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.
Access Creativity with First Impulse Painting
Join Susan Kramer-Pope, Creative Process Facilitator, for a free info session on Friday, February 7th, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm to find out if the course, Access Creativity with First Impulse Painting, is a fit for you.
You’ll explore the resources you already possess to express your unique creative nature without the need for skill or talent, and get all your questions answered.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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.
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.
Please join naturalist, Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) and expert wildlife tracker, Mark Thompson for an immersive day of exploration focused on wildlife track and sign in a stunning landscape near the Nooksack River. This course is designed for nature enthusiasts, aspiring naturalists, and anyone curious about the “big picture” of our local ecosystems, and improving their skills in identifying wildlife track and sign. This will be a fun course with tons of educational content!
Space is limited!
Course highlights:
Introduction to Tracking Techniques:
Learn the fundamentals of tracking including how to read animal signs, tracks, and behaviors. We’ll cover essentials for successful tracking in various terrains.
This course will be tailored to the individuals present but is designed as a beginner’s course. However, if you are not a beginner, this course is still choice. Mark Thompson is an expert tracker with the ability to teach all skill levels including absolute beginners to advanced or specialized individuals.
Identifying local species:
Discover the diverse wildlife of the PNW, including mammals and birds (and amphibians if we’re lucky!). Through field observations and discussions, you’ll gain insight into their habitats and behaviors.
Connecting with the ecosystem:
Observe plant-wildlife and fungi-wildlife relationships and see the ecosystem at work. From minute details we can learn what is happening in the bigger picture. Discussions will include points on habitat preservation and native plant conservation.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the natural world. Prepare to explore the trails, connect with fellow nature lovers, and enhance your outdoor skills in the breathtaking Nooksack River valley.
Please register via the event website.
STRATEGIES TO SECURE YOUR FUTURE
There’s no better time than now to think about protecting what’s meaningful to you. Estate planning allows you to make your wishes clear, provide for loved ones, and secure your legacy.
Event Details:
– Date: February 26thth
– Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
– Where: 913 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham – RE/MAX Whatcom County
– What to Expect: A presentation with a Q&A, plus delicious appetizers!
Why Estate Planning???
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. It’s for anyone who wants to ensure that what they value is handled according to their wishes. Emily Rose of Limitless Law will walk us through the essential steps of setting up wills, trusts, and protecting assets, making it easy to get started.
This event is open to our clients and their friends who may want to explore estate planning. Space is limited, so RSVP below today to secure your spot.
We look forward to helping you “Craft Your Financial Legacy with Expert Guidance.”
Warm regards,
Andi & Katie
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.
Join botanist and naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a walk at one of the most stunning trail systems in the Pacific Northwest. In this course, learn the names and evolutionary history of lichens and how to categorize them. There will be an emphasis on learning about lichens, 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.
Please register via the event website.
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.
Over the last century, the Salish Sea region has experienced declines and outright losses of species; degradation and loss of critical wildlife habitat; contamination of lands and waters; and myriad other environmental problems. Climate impacts are here, exacerbating much of this and raising new concerns such as ocean acidification, sea level rise and higher storm surges.
We tend to hear a lot about the problems, and less about how countless organizations, Tribes, agencies, First Nations and community groups are making a difference in recovering species, improving habitat conditions, upholding treaty rights and mitigating the impacts of climate.
Ginny Broadhurst is the founding Director of the Salish Sea Institute at WWU. Her presentation will provide a sample of important restoration and protection work occurring in the region. It will also offer some insights and tips for how and where to find hope about the Salish Sea and the planet.
This event is part of the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Lummi Island Heritage Trust. Learn more about the Trust’s work here: https://www.liht.org/
In this wildcrafting workshop you will learn how to weave a basket using the coil technique and Ponderosa Pine needles.
Weaving with pine needles and other coiled plant material is a practice ancient peoples from all continents implemented in day-to-day survival, conventional living, and art.
