Family/Community
cob.org/parks • (360) 778-7000
19
EARTH DAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
PARKS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Come Join Us
Join the more than 1 billion people worldwide that are
celebrating this year's global Earth Day theme of "Invest
In Our Planet" by joining the City of Bellingham, WWU
LEAD, Washington Trails Association and Whatcom
Million Trees Project for our annual Earth Day Work Party.
Together, we will restore habitat and improve water
quality throughout Padden Creek & Fairhaven Park by
removing invasive species, spreading mulch, and more.
Join us at: Padden Creek at Fairhaven Park
Saturday, April 23rd, 9am to noon
We will work near Padden Creek on April 23 to support
the growth of native plants by spreading mulch and
removing invasive plants, which compete with native
species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space.
Encouraging the growth of native plants is an important
way to slow and adapt to climate change, since native
plants absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants,
preserve biodiversity, and protect streams from rising
temperatures. Through this work, we create positive
change and invest in the health of our planet to achieve
an equitable and prosperous future.
All ages and abilities are welcome at this event. No
previous volunteer experience is necessary. Tools,
gloves, instruction, snacks, plus FREE Woods coffee,
and Papa John's pizza provided.
Please register in advance for this free event. Spots
are limited! To register and learn more, visit:
cob.org/earthday2022.
Stewardship in
Your Backyard
If you can't join our work
parties, you can still be a
part of our community's
habitat restoration work
by creating wildlife habitat
in your own backyard
or neighborhood.
Enhancing habitat attracts birds, butterflies, and
other pollinators, beautifies our neighborhoods,
and improves air and water quality, which
benefits everyone in our community.
Visit our Backyard Habitat Restoration website
for tips and ideas on how you can safely remove
invasive species, plant native trees and shrubs,
and improve soil and water quality, all while
having fun with your family and neighbors. These
tips and ideas were compiled by City biologists
and restoration experts to help improve the
success of your backyard stewardship efforts.
cob.org/backyard-habitat
Become a Park Steward and
Volunteer Independently
If you want to volunteer independently, you can
adopt a local park, trail or open space to care
for. Park Stewards are long-term volunteers who
work independently after receiving training
and direction. Park Stewards can volunteer
individually or as a group. What a great way to
get the whole family or neighborhood involved!
Learn more at: cob.org/parkvolunteer
Photo by Amy Brown