Chapman (alanc@lummi-nsn.gov) for additional information. |
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4-H Clubs invited to join World Water 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! Contact Michael Wallace, 4-H Coordinator, (360) 676-6736 |
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Preschool Storytime - Everson Library10:30 AM Preschool children and parents are invited to attend a fun-filled water-themed story and activity time. |
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"Catch the Rain" - Intro to Cisterns & Tour2 - 5 PM Have you ever considered capturing rainwater from your roof and using it for irrigation? or stormwater control? or emergency water? Here is your chance to learn more and visit commercial and residential properties that have installed them. RSVP appreciated, but not required: sgblake@wsu.edu or AAccetturo@cob.org |
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Tour Bellingham Wastewater Treatment PlantSeptember 19 at 10 - 11:30 AM Have you ever wondered where water from your kitchen sink or shower goes? Here is your chance to find out. Take a tour of the City of Bellingham’s treatment plant and learn how wastewater is cleaned before being discharged to Bellingham Bay. |
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Home Irrigation Technologies5 - 7 PM Come learn about different methods to water your garden during the dry Northwest summers. Demonstration of different tools and techniques will be on hand for homeowners to see. Additionally, on-site experts from WSU Extension Master Gardner Program will be there to discuss the ins & outs of irrigation technologies. |
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Preschool Storytime - Deming Library10:30 - 11 AM Preschool storytime at the library is perfect for 3-5 year-olds. Join us for a half-hour of fun songs and stories. During Whatcom Water Week we will learn about our watershed through water themed story and song. |
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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 1-3 year olds. |
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Compost Workshop6 - 8 PM Free composting workshop. Everyone is welcome. Come learn how to build your own compost bin and start composting in your backyard from the WSU Extension Carbon Master Coordinator. Free redworms available for all attendees plus a drawing to take home the demonstration compost bins. RSVP requested (not required):715-7450 x50787 |
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Green Boat Maintenance6 PM The staff of the CBC share techniques of "green" boat maintenance, including sustainable practices for cleaning, repair and preventative work. This session is set up as a workshop so that members of the community may share their experiences with each other and brainstorm solutions as a group to help with participant's questions. Boaters are encouraged to bring any questions or ideas they may have to the workshop to share with others. |
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Stewards of Drayton Harbor - Educational Cruise10 - 11:30 AM Come aboard the historic ferry, Plover, for an educational cruise around Drayton Harbor. The restored Plover is the oldest foot passenger ferry in the state of Washington. Participants will help biologist Janet Pickard take water samples throughout the bay, and analyze them for salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Ecology of the harbor will be discussed as the ferry cruises from the Blaine Marina to the Semiahmoo Yacht Club. Participation is FREE, but advance registration is REQUIRED as space is limited. Please call Captain Richard Sturgill at (360) 332-5742 and leave your name, phone #, and message indicating your interest in attending. |
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Tour Bellingham Wastewater Treatment PlantSeptember 20 at 5:30 - 6:30 PM Have you ever wondered where water from your kitchen sink or shower goes? Here is your chance to find out. Take a tour of the City of Bellingham’s treatment plant and learn how wastewater is cleaned before being discharged to Bellingham Bay. |
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Time for Tales - Bellingham Children's Library2 - 2:30 PM For ages 5 - 8 (families welcome). Explore water with stories, songs, movement and a craft. Free, open to the public and no registration needed. Don’t miss the chance to meet “Wayne” Drop – who will stop by at 2 pm for hugs and maybe a picture or two. |
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Paddle with the Baykeeper Team12:30 PM Enjoy a 3-hour noon kayak paddle with the North Sound Bavkeeper Team. The Baykeeper team will teach participants how to identify, document, and report oil and gas sheens, stormwater pollution, and identify habitat and shoreline threats. And lots more! A limited number of kayaks will be available, but participants are encouraged to provide their own kayaks and safety equipment. Participants must be comfortable with paddling for three miles, and must pre-register (leef@re-sources.org). The launch location will be announced at a later date. |
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PACIFIC FEAST: Wild Foraged Foods and Cuisine7 - 9 PM Meet author, adventurer, and WWU professor Jennifer Hahn. Jennifer will share an info-packed slideshow/talk celebrating sustainable foraging of wild foods in the Salish Sea. Don't miss your chance to sample chocolate ocean pudding and cucumber seaweed ginger sesame salad! |
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Raccoon Time - Bellingham Children's Library10:15 - 10:45 and 11:00 - 11:30 Ages 2 1/2 - 4 with an adult partner; Explore the world of water with stories, songs, fingerplay, movement and a simple craft. And don’t miss your chance to do the hokey pokey with “Wayne” Drop! Free, open to the public and no registration needed. |
