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.

Jan
18
Sat
Vision / Dream Board Playshop
Jan 18 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Vision / Dream Board Playshop

? PNW Cannasisters Presents: Vision/Dream Board Playshop ?

Join hosts Mimi and Susan on Saturday, January 18, 2024, from 1 PM to 5 PM-ish for an inspiring afternoon of crafting, connecting, and manifesting your dreams!

? Open to all genders 21+

? Start the New Year Fresh?
Dive into your aspirations with a focused vision/dream board that will help you visualize and bring your dreams to life.

This is a not-for-profit gathering to cultivate community, conversation, and connection. We kindly ask $25 per person donation to help cover costs and support our community work.
10% proceeds goes to our community service project fund.

What to Bring:
?Your high vibes ?
?A favorite munchy to share ?
?Something to elevate with, if you choose (elevation is optional and will take place outside or in the garage).
? Any crafty/ collage materials for your vision/ dream board
? Image, photos, inspirational words, quotes, etc…

Let’s come together, create, and elevate our intentions for the year ahead!

All materials provided. No previous artistic experience required. Invite your inner child to play and dream.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Jan
19
Sun
Fungi, Lichen & Moss Foray with Northwest Natura @ Whatcom County
Jan 19 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Fungi, Lichen & Moss Foray with Northwest Natura @ Whatcom County

Please join me for an engaging outdoor adventure exploring the fascinating world of symbiosis. Participants will learn about the unseen connections between trees and mushrooms, lichen and algae, and minute worlds inside tiny forests (mosses) we can hold in our hands.

This is a field trip where you will participate in an outdoor foray, collect specimens, forage for medicinal or edible species if they present themselves, practice ethical foraging tactics, and observe and ponder symbiotic relationships found in the woodland with a group of likeminded folks.

You’ll learn the ecological importance of various mushrooms and lichens, including indicators of environmental quality, and the various roles in nutrient cycling.

This class is suitable for all nature enthusiasts, beginner mycologists, and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge in PNW biology and the unique Salish Sea Bioregion. No prior experience is necessary – just a curiosity about the natural world!

Locations will be in a public forested area around Whatcom County. Precise details remain TBD as they are contingent on the fungi, but these trips will be no more than 1 hour outside of Bellingham. I will scout weekly to find the best locations and send you an email with location information 2-4 days before your event(s).

Please register via the event website.

Jan
26
Sun
Trees of the PNW – A Walk in the Woods with Northwest Natura @ Larrabee State Park
Jan 26 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Trees of the PNW - A Walk in the Woods with Northwest Natura @ Larrabee State Park

Join me in the woods along Bellingham’s beautiful coastline to learn all about lowland PNW trees: how to identify them, their historical significance, medicinal uses, and which ones you should know for mushroom foraging and finding the best spots for fungi diversity.

You will walk away with memorable mnemonics to help you recall names of trees based on their features, habitat, smell, and subtle quirks in this fun outing designed for adult learning.

What to Bring:

Dress for the weather
Snacks and water
Notepad and pen (optional)
Binoculars (optional)

Registered individuals will receive details on location in an event-reminder email a few days prior to the event.

Please register via the event website.

Feb
9
Sun
Trees of the Pacific Northwest @ Whatcom Falls Park
Feb 9 @ 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Trees of the Pacific Northwest @ Whatcom Falls Park

Join me in the woods where waterfalls line the trails to learn all about upland PNW trees: how to identify them, their historical significance, and their symbiotic relationships with fungi.

You will walk away with memorable mnemonics to help you recall names of trees based on their features, habitat, smell, and subtle quirks in this fun outing designed for adult learning.

What to Bring:

Dress for the weather
Snacks and water
Notepad and pen (optional)
Binoculars (optional)
Registered individuals will receive details on location in an event-reminder email a few days prior to the event.

Please register via the event website.

Feb
14
Fri
Time at the River with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura Private Land
Feb 14 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Time at the River with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura Private Land

Need some forest and river time? Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a day out on the river and in the woods to go tracking, find mushrooms, learn names of plants and fungi, observe animals, and just get away from it all in this special offering. This course is designed for anyone looking to ignore Valentine’s Day or celebrate in a new way this year.

This course will be unlike other NWN field trips as it’s more centered on wandering, socializing, observing, and provide opportunities to learn from others and share your own knowledge.

