NEWS & EVENTS

 NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS

The 10th Annual Run with the Chums was a Success! 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 10th Annual Run with the Chums 5K Fun Run/Walk! We all had so much fun celebrating healthy water, healthy people, and healthy habitat! For anyone who was not able to be there in person or would like to see more photos of the event, Whatcom CD has posted an event re-cap on their blog

Thanks for Taking the Car Care Pledge! 

Our staff celebrated Whatcom Water Week last month by talking with over 60 community community members along the berm. We chatted about ways to prevent water pollution and tips on water use efficiency.   Many people signed our car care pledge which asked people to wash their car responsibly, check for leaks, and check their tire pressure to help protect water quality. We also distributed some useful tools to help with car care, pet waste management, and water use efficiency.    

Stormwater Division Project Priorities


The Stormwater Division of Whatcom County Public Works provides a variety of programs, such as education and outreach, capital improvement projects, and maintenance of stormwater facilities within the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM) and the Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility. The division also manages the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program and the Lake Whatcom TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) plan to reduce phosphorus. In addition, the division supports some water quality outreach and capital project development in the Lake Samish Basin and other special assignments for which the division is uniquely qualified.

Recent winter storms heavily impacted many areas throughout Whatcom County, including the Stormwater Division’s focus areas. As a result, additional capital projects resulting from storm damage have been added to the already aggressive workload of the Stormwater Division. As a consequence, the Stormwater Division must prioritize certain storm damage repairs ahead of programmed improvements. Reprioritization will be based on answers to the following questions:

While the division would like to implement all previous commitments to scheduled capital projects, the unprecedented nature of the recent storms requires some schedule adjustments. Every effort will be made to complete storm related projects as soon as possible.

 PAST EVENTS

Join your neighbors on February 18th to restore salmon habitat along Terrell Creek! NSEA, BBWARM & Whatcom CD are hosting a stream restoration work party. During the work party, community members will plant native plants along the creek to help the chum, coho, and winter steelhead that call Terrell Creek home. Native plants help salmon by protecting stream banks from erosion, providing shade, and filtering harmful pollutants in rain runoff. Gloves and tools are provided. Parking will be at 7039 Jackson Road. The planting will take place from 9AM to 12PM.


Help Create Salmon Habitat in Terrell Creek 

Salmon spawning has begun in Whatcom County, including in Terrell Creek! BBWARM has worked hard with NSEA, and the Whatcom Conservation District to restore salmon habitat and remove fish passage barriers along Terrell Creek. You may find salmon in areas you have not seen them before! 

 

Do you want to help the salmon in your watershed? Join BBWARM, Whatcom Conservation District, and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association at a Terrell Creek Restoration Party on November 19th and November 26th! Learn more and register at: www.n-sea.org/stream-stewards

Recreational Shellfish Harvest Closure 

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) has closed recreational molluscan shellfish for all of Whatcom County. The PSP biotoxin exceeds the limit for safe harvest in this area.

Here is the information you should know: 

Before harvesting any shellfish in Washington State, remember to check the DOH Shellfish Safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety or call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.

Click here for the latest biotoxin bulletin as of, October 6th and here for the latest news flash.  

Advisory Committee Meeting:

The next meeting of the BBWARM Advisory Committee will be held on October 12th from 6-8pm at the BP Heron Center. The general public is invited to join us, and a public comment period will be held at the beginning of the meeting. 

Come “Run with the Chums!” 

Did you know that 100,000 chum salmon eggs are incubated yearly in Terrell Creek? Salmon are an indicator species, so healthy salmon equals healthy water and healthy people. Join us at the 10th Annual Run with the Chums 5k Fun Run on September 10th to celebrate our healthy water, people, and habitat! It is free and all ages are welcome! 

Register on the Whatcom Conservation District website

Visit Us at Our Stormwater Pop-up Event! 

