Community Calendar and Information Hub

The WhatcomTalk Events Calendar shares things to do around Whatcom County including Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine and beyond. Find fun activities and adventures throughout the region on our comprehensive events calendar. Have an event that isn’t listed? Click the green “Post your Event” button and our editors will review and approve within two business days.

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Agenda
Agenda
June 2021 – March 2024 Jun 2021 – Mar 2024
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Jun
27
Sun
Fire and Survival Basics [Family Friendly Workshop] @ Bell Creek Nature School
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Jun 27 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Fire and Survival Basics [Family Friendly Workshop] @ Bell Creek Nature School

Fire brings us warmth, protection, food, light, and so much more! When it’s time to build your fire out in nature, it can be challenging to get it going, especially as the rain starts coming down! In this course, hosted by Bell Creek Nature School and led by Survival Guide Ryan Johnson, practice fire building in the challenging conditions of the Pacific Northwest. We’ll dive into the core rules of survival, different fire configurations, and tips and tricks to find success. At the end of the session, we’ll test different tools and equipment you should add to your pack for fire starting, survival, and adventure!

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Categories: Education Family Events Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: animal tracking Bellingham Bushcraft Carving hiking Nature outdoors survival training wildernessskills
Mar
24
Fri
SICBA’s 2023 Home & Garden Show @ Skagit County Fairgrounds
Tickets
Mar 24 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
SICBA's 2023 Home & Garden Show @ Skagit County Fairgrounds

Skagit, Island, and San Juan Island County’s LARGEST Home & Garden Show, over 40 years running! Brought to you by the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA). With events such as our Wine, Beer, Cider, and Spirits Tasting, a Lego Building Contest, Birdhouse Building, Make and Take Classes, Seminars, and Live music, you’ll be sure to find something you’ll love.

Friday, March 24 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 25 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Business Networking Events Education Family Events Festivals, Expos & Parades Home & Garden Kids Music Concerts Seasonal and Holiday Events Volunteering and Community Enrichment Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #HomeandGardenShow #skagitvalley 2023 beer Building cider free for kids garden home islandcounties livemusic Remodel Seminar Spirits wine
Mar
25
Sat
SICBA’s 2023 Home & Garden Show @ Skagit County Fairgrounds
Tickets
Mar 25 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
SICBA's 2023 Home & Garden Show @ Skagit County Fairgrounds

Skagit, Island, and San Juan Island County’s LARGEST Home & Garden Show, over 40 years running! Brought to you by the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA). With events such as our Wine, Beer, Cider, and Spirits Tasting, a Lego Building Contest, Birdhouse Building, Make and Take Classes, Seminars, and Live music, you’ll be sure to find something you’ll love.

Friday, March 24 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 25 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Business Networking Events Education Family Events Festivals, Expos & Parades Home & Garden Kids Music Concerts Seasonal and Holiday Events Volunteering and Community Enrichment Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #HomeandGardenShow #skagitvalley 2023 beer Building cider free for kids garden home islandcounties livemusic Remodel Seminar Spirits wine
May
27
Sat
Fire Walk with Me – Survival Skills with NWN @ Mt. Baker Snoqualmie NF
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May 27 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Fire Walk with Me - Survival Skills with NWN @ Mt. Baker Snoqualmie NF

Fire Walk with Me, bushcraft enthusiast, ecologist, and your host, Jazmen with NWN.

For many of us who live in the PNW, not only is the borrowed name of this course very familiar, so are the verdant rainforests of the Salish Sea that surround us. If you go camping, hunting, or exploring in the woods, could you build a fire with limited tools in the PNW if you needed to? Fire Walk with Me is a basic survival course, a walk in the forest, and an opportunity to learn the principles of firemaking through collecting materials and building one on your own (without a lighter) in the wild Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

We strive to be as hands-off as possible, so you walk away with a new skill that you can practice successfully on your own time and time again.

In this course, learn the basic principles of fire-starting, land use laws, and how to procure burnable material in the notoriously damp PNW.