This offering is donation-based. Choose what you can afford. If you can’t afford the lowest donation right now, please email me nwnatura@gmail.com so I can accommodate you.

Northwest Natura Land is composed of mixed forests along the North Fork of the Nooksack River near Maple Falls. The land is privately owned. The riverside area is a popular thoroughfare for birds and mammals, and the river is populated with all types of salmon species.

Tracks last seen on the land: Cougar, Black Bear, Elk, Black-Tailed Deer, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle

Fungi last spotted nearby: Turkey Tail, lots of other bracket fungi, strange Ascomycetes galore, Witch’s Butters

Birds spotted recently: Ravens, eagles, dippers, kingfishers, and common songbirds

Other wildlife: Chum Salmon on their way upriver

This course is what you want it to be. As a group we can decide to play fun games, start a fire, spend all our time tracking and taking photos, or whatever. There are 4 hours to play around with and lots of space to explore.

Feb
15
Sat
Winter Naturalist Series (Day 2 of 3): Ethnobotany & Wilderness Skills with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura private land
Feb 15 @ 11:45 am – 4:30 pm
Winter Naturalist Series (Day 2 of 3): Ethnobotany & Wilderness Skills with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura private land

Designed for adult individuals at any skill level who are interested in having fun outdoors this winter learning about plants, wildlife, wilderness skills, sustainable foraging, PNW winter ecology, and a bit of herbalism.

Each class will focus on both wilderness and naturalist skills to deepen your awareness of the natural world.

Lessons in this series:

Medicinal and Edible Plants and Fungi
Beginner Wildlife Track ID
Ecological Awareness
Fire building
PNW Ethnobotany
Winter Preparedness
Useful equipment and gear for outdoor adventures
Knife and ax skills
Each class will build on the previous one. For more details, keep reading!

The series will take place outdoors on Northwest Natura Land next to Nooksack River (North Fork) and Boulder Creek near Maple Falls, WA.

Day 2: Coniferous Woodland
Saturday February 15th, 2025
11:45am to 4:30pm
Maple Falls, WA

Conifer Tree ID
Medicinal uses and first aid
Ethnobotanical importance of dominant conifer trees
Wilderness Skills
Fire skills
Build a strong fire in winter weather in your group of 3 or 4 people.
Wildcrafted tea
Forage plants and fungi for your personalized wildcrafted tea
Tips and practice using wild plants in first aid
Plant/Fungi ID
“Quiz Yourself” (at your own pace in this side workshop)

Please register via the event website.
** All three days of this series is included in the course fee.

Feb
23
Sun
Body / Face Glitter Playshop & Cosmetic / accessories SWAP @ Meeting room at the Ferndale Library
Feb 23 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

PNW Cannasisters Body/Face Glitter Playshop and Makeup &
Accessories SWAP

Join us for a sparkling afternoon of creativity and self-expression at our upcoming Body/Face Glitter Playshop on February 23rd, from 1 PM to 3 PM! This playful gathering is designed for all skill levels, inviting participants to unleash their inner artist while exploring the enchanting world of body and face glitter.

In this hands-on playshop, you’ll learn techniques for applying glitter safely and creatively, transforming your skin into a canvas of shimmering art. Whether you want to shine bright for a special occasion, celebrate self-love, or simply have fun, this playshop will provide you with all the tools and guidance you need.

?Open to all genders 21+

What to Expect:
?Glitter Application Techniques: Discover various methods to apply glitter effectively and safely.

?Creative Expression: Use your imagination to create stunning designs that reflect your unique style.

? Make & Take glitter

?Community Connection: Meet fellow glitter enthusiasts and share ideas in a supportive, joyful environment.

?What to bring.

? Your authentic self

?A mirror

? Munchies to share

? Something to elevate with if you elevate.

? Makeup, cosmetics, accessories, self care items to swap ( a small bag or box) Items left will be donated to La Segunda Thrift Store that helps DV survivors.

?A bag / box for your SWAP items

All Materials Provided:We will supply a variety of glitters, tools, reclaimed containers, and skin-safe gel, so just bring your creativity!

Don’t miss this chance to add a little sparkle to your life! RSVP today and prepare to shine at the PNW Cannasisters Body/Face Glitter Playshop!