As we enter the rainy season, it's even more important to be mindful of pollution sources, such as pet waste, car wash water, and other household hazardous wastes that can wash into our local water bodies. Enjoy some time outdoors and stop by the Whatcom County Public Works Stormwater Division booth on the Birch Bay Berm from 3:00-6:00pm on Tuesday, September 13th to learn about simple ways you can prevent water pollution. We'll provide free tools to help you be part of the solution to clean water in Whatcom County. 

Landowner Spotlight: Elie Friedlob 


Elie Friedlob has been a champion for Birch Bay and the Terrell Creek watershed since moving to the area in 2002. Community partnerships have been the backbone of her work. She is quoted as saying, "It's essential in any environmental activism or initiative to have as deep of community roots as you can get, and you have to keep working at it.” One of the initiatives that Friedlob helped to develop is the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM). Without her community focus and drive, this organization would not exist to help the Birch Bay community protect water quality and reduce stormwater impacts.


Read more about Elie Friedlob and her journey in Birch Bay through the beautiful article originally published by Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association.  

Come out for a Day at the Beach on June 12th 

Join Whatcom Conservation District (WCD), BBWARM, Re-Sources Beach Stewards, and the Friends of Birch Bay State Park for a day of discovery, stewardship, and fun! Activities will include low tide, naturalist-led beach walks, refreshments, beach cleanup supplies, kids activities, and opportunities to learn more about the stewardship of Birch Bay. The event is free and all are welcome! Learn more on our website.

Whatcom Farm Expo  

Express your love for Whatcom County farmland at the Whatcom Farm Expo! This family-friendly, FREE event offers something for anyone!  Check out the event website for more information and see you at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds on April 23rd.  

Place Your Order for the Native Plant Sale! 

Are you making a resolution for 2022?  We can all do something to help our local wildlife populations, especially our pollinators.  Native plants attract a variety of beneficial species by providing diverse habitats and food sources. Setting aside even a small section of your yard to be used as habitat can make a big difference for the birds and bees!


Visit the website to pick out your favorite pollinator-friendly native plants at the Whatcom Conservation District Native Plant Sale.


Free neighborhood native landscaping program provided by BBWARM coming in 2022! Stay tuned! 

Share Your Flood Damage Photos of Public Infrastructure

Do you have flood damage photos of public infrastructure like roads, bridges, culverts, etc.? Would you be willing to share them with Whatcom County Public Works? Please email your photos with a description to MO@whatcomcounty.us.

 

We will use them to show the public areas to avoid on our electronic notifications and to share the extent of damage with elected officials, FEMA, and other disaster response agencies and support organizations. Our crews continue to work around the clock not just on the flood response, but also sanding frosty roads this morning. We haven't had a lot of time to take photos while we have been busy with our response efforts, and your support via photos of public infrastructure is appreciated, thank you!

Whatcom Flooding Declared a Major Disaster 

President Biden declared a major disaster in Washington State on Jan. 5, 2022, and ordered federal assistance to help the communities recovering from the historic floods in November 2021. The President’s declaration will make federal funding available to Whatcom County, the Lummi Nation, and Nooksack Indian Tribe after the devastating floods and landslides. Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation funding will supplement local recovery efforts from the worst natural disaster since Whatcom County was established in 1864. 


Residents and business owners can apply for assistance by registering online HERE or by calling 1-800-621- FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Local information is available by calling the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management at 1-360-676-6681.


Read the full press release from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management. 

Rebates Available for Barn Gutters and Outlet System 

Barnyard mud got you down?  Gutters and downspouts on barns and shelters collect and divert clean rain water away from animal confinement areas. The purpose is to prevent the clean roof water from mixing with manure in the confinement area and contributing to mud build up and polluted runoff.


Contact Corina Cheever, ccheever@whatcomcd.org or visit www.whatcomcd.org/small-farm today for a free and confidential farm assessment to qualify for a rebate of up to $200!  

