Bellingham Parks & Recreation Leisure Guide
Issue link: https://bpr.uberflip.com/i/1496268
Family/Community cob.org/parks • (360) 778-7000 23 PARKS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM EARTH DAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 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 in the Sehome Arboretum by planting native trees, removing invasive species, spreading mulch, and more. Join us at: Sehome Arboretum Saturday, April 22nd from 9 am to noon We will work near the Sehome Arboretum on Saturday, April 22nd to support the growth of native plants by applying 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. All ages and abilities are welcome at this event. No previous volunteer experience is necessary. Tools, gloves, instruction, snacks, and FREE Woods coffee and Papa John's pizza provided. Please register in advance for this event. Spots are limited! To register and learn more, visit cob.org/earthday2023 Stewardship in Your Backyard If you can't join our work party, you can still be a part of our com- munity's habitat resto- ration 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