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
May 2015 – February 2024 May 2015 – Feb 2024
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May
16
Sat
San Juan Treasures: Exploring Yellow and Jones Islands @ North Cascades Institute
Tickets
May 16 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
San Juan Treasures: Exploring Yellow and Jones Islands @ North Cascades Institute | Sedro-Woolley | Washington | United States

Ahoy! Join us as we set sail on the Orion, a classic, beautifully-restored 1934 wooden sailboat, to explore the biological riches of some lesser-known San Juan Island treasures. This natural history voyage will focus on seabirds, marine mammals and island wildflowers. Participants will also have the chance to learn the art of sailing and navigation on a historic vessel.

We’ll depart from Anacortes and head first to Jones Island, where we’ll explore the beautiful forests and rocky shores of this 188-acre state park. We’ll learn about madronas, tidelands, pelagic birds and other natural phenomenon of the area. After a day of sailing and island exploration, an evening of fireside stories and music will be shared with Captain Kevin Campion and an Institute Naturalist before retiring to our tents in the island campground.

The next morning, we’ll sail for Yellow Island — a jewel of the San Juan archipelago. This tiny island, owned and stewarded by the Nature Conservancy and accessed only by special permission, has one of the most brilliant and diverse native wildflower displays in all of the Salish Sea. After a morning botanizing with field lenses, flower keys and knowledgeable guides, we’ll again raise our sails and turn our attention back to the water to search for seabirds and marine mammals as we make our slow way back to Anacortes.

Watch a beautiful video of the Orion exploring the Salish Sea at www.vimeo.com/82632034.

All meals are provided. Bring your own tent and camping equipment, or let us know if we can loan you gear.

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Categories: Outdoor Recreation Tags: botany camping hiking mammals marine natural history sailing wildflowers
May
17
Sun
San Juan Treasures: Exploring Yellow and Jones Islands @ North Cascades Institute
Tickets
May 17 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
San Juan Treasures: Exploring Yellow and Jones Islands @ North Cascades Institute | Sedro-Woolley | Washington | United States

Ahoy! Join us as we set sail on the Orion, a classic, beautifully-restored 1934 wooden sailboat, to explore the biological riches of some lesser-known San Juan Island treasures. This natural history voyage will focus on seabirds, marine mammals and island wildflowers. Participants will also have the chance to learn the art of sailing and navigation on a historic vessel.

We’ll depart from Anacortes and head first to Jones Island, where we’ll explore the beautiful forests and rocky shores of this 188-acre state park. We’ll learn about madronas, tidelands, pelagic birds and other natural phenomenon of the area. After a day of sailing and island exploration, an evening of fireside stories and music will be shared with Captain Kevin Campion and an Institute Naturalist before retiring to our tents in the island campground.

The next morning, we’ll sail for Yellow Island — a jewel of the San Juan archipelago. This tiny island, owned and stewarded by the Nature Conservancy and accessed only by special permission, has one of the most brilliant and diverse native wildflower displays in all of the Salish Sea. After a morning botanizing with field lenses, flower keys and knowledgeable guides, we’ll again raise our sails and turn our attention back to the water to search for seabirds and marine mammals as we make our slow way back to Anacortes.

Watch a beautiful video of the Orion exploring the Salish Sea at www.vimeo.com/82632034.

All meals are provided. Bring your own tent and camping equipment, or let us know if we can loan you gear.

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Categories: Outdoor Recreation Tags: botany camping hiking mammals marine natural history sailing wildflowers
May
21
Sat
Wokrshop: Outdoor Cooking @ Sumas Library
Tickets
May 21 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Taste the outdoors! Using a Dutch oven, Deborah Morgan will demonstrate how to cook a main course and dessert over an open flame. Taste the results for yourself through small samples. Just in time for summer camping season! For: Adults, Grades 9-12.

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Categories: Food & Beverage Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: camping cooking
May
27
Sat
Fire Walk with Me – Survival Skills with NWN @ Mt. Baker Snoqualmie NF
Tickets
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
10
Thu
Ilyssa and Dave Kyu, Campfire Stories, vol. II: Tales from America’s National Parks and Trails @ Village Books and Paper Dreams
Tickets
Aug 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Ilyssa and Dave Kyu, Campfire Stories, vol. II: Tales from America's National Parks and Trails @ Village Books and Paper Dreams

Don’t miss this deeply moving collection from a diverse group of writers inspired by national parks!