Farmer Spotlight: Elf Sanctuary

With the help of the Whatcom Conservation District, BBWARM supports clean water and healthy habitat with local farmers, like Elf Sanctuary. Learn more about Elf Sanctuary’s story and what you can do to make a difference by visiting the Whatcom Conservation District’s website. 

Terrell Creek Work Party - Thank You Volunteers!

Despite the wind and rain, volunteers planted 79 native plants to restore habitat along Terrell Creek on Saturday, November 6th. These native plants will help keep the creek water cold, clean, and clear for chum and coho salmon.


Interested in volunteering? Visit the NSEA and Whatcom Conservation District websites to see upcoming volunteer opportunities. 

Help Wanted: Water Quality Sampling Volunteer

We are looking for a volunteer in Birch Bay Village to collect water samples for fecal coliform bacteria monitoring once a month. Training and equipment will be provided. Sample collection dates are scheduled in coordination with sample collection in other parts of the Birch Bay watershed. This varies according to tide and other sampling needs, but usually occurs during low tide and takes approximately one hour. The sampling date is not flexible, but will be communicated at the beginning of each month.


If you are interested or would like more information, please contact us at SWvolunteer@co.whatcom.wa.us 

Cherry Point Science Forum

RE Sources is hosting their 2021 Cherry Point Science Forum October 30th from 10:00am to 12:30pm. Speakers include Dr. Christopher Harley, Professor at the University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology and Casey McLean, executive director and veterinary nurse at Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research (SR3). 


Topics include marine mammals and the implications of the summer heat wave along with longer term patterns of environmental and ecological change in our coastal marine ecosystems. 


To learn more or sign up, visit the Cherry Point Science Forum website.

Free Virtual Workshop: Vegetation Management for Shoreline Landowners

The Northwest Straits Foundation invites you to attend a free virtual workshop series on Thursday, October 21st from 6:00-8:00pm to learn about the benefits of using native vegetation for slope stability and habitat. Some additional workshop topics include: soil composition and drainage, removing invasive plant species, native plant selection, and planting techniques for bluffs and shoreline properties. 

To learn more or to sign up, visit the Northwest Straits Foundation website. 

Terrell Creek Habitat Improvement Project Complete

Eight Flexi-Baffles were installed in the concrete box culvert under Kickerville Road last week! What are Flexi-Baffles, you may ask? They are flexible barriers that alter water flow through culverts, slowing the speed and raising the water level so that fish can pass through to their spawning grounds (similar to a fish ladder). This fish passage project under Kickerville Road is one of many habitat improvement projects along Terrell Creek completed by BBWARM in partnership with Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association. 

2021 We Scoop Photo Contest Winners

Congratulations to our Judge's Choice Winners in the 2021 "We Scoop" photo contest! Polling just started for our People's Choice winners on Facebook. So cast your vote on the Facebook page until October 25th


In addition to our photo contest winners, four pet parents who took our pledge to scoop regularly received a scooping prize pack.


Thank you to all our participants for being part of the solution to pet poop pollution in Whatcom County - Scoop it, Bag it, and Trash it!

 

www.whatcomcounty.us/scooppoop 

2021 "We Scoop" Photo Contest is Back!

Enter the "We Scoop" photo contest and your dog could be a Scooping Star! Dog poop is poo-llution. Scoop it, Bag it, Trash it!

Submissions are accepted August 29 – September 30. Your dog may be chosen to star in our outreach materials, including bus ads, posters, and our Facebook page. There will be poop scooping prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place photos in two categories: the Judge’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award.

Visit www.whatcomcounty.us/scooppoop for more information on how to enter.

Join Us for a Fun Volunteer Celebration in Birch Bay! Hats, Popsicles, Naturalist Walks, and a Beach Clean-up!