Mar
1
Sat
Moss of the PNW with Northwest Natura @ NWN private land
Mar 1 @ 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Moss of the PNW with Northwest Natura @ NWN private land

Join botanist and naturalist, Jazmen Yoder in a classic PNW moss-laden forest to learn cool moss facts, and the names of several common mosses, plus so much more.

In this course you will learn about the evolutionary history of mosses, what makes them special and different from all other photosynthesizing organisms, their ethnobotanical uses, vocabulary to describe different structures found on mosses, and the basics of how to identify different species. The objective of this course is to introduce students to bryology (study of mosses) and provide an immersive setting that will be memorable for all who participate. Come to gain familiarity with mosses to augment all your future explorations in PNW Forests.

While the emphasis of this course will be on moss, we can ID any plant or fungi species in the habitat and found along the way. This is a unique field trip offering for anyone with a curiosity about the green world around them.

Space is limited.
Please register via the event website.

Mar
8
Sat
Bushcraft Basics and Survival Skills with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura private land
Mar 8 @ 12:30 pm – 5:45 pm
Bushcraft Basics and Survival Skills with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura private land

The skills we will cover in this outdoor workshop include:

-An Introduction to Bushcraft in the Pacific Northwest
-Survival Basics
-Priorities in a survival situation
-Fire-making
-Shelter construction
-Water sources and sanitation
-Food resources
-Knot-tying and lashing
-Tools of the trade and practice using them.
-Knife and ax skills
-Containers
-First aid kits
-Ethnobotany meets Bushcraft
-Plants for survival crafts, medicine, and food, and fire

We will practice all of these skills together in this full-day course.

Northwest Natura is providing day-use materials including:

-Morakniv bushcraft knives
-Ferrocerium rods and strikers
-Fire resources (wood, tinder)
-Saws (limited number)
-Axes (limited number)
-Tarps, paracord, and other shelter supplies (multiples)
-Demo Equipment; examples of several kit items
-Supplies for first aid wildcrafting workshop
-Hot beverages for all
A list of basic things for you to bring to this course will be provided in an email 3-4 days before the event.

You are encouraged 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 with new-to-you equipment in our spare time.

This class is designed for adults (16+) who are interested in learning new skills that are useful in a variety of ways. Bushcraft is something you can apply in every day life, from the comfort of your home working on foraged wood carving projects, baskets from grasses, pine needles, roots, and bark, or outdoors building shelters, fires, and harvesting food resources.

Bushcraft workshops can cover the essential skills that ancestral to all humans. Come out to learn new things and boost your confidence outdoors through learning awesome self-reliance skills.

Space is limited.
Please register via the event website.

Mar
15
Sat
Winter Naturalist Series (Day 3 of 3): Ethnobotany & Wilderness Skills with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura private land
Mar 15 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Winter Naturalist Series (Day 3 of 3): Ethnobotany & Wilderness Skills with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura private land

Designed for adult individuals at any skill level who are interested in having fun outdoors this winter learning about plants, wildlife, wilderness skills, sustainable foraging, PNW winter ecology, and a bit of herbalism.

Each class will focus on both wilderness and naturalist skills to deepen your awareness of the natural world.

Lessons in this series:

Medicinal and Edible Plants and Fungi
Beginner Wildlife Track ID
Ecological Awareness
Fire building
PNW Ethnobotany
Winter Preparedness
Useful equipment and gear for outdoor adventures
Knife and ax skills
Each class will build on the previous one. For more details, keep reading!

The series will take place outdoors on Northwest Natura Land next to Nooksack River (North Fork) and Boulder Creek near Maple Falls, WA.

Day 3: Deciduous Woodlands
Saturday March 15th, 2025
12pm to 5pm
Maple Falls

Plant ID
Deciduous Tree ID
Medicinal Uses and First Aid of deciduous trees
Learn the names of native spring harbinger species.
Wilderness Skills
Emergency Shelter Basics (discussion and practice)
Wildlife Tracking
Make new observations and compare to January’s outing
Tracking Scavenger Hunt
—————

A word on PNW inclement winter weather:

Please note that if the forecasted weather is severe, the location could change to keep the class enjoyable and us safe (i.e. in case of gale force winds or “atmospheric river”, class may even be postponed if a venue is unavailable with short notice).

Registered individuals will receive details in an event-reminder emails a few days prior to each event.
Please register via the event website.

