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Today's News & Updates
 
Parks News & Updates

August, 2009-- Planning underway for new South Fork Park near Acme
Whatcom County Parks & Recreation staff have developed a draft master plan alternative for 603 acres of park land in the South Fork Nooksack Valley near Acme. The proposal addresses many elements identified in the earlier planning sessions.  Now it’s time to have the community review the alternative plan.  Your input ensures that the South Fork Park will address the needs of the County and effectively fulfill four primary goals –  recreation, education, conservation and restoration – for decades to come.  We look forward to your involvement.

June 22 , 2009--Volunteer Opportunities at the Roeder Homeroeder home

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Department is looking for community volunteers to help support programs and activities at the Historic Roeder Home in Bellingham.

We Need to Recruit:
Docents to oversee drop-in activities at the home including greeting the public, conduct tours, and minor cleaning and gardening.
Interest Group Activity Leaders/Instructors to oversee specific programs, activities, or classes.
Tour Guides to provide historical tours for all age groups.
Evening Support Volunteers who supervise and provide security at the home when programs and activities are taking place.

Volunteer Orientation
Interested in volunteering? Come to one of the following Orientation Sessions at the Roeder Home, 2600 Broadway, Bellingham, Washington.
Thursday July 9th 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Thursday July 16th 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday July 30th 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Thursday August 6th 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers need to register with the Whatcom Volunteer Center either before hand at www.whatcomvolunteer.org or at one of the scheduled Orientation Sessions. Insurance benefits are provided by the Whatcom Volunteer Center. A criminal background check is required.

Where to go for Information
For more information about the Roeder Home Volunteer Program call Rob Bunnett at 733-4030 extension 47013.

 

May 30, 2009--Grand Opening of Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve held on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009whitehorn

The official opening of the beautiful Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve was attended by over 400 people! The ceremonies began at 11:00 with a brief presentation by County Executive Pete Kremen and representatives of Whatcom Land Trust. The group then enjoyed the ¾-mile trail through the wooded wetlands to the scenic overlooks and beach. A -2.8 tide allowed visitors to experience the abundant sea life that is often hidden from view. Local specialists in marine life were available to provide information and answer questions.

 

May 12, 2009--Whatcom County In Bloom 2009

blooming flowers

Started by Whatcom County Parks & Recreation and a group of local nursery owners and horticulturists, the Whatcom County in Bloom Competition is now entering its 24th year. The goal of the competition is to encourage beautification of our communities through gardening. It also provides recognition to some of the many dedicated gardeners in our area, and makes our communities more appealing to residents and visitors. The program is sponsored by Bakerview Nursery and Garden Center, Whatcom County Parks and Recreation and the Bellingham Herald.

The contest begins in May and continues through August. There will be a variety of categories for people to enter including residential, neighborhoods, container gardens, shopping districts, medical facilities, parks, office complexes and apartment/ condominium complexes. Entrants designate the period, May though August, they would like to be judged.

For more information or brochures call 676-6707 ext.47012.

Download Whatcom County In Bloom brochure icon

 

April 1, 2009--Pacific Northwest Trail receives federal designation

On March 30, President Obama signed legislation designating the Pacific Northwest Trail as a National Scenic Trail, joining the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail as one of eleven National Scenic Trails. The Pacific Northwest Trail extends approximately 1,200 miles, from the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park, Montana to the Pacific Ocean Coast in Olympic National Park. Over 200 miles of the trail pass through Whatcom County, from Castle Pass to Samish Bay. One mile of the trail passes through Squires Lake Park in the heart of the "Cascades-to-Chuckanut Corridor," a ribbon of forestland and wildlife habitat which ties the wilderness of the North Cascades to the shores of Puget Sound.

Establishment of the trail has been a goal of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association since the 1970's. The group's volunteers have surveyed, mapped and constructed trails to create the links necessary to join together a route stretching from alpine heights to ocean beaches, crossing public lands of many agencies, and securing permission to pass through private lands. Federal designation will afford the route additional protections and funding sources.

                                                                                                                                                                                               Mount Baker from Pacific Northwest Trail

When you visit Squires Lake Park to enjoy the peaceful lakeshore and woods bursting into springtime, let your feet or mind wander along the meanders of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, east to the Rocky Mountains or west to the Pacific!

Squires Lake on the Pacific Northwest Trail

March 30, 2009-- Planning underway for new South Fork Park near Acme

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation staff have developed a draft master plan proposal for 603 acres of park land in the South Fork Nooksack Valley near Acme. The proposal addresses many elements identified in the earlier planning sessions.  Now it’s time to have the community review the draft plan.  Your input ensures that the South Fork Park will address the needs of the County and effectively fulfill four primary goals – restoration, conservation, recreation and education – for decades to come.  We look forward to your involvement.

                  barn at Nesset Homestead in South Fork Park