The technique requires patience and attention to detail before it becomes a relaxing, repetitive stitching pattern. It is a skill that is more easily learned with a little guidance.
Dabblers, beginners, intermediate, and advanced weavers will enjoy this creative, social gathering with Northwest Natura.
In this course you will learn:
-ID and Ecology features of Pinus spp. (various pine tree species).
-Foraging techniques and where to harvest pine needles.
-How to weave a coiled basket using pine needles.
All materials will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own too if you wish (e.g., thread, beads, decor, sewing kit).
What to bring:
-Snacks/lunch
-Pliers
-Scissors
-A plastic bag for storing your work
-A larger bag for taking home handfuls of soaked pine needles
-A hand towel
-Journal and pen (optional)
-Your own sewing kit and/or embroidery thread (optional)
This course will take place indoors at the Chuckanut Center near Fairhaven in Whatcom County, WA. The Chuckanut Center is heated and has access to facilities including a bathroom, full kitchen, and drinking water.
Please register via the event website.
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.
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.
Join me on the beautiful coastline for an immersive tree ID workshop.
The first hour of this course will be a sit-down, guided note-taking session, followed by a walk in the woods with breath-taking views of the Salish Sea.
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.
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.
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.
“Reaping a Harvest with Land Records” with Larry W. Thomas
Larry is a retired US Army Captain with 23 years in the field of Aviation, Transportation
& Logistics, he has a bachelor’s degree in “Aviation Management Information Systems” from Southern Polytechnic State University while working for the US Army Reserves as a Program Manager earning his certification as a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute in 2013. Larry began his Genealogy Research over 30 years ago with his own Thomas Family, Georgia residents since the 1750’s. Then, adding the rest his and his late wife’s families before the beginning to research for clients in 2008, operating www.AtlantaGenealogy.com.
A graduate of ProGen 38, Larry has assisted the TV show “Finding Your Roots.” He is a member of numerous genealogical and historical societies, serves on the Board of the Georgia Genealogical Society, is the current president of Genealogical Speakers Guild, and is past president of the Cobb County Genealogy Society. He is becoming a popular genealogy presenter, bringing some fun to learning how to research.
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.
Please join Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Madelaine Katz for a crash course on Orcas of the Salish Sea complete with captivating storytelling and science on Southern Resident and Transient Killer Whales, and the Salish Sea Bioregion.
The presentation will cover:
-Peoples of the Salish Sea
-Killer Whale symbolism and lore among Indigenous cultures
-“The First Killer Whale”, a story.
-Killer Whale in Indigenous artwork
-The Lummi Nation’s Fight for ‘Rights of the Orcas’
-Contemporary news and science about Southern Resident and Transient Killer Whales
-Morphological traits, behaviors, and social structures of Orcas
-Differences in Orca vocalizations between groups (audio)
-How to ID individual orcas by their unique features
-Orca “breaking news” stories from the past and present: in-depth look into the human-orca and human-humn interactions during these events.
-Tips for whale watching (where to go, what to look for, how to ID individuals, and more).
-How to support Orca Conservation efforts
This course will be co-led by Madelaine Katz, a Marine Naturalist, and Jazmen Yoder, outdoor educator, Salish Sea Naturalist, and founder of Northwest Natura.
The class will take place indoors at the Chuckanut Center near Fairhaven in Whatcom County, WA.
Please register via the event website.
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.
In just a few months, the Trump Administration’s foreign and domestic policies and its changes in Canadian and Mexican sentiment, tariffs, and stricter immigration and border policies have had notable impacts in border communities like Whatcom County. Drs. Laurie Trautman and LaTrelle Scherffius will explore how shifting policies are shaping a new narrative concerning U.S. border security. Through the lens of U.S./Mexican border history, they’ll delve into the hardening of the U.S./Canadian border and explore how past policies on the southern border might indicate what the future on our northern border and impacts those changes could have on border communities including Whatcom County.
Purchase tickets in advance by 6:00 pm Sunday, April 20.
