Celebrate the collective power of community by joining the City of Bellingham and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) as well as many other community partners for our annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service Community Work Party on Saturday, January 18th from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Willow Spring in Squalicum Creek Park.
Together, we will plant native trees and shrubs to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality to benefit salmon and other native species.
Through this work, we hope to exemplify the environmental justice movement, which was inspired by Dr. King through his concern for the urban environment. Environmental justice embodies the principle that all people have the right to clean air, water, and soil, as well as the right to live in safe and healthy communities.
This event is partnering with Birchwood Food Desert Fighters (BFDF) to collect unopened donations for their efforts in promoting equitable food access to the community. BFDF supports our community through weekly events, food share boxes, food delivery, farming, advocacy, and more. Volunteers are encouraged to bring donations to this work party such as canned proteins, cooking oil, sauces, and spices to support BFDF's work.
You need: Weather-appropriate clothing, long pants, closed-toe shoes, snacks, and a full water bottle.
We provide: Tools, gloves, instruction, and light refreshments, including free Tony’s coffee and free pizza, all of which were generously donated for this event.
Volunteers should be aware that the work party site includes typical park uneven terrain. Volunteers assume all liability for conducting volunteer work within the project area.
Additional information will be emailed to registered participants the evening before the work party. Register early, space is limited. If you sign up, please show up! All ages, abilities, and experience levels are welcome.
This event is Parkscriptions Certified!
Important Registration Steps:
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After you have completed the required waiver (adult or youth), please be sure to then click "Sign Up" to complete your registration for the event! Completing the waiver does not automatically sign you up.
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If you are bringing any additional volunteers or family members, please sign up as a team or have them join the site, sign the waiver, and then sign up individually. Here are some guides:
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If you are bringing any youth under age 18 and have issues with the waiver or don’t want to create a separate account for them, you can also sign a paper youth waiver at check-in on the day of the work party (or you can print one out and bring it with you). Just be sure to reserve spots on your team for them.
Here are some quick reminders about our youth liability release form:
- Unaccompanied youth under age 18 must provide a City & NSEA Youth Liability Release Form signed and completed by their legal guardian.
- This liability release form can be completed online when registering or you can bring a signed paper copy to the event. If the youth was registered online, a paper form is not needed.
- Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Directions:
This event takes place at Squalicum Creek Park located at 1001 Squalicum Way. Please follow work party signs and check-in at the blue tents.
Travel by bike or foot: The work party site is accessible by bike or foot. Find your bike route by visiting cob.org/bike and your walking route by viewing a trail map of Squalicum Creek Park. A free bike valet located near the sign-in tents will be provided.
Travel by bus: Several Whatcom Transportation Authority bus routes serve the area. Find your route using the online trip planner at ridewta.com.
Travel by car: Carpooling is encouraged! Parking is available at the park near the main entrance but may fill up quickly.
Map:
Questions? Want to learn more or request accessibility or language accommodations?
Contact pkvolunteers@cob.org or 360-778-7105.