We will walk through the woods together, collecting tinder materials and firewood while learning ethics of foraging and harvesting wood from natural areas.

Each person will build their own fire without a lighter and use our 5-step fire-building that will likely be your new go-to fire-building method.

Firelighting is the most important bushcraft skill to learn. If you want to increase your preparedness for a survival situation through learning how to procure the right materials to successfully start a fire with only a knife and a simple fire tool, this class is for you!

This class will take place rain or shine!

Learn more and register through the website link.

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #survivalskills Bushcraft camping fire hiking Nature outdoor skills
Aug
20
Sun
Artist Point Botany Walk: Ericaceae-focus @ Artist Point above Mt. Baker Ski Area
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Aug 20 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Artist Point Botany Walk: Ericaceae-focus @ Artist Point above Mt. Baker Ski Area

Learn the defining characteristics of the Heath Family (Ericaceae) and discover its amazing species diversity in the subalpine zone of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Wilderness!

Ericaceae (Eri-cay-see-ay) includes all the huckleberries, heathers, rhododendrons, cranberries, wintergreens, and madrona trees (and more!) The gorgeous flowers attract bees and humans alike, but the plants are wholly dependent on bumblebees for pollination! Learn all about the ecology, edibility, medicinal uses and more with your naturalist guide, trained botanist and outdoor educator, Jazmen Yoder.

This field trip is located in one of the most scenic areas in the North Cascades. We will stroll on the boardwalk around Picture Lake for introductions to the variety of native Ericaceae species with Mt. Shuksan dominating the backdrop. In the second portion of this class, we’ll caravan to the end of the road to a magical area called Artist Point. Here we can test our new skills in identifying Ericaceae species with Mt. Baker in the background.

Bring your camera and strap on your boots. This botanical field trip will be more fun than you ever expected!

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Outdoor Recreation Tags: botany ethnobotany Flowers hiking mountains Nature outdoors plants Trails wildcrafting wildflowers
Sep
7
Thu
Trees of the PNW: An Evening in the Woods @ Squires Lake
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Sep 7 all-day
Trees of the PNW: An Evening in the Woods @ Squires Lake

There are dozens of berry-producing plants in the Pacific Northwest, but which ones are edible? Which ones are poisonous? If you are looking to expand your knowledge about edible plants, this field trip is for you!

The goal of this course is to familiarize you with common berry plants along trails in Northwest Washington.

Knowledge of plant names and their uses imparts a closer understanding of the world around you and thus a more intimate connection to the outdoors.

Your confidence in your ability to identify edible berry plants will be nourished and strengthened with this course.

Come learn with us!

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: Biking botany Foraging hiking Nature outdoors
Sep
11
Mon
WNPS Field Trip: Moonwort Madness at Yellow Aster Butte @ Tomyhoi/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead
Tickets
Sep 11 @ 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
WNPS Field Trip: Moonwort Madness at Yellow Aster Butte @ Tomyhoi/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead

The Koma Kulshan Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society regularly hosts educational seminars and field trips. Events are typically free and open to the public. Registration is required to attend this event.

Details: Hundreds of moonworts (Botrychium spp.) of seven different species can be found at Yellow Aster Butte in a good year. We’ll see how many we can find and identify. In addition, there are plenty of other ferns, flowering plants, and amazing views on this hike to hold our interest. This is a moderately strenuous, 7-mile round-trip hike, with an elevation gain of up to 2200 feet.

Meetup location: PLEASE NOTE that the meetup location is different from the actual event location. We will meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 7:30 AM. Bring a lunch, snacks, and water, and dress for the weather.

RSVP: Registration required for this trip. Visit the website provided for instructions on how to register.

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Categories: Education Outdoor Recreation Tags: #getoutdoors hiking Koma Kulshan outdoor education pnw hiking pnw native plants Washington Native Plant Society
Sep
22
Fri
Pacific Northwest Tree ID – An Evening in the Woods @ Whatcom Falls
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Sep 22 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Pacific Northwest Tree ID - An Evening in the Woods @ Whatcom Falls

Join us for a walk in the woods to learn all about lowland PNW trees: how to identify them, their historical significance, ethnobotany, their medicinal uses, and which ones to avoid (poisonous species).