Location: Bellingham Yacht Club, 2625 S Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham, WA.
Registration: https://bhamcityclub.wildapricot.org/event-6130990/registration
Time: Doors open at 11:30 am. The meeting starts at 12:00 pm and ends at 1:30 pm.
Ticket prices (tickets are nonrefundable): Member, $25; Non-member, $30; Youth under 25, $10; Program only (no meal), $10.
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.
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.
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.
One of the core goals of Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers (BBOP) is to honor and respect Polynesian cultural traditions through the promotion of both competitive and recreational outrigger canoe paddling for youth, families, and the community. Keiki (kids) ages 8-14 will enjoy games on and off the water and learn to paddle as a team in a 6-person outrigger canoe! Sign up for one or more of the 4 sessions throughout the summer, which includes opportunities to race with your BBOP team! We provide paddles and PFDs for free. Please see our website for more details, https://www.bbop.us/youth-program.
All youth must register before getting into a canoe.
Visit our membership page for more info.
Practice Times: 4:15- 5:30pm
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 6 – Aug 21, 2025
(Each session includes 8 practices, for a total of 10 hours of instruction)
Session 1: May 6 – May 29 Focus on Paddle Technique and Sprint Racing
Session 2: June 3 – June 26 Focus on Marine Ecology
Session 3: July 1 – July 24 Focus on History and Culture
Session 4: July 29 – August 21 Focus on Strength and Conditioning and long-distance competition
Location: Launching from the Community Boating Center.
?All kids get a BBOP t-shirt upon sign up
?No drop-ins allowed. No “make-up” for missed practices.
?A fee waiver is available (click here for info)
?All youth are welcome to participate in our BBOP race on August 16, 2025 to show off their new skills!
Ready to sign up? Register HERE.
Help is available for TeamSnap registration!
???
What to Wear
All youth are required to wear a PFD. We will have PFDs and paddles available, but bring a PFD and/or paddle if you have one.
-
Dress in layers, avoid cotton. Rain gear help to keep the body warm and insulated. Tights worn for other sport work well.
-
Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet- neoprene booties with wool socks will help keep the feet warm.
-
Bring a change of clothes and a towel.
One of the core goals of Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers (BBOP) is to honor and respect Polynesian cultural traditions through the promotion of both competitive and recreational outrigger canoe paddling for youth, families, and the community. Keiki (kids) ages 8-14 will enjoy games on and off the water and learn to paddle as a team in a 6-person outrigger canoe! Sign up for one or more of the 4 sessions throughout the summer, which includes opportunities to race with your BBOP team! We provide paddles and PFDs for free. Please see our website for more details, https://www.bbop.us/youth-program.
All youth must register before getting into a canoe.
Visit our membership page for more info.
Practice Times: 4:15- 5:30pm
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 6 – Aug 21, 2025
(Each session includes 8 practices, for a total of 10 hours of instruction)
Session 1: May 6 – May 29 Focus on Paddle Technique and Sprint Racing
Session 2: June 3 – June 26 Focus on Marine Ecology
Session 3: July 1 – July 24 Focus on History and Culture
Session 4: July 29 – August 21 Focus on Strength and Conditioning and long-distance competition
Location: Launching from the Community Boating Center.
?All kids get a BBOP t-shirt upon sign up
?No drop-ins allowed. No “make-up” for missed practices.
?A fee waiver is available (click here for info)
?All youth are welcome to participate in our BBOP race on August 16, 2025 to show off their new skills!
Ready to sign up? Register HERE.
Help is available for TeamSnap registration!
???
What to Wear
All youth are required to wear a PFD. We will have PFDs and paddles available, but bring a PFD and/or paddle if you have one.
-
Dress in layers, avoid cotton. Rain gear help to keep the body warm and insulated. Tights worn for other sport work well.
-
Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet- neoprene booties with wool socks will help keep the feet warm.
-
Bring a change of clothes and a towel.
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.