*** All three days are included in the course fee.

Apr
5
Sat
Hiking w/ Curiosity – Edible Plant Identification in the Chuckanuts w/ Northwest Natura @ Chuckanut Mountain
Apr 5 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Hiking w/ Curiosity - Edible Plant Identification in the Chuckanuts w/ Northwest Natura @ Chuckanut Mountain

Join Naturalist Jazmen Yoder on a hike along one of the Chuckanut Mountain trails to get outdoors in early spring. Learn the names and flavors of edible plants as we go.

The trailhead is TBD based on abundant species. Expect some elevation gain but keep in mind we’ll be stopping frequently to botanize and learn about edible plant species.

Things to bring with you to class:

Dress for the weather (warm outdoor clothing)
Hiking shoes
Snacks and water
Notebook and pen (optional)
Camera (optional)
Your favorite field guide (optional)

Registered individuals will receive an email a few days prior to the event with driving directions, weather forecast, and a reminder of what to bring with you.

Please register via the event website.

Apr
6
Sun
Spring Foraging & Outdoor Cooking with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura Land
Apr 6 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Spring Foraging & Outdoor Cooking with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura Land

Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a day of foraging out in the woods. This course will take place on private and public property approximately 2 miles east of Maple Falls.

What to expect:

The first part of class will be a walk in the woods foraging for various edible plants and mushrooms. For each species, we’ll talk about how to identify it, it’s edibility or medicinal properties, how to prepare it for medicine or food, and how we could use it in our meal later.

Expect moderate walking/hiking with frequent stops, self-led exploration, and a lesson in ethical foraging on public lands.

In the second portion of this course, we will build a fire and cook together with the plants we foraged. Using unique recipes, we’ll combine our efforts in producing beautiful culinary arts with a campfire and cast iron.

These classes are offered on several dates and as the month progresses, new plants will become available. Thus, each course aims to incorporate different recipes and ingredients. Signing up for all three classes offers a discount of $50.

(Please note the location is subject to change based on available plant forage. You will be notified ahead of time if anything changes, and location will not be anywhere outside of Whatcom County or too far off the original target. Thank you for understanding.)

Please register via the event website.

Apr
13
Sun
Spring Foraging & Outdoor Cooking with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura Land
Apr 13 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Spring Foraging & Outdoor Cooking with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura Land

Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a day of foraging out in the woods. This course will take place on private and public property near Maple Falls.

The first part of class will be a walk in the woods foraging for various edible plants and mushrooms. For each species, we’ll talk about how to identify it, it’s edibility or medicinal properties, how to prepare it for medicine or food, and how we could use it in our meal later.

Expect moderate walking/hiking with frequent stops, self-led exploration, and a lesson in ethical foraging on public lands.

In the second portion of this course, we will build a fire and cook together with the plants we foraged. Using unique recipes, we’ll combine our efforts in producing beautiful culinary arts with a campfire and cast iron.

These classes are offered on several dates and as the month progresses, new plants will become available. Signing up for all three classes offers a discount of $50

Please register via the event website.

Apr
19
Sat
Earth Day Market at Boundary Bay Brewery @ Boundary Bay Brewery Beer Garden
Apr 19 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Earth Day Market at Boundary Bay Brewery @ Boundary Bay Brewery Beer Garden

Support local artisans and non-profits at our Earth Day Market on Saturday, April 19th!

Join us in the beer garden from 11 am – 3 pm to shop from and learn about local sustainably-minded vendors and organizations. From upcycled clothes, accessories, and decor to organizations dedicated to getting people outdoors and reducing food waste, there’ll be lots to see!

This event is open to all ages and free to attend?

Medicinal Plant Walk at Cornwall Park with Northwest Natura @ Cornwall Park
Apr 19 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Medicinal Plant Walk at Cornwall Park with Northwest Natura @ Cornwall Park

This course is designed for anyone interested in foraging, herbal medicine, and native plant (and mushroom) identification.

Take an educational stroll through a central park in Bellingham to learn the medicinal benefits of several species of plants, how and when to harvest them, and foraging ethics and safety.

We will also ID edible and medicinal mushrooms if we find them!

You will be amazed at how much we find and how much you’ll learn on this field trip!

Preparedness:
-Dress for the weather
-Walking shoes (hiking boots not necessary)
-Snacks and water
-Notebook and Pen (optional but recommended)
-Well behaved dogs can join us, but they need to be on a leash.