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WSU Carbon Masters2:30 - 5:30 PM (pre-registration required) Interested in learning more about how climate change may impact us here in the northwest and what you can do about it? Sign-up for the Carbon Masters multi-week program that starts on September 22. Topics include energy, water, agriculture, civic engagement, transportation, urban planning and more. For more information and the application visit: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/carbonmasters |
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Lincoln Green: a Commerical Green Roof Workshop4 - 6:30 PM The Bellingham Housing Authority has embarked on a full scale, nation leading retrofit of Lincoln Square. Sustainable Connections is partnering with them to get you access to climb atop Bellingham’s newest and largest green roof. Lincoln Green is a snapshot of a full scale commercial green roof retrofit utilizing the latest technology. The roof covers three larger sections totaling 6,200 sq ft. Attendees will tour the three roof tops, gain experience and learn the methodologies of low impact development through the installation and lessons learned on the roof. Workshop attendees will take away usable information on: Local expert’s onsite to discuss helping you with your green roof questions and needs. Attendees that RSVP will receive root beer floats courtesy of Boundary Bay Brewery and Mallard Ice Cream. Following the workshop, tour the of rest of the building and help celebrate Whatcom County’s Largest Solar Installation – stick around for both events! RSVP with erin@sconnect.org or at 647-7093 x108 |
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Restoration Gone Wild Film Series6 PM Shelly Solomon of Leaping Frog Films has combined a background as a biologist and filmmaker to focus on positive environmental actions. This film series focuses on three uplifting stories of restoration in Washington. The first, Buried in Sawdust for 50 Years, follows the story of an estuary filled to a depth of 60' with milling waste, as it is unburied and brought back to life. Highlights of the film include an examination of the chemical contamination resulting from 50 years of accumulated wood waste, interviews with an original mill worker and his memories of the operation, discovery of the original estuary elevations with plants and tidal channels still intact, and finally, the returning of tidal waters to the estuary for the first time in 50 years. The second film, Almost Lost: Pinto Abalone Restoration, follows the collaborative efforts of scientists, resource managers, tribes, and community groups as they work to bring back Was hington's only native abaone from the brink of extinction. This film showcases different aspects of recovering abalone populations in Washington state from spawning adult brood animals, to tending juveniles during months of grow-out, to careful reintroduction into the wild. The third film in the series, Almost Lost: The Olympia Oyster, tells the story of the only native oyster to the West Coast. The oyster growing industry in Washington owes its success to the tiny Olympia oyster who's population has been decimated in the last century. Current efforts to rebuild native oyster populations have generated a big following and a groundswell of activity. This film captures some of the characters and activities involved in rebuilding a storied population that has beckoned humans to the shore for thousands of years. |
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Children's Story Time & Activities - Lynden Library10:30 AM Preschoolers and parents are invited to join the library staff for a fun-filled morning of water stories and activities. A special added attraction is the chance to meet “Wayne” Drop – get a hug, shake Wayne's hand, and maybe get your picture taken with "Wayne" Drop. |
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Tour Blaine Wastewater Reclamation FacillityHourly: Noon - 3 PM Visit the “nearly new” Lighthouse 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. |
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Words Are Flowin' -- Deming Poetry night7-9 PM Deming Poetry night celebrates Whatcom Water Week with mist, dew, deep rivers, sounds and textures of water come to life in words and images from local poets. Sponsored by the Deming Writers Group & Friends of the Deming Library. The public is welcome to enjoy an evening of poetry as locals read their original work & the work of other favorite poets. (The evening is geared to adults and young adults.) |
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Tour Anerobic Digestor9 - 10 AM (NOTE: This time has been updated) Tour Vanderhaak Dairy anaerobic digester to witness the waste/energy cycle and promise of “closed loop” energy production. Learn more about the benefits of this technology in improving water quality. The tour guide is Steve Vanderhaak. |
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Tour Green Earth Technology10:15 - 11:15 AM (NOTE: This time has been updated) See where your FoodPlus! goes. Witness large scale food recycling at Green Earth Technology. Learn about the role of compost in helping improve water quality and reduce runoff. The tour guide is Stephanie Harvey. |
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Earth Parfaits! Kids Science Activity11AM - Noon Kids are invited to be geologists for a day at the Bellingham Public Library to learn about the geology of groundwater by building their own edible aquifer! Children will learn about confining layers, contamination, recharge, water tables and the importance of protecting and conserving our groundwater resources. Class size is limited to 25 children. RSVP required at: (360) 778-7200 |
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Taylor Shellfish Tour & Cooking Demonstration11AM - 1 PM Take a 45 minute tour of Taylor Shellfish Farms on Chuckanut Drive. Learn about different farming methods and why water quality is so important to shellfish farmers. A cooking demonstration will follow the tour, so bring your appetite to sample the delicious bivalves!
