Join our fun, informal walks and get familiar with plants native to Whatcom County. Sponsored by the Koma Kulshan Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society, these introductory plant identification walks feature an easy pace and will each last a couple of hours. The walks will focus on a variety of habitats, with your expert guide introducing you to common trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants native to our area. Tidbits on ethnobotany, wildlife use, gardening with natives, and other interesting plant related facts will be shared. People of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes that may get wet. Each walk stands alone, or attend them all to get a free mini-course on plant identification. For more information contact: Vikki Jackson at 319-6988 or via email at vikki.jackson8@gmail.com.
Spring Plant Walk at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve
Day/Date: Sunday April 28th
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
This week is Native Plant Week and the walk is sponsored by the Whatcom Land Trust and the Washington Native Plant Society. The forest floor at Point Whitehorn is carpeted with small wild-flowers in the spring. Join us for a walk and learn about the flowers, shrubs and trees of this forest on the edge of the sea. The walk will take us to the beach. At this time you may choose to linger on the beach or return to the cars.
Cost: free! No registration required, just show up at the meeting spot.
Location: Meet at the Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve Park. Directions: take the Grandview Road exit on I-5 head drive West on Grandview to the end, turn L (south) on Koehn Rd. and you will soon see the parking lot on the left. Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve Google Map
Hidden Forest Foray
Day/Date: Wednesday, May 8th
Time: 6:00 p.m. to dusk
Explore the plants of the Sehome Hill Arboretum, a “secret” natural area in the heart of Bellingham with guidebook author and Arboretum board member Mark Turner. Sehome Hill was logged in the early 20th century and is now developing a mature second-growth forest. We’ll look at trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and a vine or two. Learn what’s native and what’s not.
Cost: free! No registration required, just show up at the meeting spot.
Location: Meet in the parking area at the top of Arboretum Drive (off Bill McDonald Parkway). Sehome Arboretum Google Map
Backyard Habitat Fair Padden Lagoon Walk
Day/Date: Saturday May 18th
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Join WNPS at the Backyard Habitat Fair. We will walk from the fair area down the City Greenways trails around Padden Creek to see a variety of fun native plants. Make sure to stop at the fair before the walk to purchase some native plants.
Cost: free! No registration required, just show up at the meeting spot.
Location: Fairhaven Green. Meet at the stage at the Fairhaven Village Green (map).
Sprout Walk – A Family Plant Walk at Tennant Lake (Hovander Park)
Day/Date: Sunday, May 19, 2013
Time: 2pm to 3:30pm
This walk is designed for children 4-6 yrs old with adult guardians. Plants are hard at work for you every day! Explore plants together and discover shapes, textures, and colors.
Maximum 10 children
Cost: free! Contact Monika Lange to register contact her at monika.lange@gmx.net
Location: Meeting Point: Tennant Lake Interpretive Center (Fragrance Garden) Google Map
DOWNTOWN PLANTS
Day/Date: Thursday, May 30
Time: 6:00 p.m. to dusk
Enjoy an evening walk investigating native plants in the urban environment. We will follow the Native Plant Teaching Trail in Maritime Heritage Park along Whatcom Creek and learn about the plants, their names, and uses in native Salish tradition. The walk will be led by anthropologist Allan Richardson, co-author of Nooksack Place Names.
Location: Meet at the Environmental Learning Center on West Holly Street at Maritime Heritage Park in downtown Bellingham. Google Map
Wild Foods of Chuckanut Bay
Day/Date: Thursday, June 13th
Time: 6:00 p.m. to dusk
Learning plants is fun when you can eat them too! The picturesque forests along the beaches of Chuckanut Bay are rich with wild edibles. Trip leaders Abe Lloyd and Katrina Poppe will share identification tips, traditional Native American plant uses, and their favorite recipes for enjoying nature’s bounty. Rubber boots are recommended.
Cost: free! No registration required, just show up at the meeting spot.
Location: Meet at the end of Fairhaven Ave in Chuckanut Village (Driving South on Chuckanut Drive, turn Right onto 21st Street and then Right again onto Fairhaven Ave). Google Map