Please register via the event website.

Apr
20
Sun
Spring Foraging & Outdoor Cooking with Northwest Natura @ NWN Private Land
Apr 20 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Spring Foraging & Outdoor Cooking with Northwest Natura @ NWN Private Land

Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a day of foraging out in the woods. This course will take place on private and public property near Maple Falls.

The first part of class will be a walk in the woods foraging for various edible plants and mushrooms. For each species, we’ll talk about how to identify it, it’s edibility or medicinal properties, how to prepare it for medicine or food, and how we could use it in our meal later.

Expect moderate walking/hiking with frequent stops, self-led exploration, and a lesson in ethical foraging on public lands.

In the second portion of this course, we will build a fire and cook together with the plants we foraged. Using unique recipes, we’ll combine our efforts in producing beautiful culinary arts with a campfire and cast iron.

These classes are offered on several dates and as the month progresses, new plants will become available. Thus, each course aims to incorporate different recipes and ingredients. Signing up for all three classes offers a discount of $50.

Please register via the event website.

Apr
26
Sat
Spruce & Nettle Foraging Workshop with Northwest Natura : Food & Medicine @ Nooksack River
Apr 26 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Spruce & Nettle Foraging Workshop with Northwest Natura : Food & Medicine @ Nooksack River

Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a gentle walk along the river to learn how to identify conifers, forage spruce tips, nettles, and wildcraft them into foods and medicines.

There is no elevation gain on this trail, but quite a bit of walking, and a nice period of sitting to craft our concoctions.

Things to bring with you to class:
-Dress for the weather (warm outdoor clothing)
-Your most comfortable walking shoes
-Snacks and water
-Notebook and pen (optional)
-Foraging basket
-Garden gloves (thicker the better. I have some available for borrowing)
-Two medium-large glass jars
-Please bring at least one 12oz and one 16oz jar, both with lids

Northwest Natura is providing:
-Processing equipment
-High quality alcohol for tincture infusions
-Sugars for making syrup

*Please register via the event website.
*Registered individuals will receive an email a few days prior to the event with driving directions, weather forecast, and a reminder of what to bring with you.

Apr
27
Sun
Ethnobotany Tour at Padilla Bay Reserve with Northwest Natura @ Padilla Bay
Apr 27 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Ethnobotany Tour at Padilla Bay Reserve with Northwest Natura @ Padilla Bay

Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a gentle walk at the stunning Padilla Bay Research Reserve to learn about traditional and modern uses of PNW native plants, and traditional agricultural practices advanced by indigenous peoples for time immemorial.

Padilla Bay Reserve has incredible plant diversity. This tour will focus on the historical significance of Coastal Prairies, estuarine, and forest plant species, and the importance of restoration projects and accessibility to these areas.

Things to bring with you to class:
-Dress for the weather (warm outdoor clothing)
-Snacks and water
-Notebook and pen (optional)
-Camera (optional)
-Your favorite field guide (optional)
-You will need good shoes for walking, but they don’t necessarily need to be hiking boots; the trail is well maintained.

*Registered individuals will receive an event-reminder email a few days prior to the event.
*Please register via the event website.

May
4
Sun
Living Kidney Donor Forum @ Squalicum Boathouse
May 4 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Living Kidney Donor Forum @ Squalicum Boathouse

Are you curious about Kidney donation?
Mount Baker Foundation is hosting the 3rd annual Living Kidney Donor event featuring a panel of kidney donors, recipients, and medical experts who will share inspiring stories and valuable insights on navigating the process of living kidney donation. Discover how kidney donation can be a rewarding experience, not just for the recipient who gains a new lease on life but also for the donor who experiences the profound impact of giving the gift of life. Together, we can achieve our “moonshot” goal of eliminating the kidney transplant waiting list in Whatcom County. Lunch will be served

Spring Naturalist Series (Day 1): Plants of the Pacific Northwest w/ Northwest Natura @ Washington Park
May 4 @ 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Spring Naturalist Series (Day 1): Plants of the Pacific Northwest w/ Northwest Natura @ Washington Park

This two-part series is designed for adults (16+) at any skill level that are interested in having fun outdoors learning more about flora, fauna, and natural history of the Pacific Northwest. We will meet two times during the month of May in Skagit County parks, focusing on universal botany wisdom, and ethnobotany of the PNW.