Low tides, free parking, guided naturalist beach walks, and free popsicles are just a few of the exciting things happening at Birch Bay State Park for the “Watershed Watchers: Day at the Beach” event on June 12th from noon to 3pm! Join Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District and Whatcom Conservation District (WCD) to celebrate and appreciate current and new local volunteers in the Watershed Watchers program, while enjoying a summer day at the beach.


Find more information at: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2602 


Whatcom Conservation District Event

Join the Whatcom Conservation District at their sixth annual Manure Nutrient Management Training event on Thursday, January 16 at the Mount Baker Rotary Building (1751 Front Street Lynden, WA 98264). The event is from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, but registration begins at 9:30 with coffee and donuts provided. The Whatcom Conservation District's mission is to assist land managers with their conservation choices. This event will help landowners manage their manure properly. 

Deadline: January 7, 2020

BBWARM Citizen Advisory Committee Vacancies 

The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Citizen Advisory Committee has two vacant positions for four-year terms starting in February 2020. The BBWARM Committee assists and makes recommendations to the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors regarding implementing the BBWARM District stormwater program. Advisory Committee members represent the local community and BBWARM rate payers’ interests in the stormwater program for Birch Bay. Birch Bay residents interested in stormwater, water quality, and aquatic habitat in the Birch Bay watershed are encouraged to apply.

Application instructions and forms are available here or at the County Council office at the Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 105, Bellingham. 

Applications are due on January 7, 2020 at 10:00 AM. 

For more info, contact Lars Olson: (360) 778-6298 | LOlson@co.whatcom.wa.us

December 11, 2019

6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

December Advisory Committee Meeting

BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park 

The next Advisory Committee meeting will be held December 11, 2019 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at the BP Heron Center 7290 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA. 

*Parking fees will be covered for individuals attending the meeting. Please bring your Discover Pass if you have one. 

November 23, 2019

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NSEA Terrell Creek Work Party

Park at 7039 Jackson Rd

Join NSEA, Whatcom Conservation District, and BBWARM to help restore a forest for salmon along Terrell Creek! From Bellingham, head north on I-5 and take Exit 266 (WA-548 N/ Grandview Rd.). Turn left on Grandview Rd. and continue for 7 miles. Turn right on Jackson Rd. and park at the former Birch Bay Bible Community Church (7039 Jackson Rd.). Look for the blue NSEA tents to sign-in.

We’ll bring the tools and gloves – all you have to do is wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Snacks courtesy of The Bagelry and the Community Food Co-Op. Coffee provided thanks to NSEA’s official coffee sponsor, Tony’s Coffee. 

Bring your friends, family and enthusiasm, and we’ll see you at the creek! All ages are welcome. Volunteers under 18 years old must bring a Youth Liability Release Form. Minors under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Click here for more information.

November 12, 2019

6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Adopt-a-Block Volunteer Training and Appreciation Event

BP Heron Center

Join us at the BP Heron Center on November 12 from 6-8 pm in order to recognize our active volunteers, train new volunteers, and explain the details of Adopt-a-Block to all who are interested. We are hosting this event in partnership with the Birch Bay Chamber which is the central hub for our volunteer equipment and information in Birch Bay. 

We will also be introducing the new Water Reporter App at this event, which our Watershed Watchers volunteers can use to easily report pollution and stormwater issues. Please RSVP for this event to Lars Olson: LOlson@co.whatcom.wa.us.

Click here to view the Volunteer Training Agenda. 

October 19, 2019

10:00 AM

Orca Recovery Day

Along the Nooksack River in Ferndale 

Join Whatcom Conservation District and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement to celebrate orcas by restoring critical Chinook salmon habitat along the Nooksack River in Ferndale.  We will work together to plant his property, owned by WA Department of Fish & Wildlife, in order to conserve the habitat that salmon thrive in.  Parking TBD. Look for the blue NSEA tents to sign in. 

Click here for more information.

Are You Ready For Fall?