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Fishing Fleet Dock Walks at Squalicum HarborEvery hour at 11AM, Noon, and 1 PM Have you ever wanted to learn more about the commercial fishing fleet that calls Squalicum Harbor it’s moorage home during part of the year? Here is your chance to stroll the docks with a local expert and learn about the different types of boats, the gear they use, their fishing techniques, and the type of fish they catch. |
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Wild & Scenic Environmental Film FestivalDoors open at 7 PM, films at 7:30 PM Northwest Straits Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation hosts its second annual Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival at the Mt. Baker Theatre! This year’s water-based action-packed films are sure to leave you inspired not only to plan your next outdoor adventures, but to go out and make a positive difference! Doors open at 7 PM, films at 7:30 PM, including A Skier’s Journey, Change for Our Oceans, Gum for My Boat, The Majestic Plastic Bag, African Revolutions, and SPOIL. Experience inspiring people as they share their stories on how they change the world while skiing, kayaking, surfing, and search for amazing wildlife photography. Tickets are $10 with discount for Surfrider membership sign-up. This event is for everyone! |
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Walking Tour of Bellingham Waterfront DistrictHourly at 10 AM, 11 AM, and Noon Join the Port of Bellingham staff for a new look at the old Georgia Pacific site. The 45 minute walking tour will highlight site features and changes over the last year. |
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South Fork Bicycle Tour9 AM - 2-ish PM Join members of Whatcom Land Trust’s staff as we bicycle our way through wetland conservation properties. The loop is approximately 20 miles long and the pace is slow to moderate. Bring your lunch money and prepare for a beautiful ride in the South Fork! For more details on location contact Connie at: connie@whatcomlandtrust.org |
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Arbor Day Celebration10 AM - 2 PM Celebrate the magnificent trees of Elizabeth Park and learn ways you can make our community more wildlife friendly while protecting our water resources. The event will include tree identification tours, a tree health demonstration, a chance to build a nest box, children’s activities, and chances to talk with an arborist and get free tree guides. An extra special new activity is the Youth Tree Climb - Come Climb a tree! Climb under the guidance of professional climbers. Helmet, harness and rope provided. Participant’s parents must be present. |
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Coastal Cleanup of Locust Beach10 AM Make a difference in just one day. Join RESources and the Surfrider Foundation to help with the second annual community cleanup of Locust Beach. |
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Lake Louise Water Ranger Treasure Hunt10:30 AM - 12:30 PM The Sudden Valley Community Association will partner with the local Kiwanis Club to host a Water Ranger Treasure Hunt for children of all ages at Lake Louise. This free event will feature a guided nature walk around the Lake Louise Trail followed by light refreshments and fun games. Staff and knowledgeable volunteers will be on site to coordinate the activities. This event will be held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring your sense of adventure. Children will receive educational materials and a special Water Ranger badge. Parents are welcome to join their children on the treasure hunt. Contact CES Specialist Kira Furman Swanson at: (360) 734-6430 (x302) or ces1@suddenvalley.com |
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Reader Board Tips - Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer DistrictAll Week 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. |
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Whatcom Museum Family Interactive Gallery - Water Cycle Beaded BraceletsSept 17 - 24 Help celebrate Whatcom Water Week at the Family Interactive Gallery! Learn how water makes its journey from land to sky and back again in what is called The Water Cycle. Make your own Water Cycle Beaded Bracelets to help you remember this precious journey. |
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DIY Water Rights: Tools to help you find out about your water rightSept 20 - 22 Did you know that most uses of water require a "water right"? Have you ever wondered if you have or need a water right? Take advantage of this informal opportunity to learn how to navigate the Department of Ecology water right and well log websites. The information will give property owners the tools they need to find out about their water rights and learn how to preserve them. |
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Village Books Water Week and Book DisplayAll Month Throughout the month of September, Village Books will entice readers to explore water-related, conservation and green-living books on display. |
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Displays and Water TipsDaily, Weekly, Monthly - Throughout the county Check out your water wisdom! Keep your eyes open for water-related displays and fascinating water facts/quotes that will be distributed throughout the county. Some will be up for just a day and others, such as those at Village Books and the Lynden/Bellingham libraries, will be up all month. |
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Reader Board Banter ContestAll Week Have a reader board? Love pizza? Don't miss your chance to compete in the Reader Board Banter Contest. Entries will be judged by local elected officials and the prize will be pizza delivered by County Executive Pete Kremen and "Wayne" Drop. For more information: http://whatcomwin.org/documents/ReaderBoard.pdf |
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