Each class will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ecosystem, learn names of plants, lichens, mushrooms, and engage in hands-on learning to deepen your awareness of the natural world.

Overall, we will be moving at a slow pace during each outing as we focus on our surroundings, have mini lectures, or engage in activities.

Expect some gentle to moderate hiking, and some kneeling or squatting.

We’ll begin with an intro to botany so we can comfortably start using botanical terminology during this series. You will use samples of flowers and leaves to make observations of various structures and sketch them into a field notebook.

The second part of the class will be a walk in the woods, finding “signs of spring” while focusing on two plant families, the Roses and the Heaths (two very diverse and abundant groups).

During this segment you can expect to gain experience in:
-Plant ID
-Plant anatomy
-Plant taxonomy

You can also expect:
-Ethnobotany lesson
-Optional tidepool exploration
-Foraging tips on edible species
-Coastal views
-Wildlife and Bird sightings
-Relaxed community atmosphere
-Gentle walking in a beautiful park setting

Please register via the event website.

May
9
Fri
Edible Plant Identification in the Chuckanuts with Northwest Natura @ Chuckanut Mountain (Trail TBD)
May 9 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Edible Plant Identification in the Chuckanuts with Northwest Natura @ Chuckanut Mountain (Trail TBD)

Join Naturalist,Jazmen Yoder on a hike along one of the Chuckanut Mountain trails to get outdoors in early spring and learn the names and flavors of edible plants as we go.

The trailhead is TBD based on abundant species. Expect some elevation gain but keep in mind we’ll be stopping frequently to botanize and learn about edible plant species.

Things to bring with you to class:
-Dress for the weather (warm outdoor clothing)
-Hiking shoes
-Snacks and water
-Notebook and pen (optional)
-Camera (optional)
-Your favorite field guide (optional)

Registered individuals will receive an email a 3-5 days prior to the event with trail info, driving directions, weather forecast, and a reminder of what to bring with you.

Please register via the event website.

May
10
Sat
Ethnobotany Tour at Sugarloaf Mountain w/ Northwest Natura @ Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead
May 10 @ 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Ethnobotany Tour at Sugarloaf Mountain w/ Northwest Natura @ Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead

Join Salish Sea Naturalist and Outdoor Educator, Jazmen Yoder on a hike to Sugarloaf Mountaintop while learning about traditional and modern uses of PNW native plants.

Anacortes Community Forest has incredible plant diversity. This tour will focus on edible and medicinal coastal prairie and mixed forest plant species and show you how to identify them. You will learn a ton about each plant including edible and medicinal uses, and traditional harvest, cooking, and agricultural techniques.

There is some elevation gain on this hike, but we will be stopping frequently to botanize.

Key takeaways:
-Plant identification skills
-Learn which species would be appropriate to forage for food or medicine and which should be left alone and admired based on their ecological role, restoration status, and/or cultural significance to indigenous peoples.
-Guided plant identification notes from the instructor using a whiteboard at each stop
-Find community outdoors with nature-loving folks on this hike through the forest to Salish Sea vistas!

Please register via the event website.

May
17
Sat
Miles for Memories: Walkathon & Amy’s Place Open House @ Bellis Fair Mall
May 17 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Miles for Memories: Walkathon & Amy's Place Open House @ Bellis Fair Mall

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 17th, 2025! Miles for Memories is back with an indoor walk-a-thon, a senior services resource fair, and the Amy’s Place Open House. Whether you’re walking with us in person or cheering from afar, you can be part of this exciting day! KAFE 104.1 FM will be broadcasting live on-site, so if you can’t join us in person, tune in to hear the action unfold! And if you’re there, you may even get the chance to meet the team!

Walk with us to raise funds for Dementia Support Northwest and tour Amy’s Place, our new office headquarters and dementia-friendly community center inside Bellis Fair Mall.

Form a team and walk together, or take turns walking laps inside the mall. Raise donations from your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to support the programs and services at Amy’s Place.

Amy’s Place will provide a permanent home for the Dementia Support Northwest office and staff, and lots of space to support our programs, including:

in-person and virtual support groups
free short-term respite care by appointment
dementia-friendly social activities
education and training sessions
dementia resource library
coffee and tea bar
cozy spaces to socialize or relax
lots of volunteer opportunities
While we are thrilled to open the doors to the public this spring, our need for community support is greater than ever. We need to raise funds this year to ensure we can keep our doors open to sustain (and hopefully expand) the services we offer to the community. Please join us for this exciting moment for DSNW, as we embark on a new phase in our journey, and help build community for those affected by dementia one step at a time!