Inspired by America’s beloved national parks, Campfire Stories Volume II is a collection of modern prose, poetry, folklore, and more, featuring works from a diverse group of writers who share a deep appreciation of the natural world. Contributors represent a range of rich and diverse voices, including from the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Award winners such as Lauret Savoy, Rae DelBianco, and Terry Tempest Williams; newer voices including Derick Lugo, Rosette Royale, and Ed Bok Lee; and even a poet laureate, Rena Priest–all share their unique perspectives on our national parks and trails. These new campfire stories revel in each park’s distinct landscape and imaginatively transport the reader to the warm edge of a campfire ring.

Certain to have an immense appeal for readers with an interest in travel writing and outdoor adventures. A fun and informative read from cover to cover… an extraordinary anthology.– Midwest Book Review

Ilyssa Kyu is a design researcher focused on inclusion at frog design, a global creative consultancy, and the founder of Amble, a sabbatical program for creative professionals to take time away with purpose in support of nature conservancies. Dave Kyu is a socially engaged artist, writer, and arts administrator. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in the United States, he explores the creative tensions of identity, community, and public space in his work. They live with their two daughters outside of Philadelphia and are always seeking adventure and connection in the outdoors. Find them online at campfirestoriesbook.com and on Instagram @campfirestoriesbook.

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Categories: Author Talk Outdoor Recreation Tags: #authorevents #VILLAGEBOOKS camping
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
18
Sat
Fire with Flint & Steel (An Outdoor Skills Course) @ Larrabee State Park
Tickets
Nov 18 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Fire with Flint & Steel (An Outdoor Skills Course) @ Larrabee State Park

The goal of this course is to familiarize you with:

Charcloth (what it is and how to make it)

Creating sparks with a stone and steel

Flammability of several types of tinder

How to process natural materials for optimal flammability

Transferring a spark to tinder to build a fire without a lighter

Feathersticks

Fire-building

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 without a lighter 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 Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #shopsmall adventures camping fire making hiking outdoors primitive skills womenempowerment
Nov
23
Thu
Soup, Bread, & Tea-Making: An Alternative to Thanksgiving @ Larrabee State Park
Tickets
Nov 23 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Soup, Bread, & Tea-Making: An Alternative to Thanksgiving @ Larrabee State Park

Bring your family along to experience the outdoors with tasty rewards as an alternative to traditional Thanksgiving!

We will forage leaves to make tea, prepare a cozy soup and bake bread ALL over an open flame.

If you’ve ever wanted to try cooking from scratch outdoors, this is your chance to learn with some guidance.

In this course you will assist in foraging, preparing and making soup, bread dough, and of course enjoying a hearty meal. The meal will be vegetarian. If you have dietary restrictions (vegan, GF, dairy-free, etc; please let us know and we will try our best to accommodate you!)

Individuals will receive an email with directions and information a few days prior to the event.

Space is limited!

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #shopsmall adventures camping fire making hiking outdoors primitive skills Thanksgiving womenempowerment
Nov
25
Sat
Soup, Bread, & Tea-Making: An Alternative to Thanksgiving @ Larrabee State Park
Tickets
Nov 25 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Soup, Bread, & Tea-Making: An Alternative to Thanksgiving @ Larrabee State Park

Bring your family along to experience the outdoors with tasty rewards as an alternative to traditional Thanksgiving!

We will forage leaves to make tea, prepare a cozy soup and bake bread ALL over an open flame.

If you’ve ever wanted to try cooking from scratch outdoors, this is your chance to learn with some guidance.

In this course you will assist in foraging, preparing and making soup, bread dough, and of course enjoying a hearty meal. The meal will be vegetarian. If you have dietary restrictions (vegan, GF, dairy-free, etc; please let us know and we will try our best to accommodate you!)

Individuals will receive an email with directions and information a few days prior to the event.

Space is limited!

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Family Events Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #shopsmall adventures camping fire making hiking outdoors primitive skills Thanksgiving womenempowerment
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
Tickets
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
Tickets
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
May 2015 – February 2024 May 2015 – Feb 2024