You will walk away with memorable mnemonics to help you recall names of trees based on their features, smell, flavor, and subtle quirks.

At the end of the walk, there will be an optional Q&A period where we can sit down and make tea with the needles of common conifers.

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: Biking botany education hiking Nature outdoors trees walking
Nov
9
Thu
Fire with a Ferro Rod (An Outdoor Skills Course) @ Larrabee State Park
Tickets
Nov 9 all-day
Fire with a Ferro Rod (An Outdoor Skills Course) @ Larrabee State Park

You will be provided with a fixed-blade knife and seasoned wood to use for the day, and a ferro rod that you can take home with you.

The goal of this course is to familiarize you with:

Flammability of several types of tinder

How to process natural materials for optimal flammability

Ferro rod techniques

Feathersticks

Fire-building techniques

Knowledge of how to process natural materials in order to catch a spark to produce a lifesaving fire, or just a recreational one imparts a closer understanding of the world around you and thus a more intimate connection to the outdoors.

We strive to be as hands-off as possible so the people who learn with us gain an unforgettable experience. After taking this course, your confidence in your ability to make a fire will be just one of the takeaways.

If there is one bushcraft skill to have, it is how to make a fire!

Come learn with us!

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: adults adventures camping classes firemaking hiking Nature outdoors
Nov
12
Sun
Mosses and Ferns – A Walk in the Woods @ Whatcom Falls
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Nov 12 @ 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Mosses and Ferns - A Walk in the Woods @ Whatcom Falls

Trees dripping in mosses and fern covered understories evoke some of the most iconic imagery of Pacific Northwest forests. Despite their dazzling familiarity, their diversity is often underestimated and unexplored. Upon a closer look one can observe dozens of species living intertwined.

Together we’ll explore the many shades of green adorning some local trailsides and cover a handful of the most common species of mosses and ferns in our area. As we comb through the myriad of mosses, you’ll be guided in the practice of tuning into the world of tiny organisms and the structures that help differentiate them.

At the end of the walk, there will be an optional Q&A period where we can review what we’ve learned and browse some helpful resources.

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: Biking family friendly ferns Fungi gardening hiking learning moss Nature outdoors plants walking
Nov
30
Thu
Foraging & Wreath-Making @ Racehorse Creek Area
Tickets
Nov 30 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Foraging & Wreath-Making @ Racehorse Creek Area

This is an outdoor wildcrafting event scheduled in early winter. In this course you will forage for materials to make an entirely wildcrafted wreath. Here’s what you can expect:

-Guidance (foraging and wildcrafting)

-Independent foraging and exploration along the Nooksack River and surrounding forest.

-Using pliable branches to weave a wreath ring.

-Wildcrafting with foraged evergreens, lichen, berries, moss, and other beautiful things from the forest.

-A lesson in ethical foraging as wildcrafters.

-Campfire warmth during the wreathmaking process.

For more info visit the website

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Everyday Family Events Home & Garden Local History Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #shopsmall adventures camping fire making hiking outdoors primitive skills Thanksgiving womenempowerment
Dec
6
Wed
Ethnobotany of the PNW Coast: A Guided Plant Walk @ Point Whitehorn Park
Tickets
Dec 6 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Ethnobotany of the PNW Coast: A Guided Plant Walk @ Point Whitehorn Park

Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a gentle walk through the forest of Point Whitehorn State Park to learn about traditional and modern uses of PNW native plants.

We will go over how to ID several native plants and what their uses are (food, fiber, medicine, and shelter).

Details on location will be provided to registered participants.

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Family Events Local History Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #natureconnection #shopsmall adventures Biology botany camping coast education ethnobotany family friendly fire making hiking Nature outdoors plants pnw primitive skills Thanksgiving womenempowerment
Feb
4
Sun
Outdoor Skills: Fire & Breadmaking @ Forested Lands near Welcome, WA
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Feb 4 all-day
Outdoor Skills: Fire & Breadmaking @ Forested Lands near Welcome, WA

Come out and enjoy an afternoon learning survival firelighting and how to bake bread over a campfire with Northwest Natura!

