Bellingham Parks & Recreation Leisure Guide
Issue link: https://bpr.uberflip.com/i/1517896
Volunteer Program Parks Volunteer Program cob.org/parks • (360) 778-7000 27 Photo by Ryan Robie Photo by Sky Bressette EARTH DAY COMMUNIT Y WORK PART Y Join the more than one billion people worldwide that celebrate Earth Day by joining the City of Bellingham for our annual Earth Day Work Party. Together, we will restore habitat in and around Squalicum Creek Re-route, an important ecological restoration project that was constructed in 2020 to improve habitat and water quality in Squalicum Creek benefiting salmon and other native species. Join us at: Squalicum Creek Located near the 2500 block of Squalicum Pkwy. Saturday, April 20th from 9:00 am to noon We will remove invasive species and help care for newly planted native trees and shrubs near Squalicum Creek. 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 welcome. No previous volunteer experience necessary. Tools, gloves, instruction, snacks, FREE bike valet, Woods coffee, and pizza provided. Please RSVP in advance for this free event. To register and learn more, visit cob.org/earthday2024. Stewardship in Your Backyard If you can't join our work party, you can still be a part of this national day of helping others by creating wildlife habitat in your own backyard or neighborhood. Enhancing habitat attracts birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, beautifies our neighborhoods, and improves air & water quality, which benefits everyone in our community. Visit our Backyard Habitat Restoration and Manage Weeds Naturally webpages 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 resources were compiled by City biologists and weed management experts to help your backyard stewardship efforts succeed. cob.org/weeds and cob.org/backyard–habitat Become a Park Steward and Volunteer Independently Do you love our parks just as much as we do? By joining us as a Park Steward volunteer, you will be able to adopt a local park, trail or open space! We just completed a refresh of this program and are now accepting new Park Steward applications. Apply to become a Park Steward at: cob.org/steward. Park Stewards are long-term volunteers who work independently after receiving training and direction. Park Stewards can volunteer individually or as a group. This is a great way to get the whole family involved! Learn more about how to get involved in habitat restoration at cob.org/parkvolunteer.