Bellingham Parks & Recreation Leisure Guide
Issue link: https://bpr.uberflip.com/i/1544054
Parks Volunteer Program SPRING/SUMMER PLAYBOOK 2026 | BELLINGHAM PARKS & RECREATION 26 EARTH DAY COMMUNITY WORK PARTY Join more than one billion people worldwide to celebrate Earth Day by helping the City of Bellingham and partners with 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 2021 to improve habitat and water quality in Squalicum Creek benefiting salmon and other native species. Join us at: Squalicum Creek Re-route Near the intersection of Birchwood Avenue and Squalicum Parkway. Saturday, April 25th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm 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 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, instructions, snacks, bike valet, Tony's coffee, and pizza provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food donations for Birchwood Food Desert Fighters to this work party. Please register in advance for this free event. To get directions and learn more, visit cob.org/earthday2026. Stewardship in Your Backyard If you can't join our work party, you can still help us protect the planet this Earth Day by creating wildlife habitats in your own backyard or neighborhood. Encouraging biodiversity through ecological restoration attracts birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, improves air and water quality, and beautifies our neighborhoods 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/backyard-habitat and cob.org/weeds Wrap up your Earth Day celebration with a guided tour of the new Padden Creek Fish Passage project at 2:00 pm. Find more info at: cob.org/padden-fish-tour