You can sign up individually or start a team and invite your friends.
We encourage costumes, signs, and other positive ways to boost excitement and visibility during our walk. How it works: register today as an individual or start your own team and combine your fundraising power! Share your personal donation page with friends, co-workers, and anyone who would like to help transform dementia services and respite care in our community.

Schedule for the day:

8:30 am: Check-in and on-site registration opens

9:00 am: Mall walk starts & resource fair opens

9:00 – 11:00 am: Kafé 104.1 will be on-site broadcasting from the starting line

11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Amy’s Place Open House – stop by and check out the new dementia-friendly community center in Bellis Fair Mall!

2:00 pm: The walk ends at Amy’s Place. Awards will be announced for teams and individuals. Prizes will be awarded for the largest team, the highest individual and team fundraisers, best costumes, best group spirit, and more!

Earn individual swag and rewards through fundraising!

$0 – Register for free and receive a sticker to personalize and wear during the walk in honor of a love one affected by dementia

$50 in fundraising = Amy’s Place lanyard

$100 in fundraising = Miles for Memories Bandana

$500 in fundraising = Dementia Support Northwest Enamel Pin

$1,000 in fundraising = Miles for Memories custom medal

We hope you will join us as a walker, sponsor, vendor, or volunteer for Miles for Memories 2025. Please choose your registration level, then complete this registration form. You may choose to donate today or come back to donate at another time.

Please contact our office with any questions or ideas, (360) 671-3316 or heather@dementiasupportnw.org

We look forward to seeing you on May 17th,

Your Miles for Memories Planning Team
Dementia Support Northwest

May
24
Sat
Bushcraft Basics: Fire & Shelter Building with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura Private Land
May 24 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Bushcraft Basics: Fire & Shelter Building with Northwest Natura @ Northwest Natura Private Land

This course will take place on Private Land in Whatcom County off Highway 542 next to Boulder Creek ~2 miles east of Maple Falls, WA.

The skills we will cover in this outdoor workshop include:
-An Introduction to Bushcraft in the Pacific Northwest
-Survival priorities

Activities:
-Knots
-Shelter construction from raw materials
-Second shelter construction: simple tarp deployment
-Knife, ax, and saw practice with guidance if needed
-Fire-making tutorial using foraged materials and no lighter
-Use a ferro rod or flint & steel.
*Optional to make tea over a fire using wild edible/medicinal plants.

We will practice all of these skills together in this full-day course.

Northwest Natura is providing day-use materials including:

Morakniv 511 knives
Ferrocerium rods and strikers
Fire resources (wood, tinder)
Saws (limited number)
Axes (limited number)
Tarps, paracord, and other shelter supplies
Demo Equipment; examples of several kit items

More details provided via the event website.
Please register via the event website.

May
31
Sat
Blaine Borderline 5K @ Blaine Marine Park
May 31 @ 10:00 am
Blaine Borderline 5K @ Blaine Marine Park

Ready, set, GO! Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District #2 invites runners, walkers, and community members of all ages to lace up and take part in the Blaine Borderline 5K on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Blaine Marine Park.
This 5K walk/run welcomes everyone—whether you’re striving for a personal best or enjoying a scenic morning by the water. Walkers are encouraged to participate and experience the course at their own pace.

Participants who register before May 10 will receive a commemorative event shirt. After crossing the finish line, enjoy food, local vendors, and a beer garden near the waterfront at Gateway 1890 Taphouse.

Thanks to Fairhaven Runners and local business sponsors, prize drawings and gift baskets will also be part of the festivities. Children below the age of 14 are not required to register and may participate for an opportunity to win a medal.

The day’s schedule includes:
• Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
• Race time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Location: Marine Park, Blaine, near the amphitheatre.

“This event is about movement, connection, and community spirit,” said Laura Nesse, Activity Coordinator with BBBPRD2. “Whether you run, walk, or gather to cheer, we look forward to seeing everyone at Marine Park.”
Gather your friends and family, and register today:
Sign up on Eventbrite: blaineborderline5k.eventbrite.com