It is time to prepare for the wet season

The fall season is critical to improving water quality. After a long, dry period much of the rain can’t soak into the soil. It runs over top of the land into ditches and creeks. During that dry period, pollutants (such as fecal bacteria from livestock, dogs, or wildlife), will build up on the land. When fall rains come, water picks up the pollutants and carries them into our ditches and creeks. Too much bacteria closes beaches to swimming and shellfish harvest. 

Whatcom Clean Water Program partners have compiled a series of landowner tips for the fall to complement the 2019 Fall Strategy for the Shellfish Protection Districts. Click here for tips and more information about how you can help prevent pollution closures!

October 15, 2019

6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Farm Speaker Series:

Farm Funding Opportunities

WECU, Ferndale

Funding your dreams can be one of the trickier parts of growing your farm. Many farmers are not aware of all the resources available for financial support. Come make direct connections with funding agencies and hear a panel of successful grant recipients from the local farm community. 

The Farm Speaker Series of events is organized by the Whatcom Conservation District. Click here to learn more about this event, and click here to see other events in the series.

September 18, 2019

6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

September Advisory Committee Meeting

BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park 

The next Advisory Committee meeting will be held September 18, 2019 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at the BP Heron Center 7290 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA. 

*Parking fees will be covered for individuals attending the meeting. Please bring your Discover Pass if you have one. 

September 14, 2019

10:00 AM

Save the Date! Run with the Chums 2019 

Join the Chums of Terrell Creek for this fun event during Whatcom Water Week

Run or walk on a scenic loop through the BP Highlands and learn more about watershed health while taking care of your own health.                          

This family friendly even offers a kids' smolt sprint, prizes and more!!

* Free t-shirts (to the first 300 participants) 

* Free raffle with lots of cool prizes

* Refreshments

* 1k Smolt Sprint for kids at 10:00 am, ribbons for all racers

* Kids activities

* Guest speakers

* Beautiful location for a morning run or walk

* Exhibits and information tables

* Route is off the roads.  Paved and gravel trails

Visit the Whatcom Conservation District website for more information!


Birch Bay Shoreline Restoration Groundbreaking

The Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Groundbreaking is scheduled for September 6 from 11am-1pm. More information on this project can be found here.

August 2nd, 2019

9:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Cherry Point Beach Cleanup


The Whatcom MRC and Cherry Point Industries are calling volunteers to the August 2nd Cherry Point Beach Cleanup. The cleanup will begin at the BP Cherry Point Recreation Area (south end of Jackson Road) and will go from 9 AM-12PM. Volunteers are asked to dress for the weather and wear appropriate shoes. BBWARM will be on site with information on our new Watershed Watchers Adopt-a-Block program. There will be giveaways, food, prizes and more! To be grated access at the BP security gate, volunteers must RSVP to Austin Rose by Friday, July 26th. Click here for more information on the cleanup. 


July 5th, 2019

9:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Join us for Coffee and a Beach Clean Up on July 5th!

Visitor Information Center & 

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce


Although July 4th is a day filled with excitement, celebration and fireworks, the Birch Bay community is left with the not-so-fun aftermath: TRASH…and lots of it! In fact, in years past as much as 4.28 tons of trash were left on the Birch Bay beaches…that’s 8,560 pounds! Firework enthusiasts and their spectators line the beaches, partaking in the local fourth of July festivities; however, not everybody understands the impact that the garbage and firework remnants have on our local aquatic habitat. That’s where YOU come in!

 

On July 5th from 9:00 am- 12:00 pm, BBWARM and the Whatcom Conservation District will be joining the Birch Bay Chamber and Whatcom County Health Department, among others, to clean up our beaches and  bay. Please join us on the beach in front of the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center (a.k.a. Chamber of Commerce) for coffee and brownies before we get our hands dirty. Garbage bags and waste disposal will be made available. We only need your people-power. Tell your friends, family and neighbors! We will also have information on our new Watershed Watchers Adopt-a-Block program and how you can a yard sign, highlighting your Birch Bay stewardship. We hope to see you there! For more information, please contact Holly Faulstich or Doralee Booth.