This course is designed to be highly engaging with hands-on activities. Here’s what you can expect from this class:

Opportunities with Guidance on the following:

-Coaching and practicing firelighting with a ferro rod.
-Independent foraging; locating materials for fire making.
-Craft your own fire without a lighter using foraged materials.

-Learn Jazmen’s outdoor bread recipe to share with your friends and family.
-Preparing and baking (and eating!) at camp.

Northwest Natura is a small Bellingham business owned by naturalist, Jazmen Yoder. She directs but maintains a hands-off approach with this class so you can successfully make a fire in damp conditions and bake outdoors on your own again without guidance.

At every NWN class there is a sense of community. Expect bonding, laughter, and total joy in the woods!

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Food & Beverage Outdoor Recreation Seasonal and Holiday Events Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: adventure baking bread Bushcraft camping fire hiking Nature outdoors wildcraft wildcrafting
Feb
17
Sat
Bushcraft Crash Course: Survival Basics @ Forested Lands near Welcome, WA
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Feb 17 all-day
Bushcraft Crash Course: Survival Basics @ Forested Lands near Welcome, WA

This course will take place on State Lands in Whatcom County off Highway 542 near Deming, WA. Details on location will be provided in an email 3-4 days prior to the event.

Bushcraft is a term used to describe the practice of skills which aid in living outdoors. Here are the skills we will cover in this crash course:

Survival Basics
-Rule of Threes
– Fire making without a lighter
– Water sources and sanitation
– Shelter – temporary shelter construction
– Food – winter wild foods
– Knot-tying and lashing basics.
– Tarp deployment
– Cooking tripod
– Tools of the trade and practice using them.
– Knife and ax skills
– Containers
– First aid kits

We will practice all of these skills together in this full-day course. Knives and ferro rods provided for the day.

A list of basic things to bring to this course will be provided in an email 3-4 days before the event.

Feel free to bring your own outdoor tools such as a knife, ax, fire starter, tarp, containers (pots, water bottles), paracord, first aid kit, etc. so you can practice with your kit and/or I can answer any questions about your gear and help you troubleshoot issues you may have with them.

Space is limited to 8.

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Outdoor Recreation Seasonal and Holiday Events Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #survivalskills adventure baking bread Bushcraft camping cooking fire First Aid hiking Nature outdoors preparedness wildcraft wildcrafting
Mar
16
Sat
Lichens & Moss: A Cryptogamic Plant Walk @ Deception Pass State Park
Tickets
Mar 16 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Lichens & Moss: A Cryptogamic Plant Walk @ Deception Pass State Park

Join botanist and naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a walk at one of the most stunning trail systems in the Pacific Northwest. There will be an emphasis on learning lichens and ferns, but we will ID any plant or fungi species of interest. Bring your camera, come for the knowledge, and stay for the views! This is a unique field trip offering you’ll remember forever.

Space is limited.

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: basket making basketry botany Bushcraft ecology education environmental education ferns hiking lichen moss Nature outdoors pine needles plants walking weaving wildcrafting
Mar
30
Sat
Ethnobotany, Fungi & Tidepools: An Interactive Nature Walk @ Washington Park
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Mar 30 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ethnobotany, Fungi & Tidepools: An Interactive Nature Walk @ Washington Park

Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a fun adventure through a beautiful coastal forest to learn about edible and medicinal plants and fungi, and traditional ethnobotanical uses of native plants. We will slowly make our way to the shoreline just in time for low tide when we’ll carefully explore tidepools before saying farewell at 4pm.

For more information about this trip, please follow the link to the publisher’s website.

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Education Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: beach botany Foraging Fungi hiking medicinal plants Mushrooms naturalist Nature plants tidepools walking wildlife
June 2021 – March 2024 Jun 2021 – Mar 2024