June 19, 2019

6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

June Advisory Committee Meeting

BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park 

The next Advisory Committee meeting will be held June 19, 2019 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at the BP Heron Center 7290 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA. 

*Parking fees will be covered for individuals attending the meeting. Please bring your Discover Pass if you have one. 

June 15, 2019

9:00 PM - 1:00 PM

What's the Point? 

Beach Discovery Event

Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, Blaine WA 

 The community is invited to join BBWARM, Whatcom Land Trust, Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committee and others for an event titled “What’s the Point?” on Saturday, June 15 at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve. A negative tide will allow for intertidal zone exploration in an extraordinary stretch of shoreline teeming with wildlife. Marine life specialists will be on the beach providing information about plants and animals in the reserve’s intertidal zone.

June 8, 2019

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

A Day at the Beach

Across the street from the BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park

Join BBWARM, Friends of Birch Bay State Park and others for "A Day at the Beach" on Saturday, June 8th. The event will include low tide beach walks, educational booths, games and more! Stay tuned for more information!   

April 28, 2019

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Birch Bay Beach Cleanup

Join the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce at the Birch Bay Beach Cleanup, on April 28th from 11-4pm. Cleanup will begin at the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center. For more information, call 306-371-5004. 

BBWARM Financial & Annual Report Now Available

Click here to view to latest BBWARM Financial & Annual Report. 

March 30, 2019

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Terrell Creek on BP Property, Blaine

Join NSEA, Whatcom Conservation District, and BBWARM to help restore a forest for salmon along Terrell Creek! 

From Bellingham, head north on I-5 and take Exit 266 (WA-548 N/ Grandview Rd.). Turn left on Grandview Rd. and continue for 7 miles. Turn right on Jackson Rd. and park at the former Birch Bay Bible Community Church (7039 Jackson Rd.). 

Look for the blue NSEA tents to sign-in and catch a shuttle to the restoration site.

March 23, 2019

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

26th Annual Native Plant Sale & Expo

Spring is Coming!

The Whatcom Conservation District’s Annual Native Plant Sale has been providing low cost, native plants to the residents and visitors of Whatcom County for more that two decades! This year we have over 40 species of native, bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials! For the first time, we will be accepting pre-orders, online only and have discontinued the old paper forms.  

Since 1993, the purpose of the sale has been to promote stewardship of our natural resources and help get native plants in the ground. The Expo is a great family friendly event with local nurseries offering even more plant choices and community education groups enlightening you about local issues.  For all the details, visit the Native Plant Sale 2019 webpage.

March 15-17, 2019

Wings Over Water 

Northwest Birding Festival

The 17th Annual Wings Over Water Birding Festival March 15 – 17, 2019 in Blaine, Washington celebrates the incredible variety of migratory birds that flock to the coastal waters of Drayton Harbor, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo Bay at the northwest corner of Washington State. This major stopover on the Pacific Flyway between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, BC is designated as an Important Birding Area (IBA) and is the anchor for the North Cascades Loop of the Great Washington State Birding Trail. Click here to learn more. 

March 2, 2019

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

California Creek at Whatcom Land Trust Property, Blaine

The California Creek Estuary is situated along Drayton Harbor Road at the mouth of California Creek and consists of shoreline, estuary, open field, and forested habitat.  Restoration work has begun with the demolition of two outbuildings and the removal of a mountain of blackberry and scotch broom.  Now it is your turn to join NSEA, the Whatcom Land Trust, Whatcom Conservation District, and BBWARM to replant the area with native vegetation form improved habitat and water quality!  

*Parking will be located at Blaine High School (975 H St., Blaine, WA) look for the blue NSEA tents! 

Deadline: January 8, 2019

BBWARM Citizen Advisory Committee Vacancy 

The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Citizen Advisory Committee has one vacant position for a four-year term starting in February 2019.  BBWARM is the stormwater management district for the Birch Bay watershed.  Advisory Committee members represent the local community and BBWARM rate payers’ interests in the stormwater program for Birch Bay.  Birch Bay residents interested in stormwater, water quality, and aquatic habitat in the Birch Bay watershed are encouraged to apply.   Click here to learn more. 

*The vacancy information will be available on the County website the first week of December; however, if you wish to apply before this date, applications can be found here.  All applications will be due at 10:00 a.m. on January 8, 2019.  

January 8, 2019

Watershed Watchers Volunteer Info Night   

Are you interested in protecting and enhancing Birch Bay's natural environment? BBWARM is hosting a volunteer information and training night on January 8th, 2019 and would love for you to join! Click on the poster to sign up and please take a moment to share your thoughts, interests and suggestions in this brief survey.  




Deadline Extended!

Looking for Ways to Give Back to Birch Bay? We Need Your Help! 

Do you live in the Birch Bay or Terrell Creek Watersheds? If so, we would love to hear from you! Our beautiful bay and local waterways are home to a wide array of species that all rely on a clean and abundant water supply. Natural resource protection cannot happen without an engaged and proactive community.

In an effort to better serve the interests of the community and the environmental needs, we have developed this short, 5 minute survey and we would your appreciate feedback. Your responses will remain confidential, and the information gathered will allow BBWARM to provide more opportunities for individuals to get involved in local environmental stewardship. Start the survey now, by clicking here

Do you know someone who would like to have their voice heard, but aren't tech-savvy? We have paper copies of the survey available at the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. For more information about our program, please visit the click here.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts!  

Find out more >>



November 10, 2018

Puget Sound Orca Recovery Day- Planting Party! 

November 10, 2018- 9 AM-12 PM

6000 North Star Road

Blaine WA  98230  Map

The Southern Resident Killer Whales that call Puget Sound home are critically endangered, and are among the most at-risk marine mammals in the world. In fact, the local population is down to only 74 orcas. Noise and crowding by boat traffic, chemical contaminants, as well as a scarcity of their preferred food—Chinook salmon—pose serious threats to this endangered population.

Take action by participating in the Puget Sound Orca Recovery Day on November 10, 2018 from 9 AM-12 PM. Join the Whatcom Conservation District, Whatcom Land Trust and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association(NSEA) help improve salmon habitat at the Butler Creek Planting Party. This ~20-acre piece of hidden paradise is located just northeast of Lake Terrell. Click here for more information on ways you can help our resident orcas.

October 20, 2018 

NSEA Terrell Creek Work Party 

Saturday, October 20, 2018 @ 9 AM- 12 PM

7039 Jackson Rd

 Blaine, WA 98230   Map

HELP PLANT A FOREST AND RESTORE SALMON HABITAT ALONG TERRELL CREEK! 

All ages are welcome! Any unaccompanied volunteers under the age of 18 must bring a completed Liability Release Form to each work party. Bring your friends, your family and your enthusiasm and we'll see you at the creek! Click here for more information. 


September 15, 2018 

Run With The Chums 5k Fun Run/Walk And Smolt Sprint

  Saturday, September 15th, 2018 @ 10:00 AM

BP Highlands, 5042 Grandview

 Blaine, WA  Map

The 6th Annual Run with the Chums 5k Fun Run/Walk is scheduled for  Saturday,  September 15! Join the Chums of Terrell Creek for this family-friendly Whatcom Water Week event. Run with the Chums is a fun, FREE event for all ages and the first 300 participants will receive a free event t-shirt! 

Find out more >>

July 19, 2018 

Free Workshop on Sound Horeskeeping; Equine Farm Planning  

July 19, 2018 @ 6:00 PM

Sunset Farm Park, 7977 Blaine Rd

Blaine, WA  Map

Join special guests Michael Hipp, equine conservation planner from Snohomish Conservation District, Kulshan Veterinary equine specialist Dr. Holly Smith, local agronomists and a panel of your peers for the second workshop in the Whatcom Conservation District Farm Speakers Series. Bring questions and ideas about equine pasture management, track paddocks, composting manures, and other topics specific to managing horses on rural lands in the Puget Sound basin.

Find out more >>

July 18, 2018 

Free Shoreline Educational Beach Walk 

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, 6770 Koehn Road

Blaine, WA  Map

Shoreline landowners in Whatcom County are invited to attend a FREE beach walk on coastal process and shoreline erosion management. Learn how you can maintain your shoreline property and manage drainage. 

Find out more >>

June 20, 2018 

The BBWARM 2017 Annual Report and Financial Report Now Available! 

2017 Annual Report and Financial Report are available for download here. The Annual Report provides a summary of BBWARM stormwater program activities and accomplishments for 2017. The Financial Report provides a detailed account of the BBWARM fund balance and 2017 expenditures by program area. If you would like a hard copy of these reports or would like additional information, please contact Holly Faulstich at (360) 778-6290 or HFaulsti@co.whatcom.wa.us

Find out more >>

June 16, 2018 

What's the Point? A free beach discovery event

Wednesday, June 16, 2018 11:30 AM-3:30 PM

Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, 6770 Koehn Road

Blaine, WA  Map

The community is invited to join Whatcom Land Trust, Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committee and others for an event titled “What’s the Point?” on Saturday, June 16 from 11:30 am- 3:30pm, at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve. A negative tide will allow for intertidal zone exploration in an extraordinary stretch of shoreline teeming with wildlife. Marine life specialists will be on the beach providing information about plants and animals in the reserve’s intertidal zone. Come join the fun!

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June 2, 2018 

Save the Date! Birch Bay Beach Fest & Feast 

Saturday, June 2, 2018  11:00 AM-3:30 PM

Birch Bay State Park5105 Helweg Road

Blaine, WA  +Google Map

Join us on June 2nd at Birch Bay State Park for family-friendly activities, a low tide critter search, scavenger hunt, educational displays and clam chowder lunch! A ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon will celebrate the reopening of 129 acres of shellfish beds at the mouth of Terrell Creek after a 10 year closure as well as the dedication of new interpretive signs recently installed in the park. Whatcom Conservation District's Mobile Watershed Explorer will be on display, as well as many other children's activities and games. Stay tuned for more info!

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April 14, 2018 

Terrell Creek Work Party

Saturday, April 14, 2018  9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Help plant a forest and restore salmon habitat along Terrell Creek in Birch Bay!

All ages welcome! Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) will bring the tools and gloves - all you have to do is wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Bring your friends, family, and enthusiasm and we'll see you at the creek on Saturday, April 14 from 9am-12pm! Click here for more information and directions.

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April 23, 2018 

Gardening Green: Sustainable Landscaping Class 

April 23- May 9, 2018  

Whatcom County Public Works will offer a special session of the popular Gardening Green: Sustainable Landscaping Class for Birch Bay watershed residents this spring.  In this free six-session class, participants will learn how to create sustainable residential landscapes that are beautiful, low maintenance, attract wildlife, and benefit the watershed. The class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from April 23-May 9.

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January 24, 2018

Great News! Shellfish Beds Now Reopen for Harvesting in Birch Bay 

After 10 years of closure due to fecal coliform pollution, the Washington State Department of Health upgraded 129 acres of shellfish beds in Birch Bay from Prohibited to Approved for shellfish harvesting on January 16. Years of hard work and collaboration by community members, non-profit organizations, and local government working together to improve water quality in Terrell Creek, the largest tributary to Birch Bay, have resulted in improved water quality and the reopening. This is a community success worth celebrating! Thank you to everyone working to improve water quality in the Birch Bay watershed. A community celebration is being planned for later this year. For more information read the press release here.

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