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
November 2024 – February 2025 Nov 2024 – Feb 2025
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Nov
11
Mon
Whatcom Genealogical Society Meeting @ Pioneer Pavilion Community Center
Tickets
Nov 11 @ 2:00 pm

“Writing Family History Quickly — Fast Ways to Get Your Family History Written Quickly” with
Susie Wickman
One of the most requested lecture topics by WGS members was how to write a family history – and we’ve found just the person to help! Susie is a popular speaker, with recent engagements with various genealogy societies in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. Join us for this virtual presentation and get inspired to finally do that writing.

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Categories: Education
Nov
22
Fri
Moss of the PNW: A Cryptogam Field Trip with Northwest Natura @ Private Forest
Tickets
Nov 22 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Moss of the PNW: A Cryptogam Field Trip with Northwest Natura @ Private Forest

Details and driving directions will be sent to registered participants 3-5 days prior to the event.

Join botanist and naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a gentle walk through a classic PNW moss-laden forest. In this course, learn the names and evolutionary history of mosses common to our region. There will be an emphasis on learning about moss, but we will ID any plant or fungi species of interest as well. This is a unique field trip offering!

Space is limited. Please register via the website.

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Categories: Education Home & Garden Local History Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: botany Cryptogam ecology ethnobotany forest moss outdoors pnw hiking
Nov
30
Sat
A Wildcrafter’s Workshop: Foraging & Wreathmaking with Northwest Natura @ Private Land
Tickets
Nov 30 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

In this course you will learn how to make an entirely wildcrafted wreath outdoors using foraged materials from a classic PNW mossy woodland. Learn about and collect materials with guidance and on your own, then find a spot among 3 roaring campfires and enjoy a cozy hot beverage before getting started on your wreath. You will learn the step by step process of wreathmaking without the use of modern materials. The process will be intuitive and meditative and something you can pass on to your children and friends. Guidance will be available whenever you need it throughout the course. Come meet new people and enjoy the company of wildcrafter’s and nature lovers in this unique offering from Northwest Natura!

Please register via the website. Space is limited.

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Categories: Education Home & Garden Outdoor Recreation Seasonal and Holiday Events Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: crafting Foraging Nature outdoors wildcrafting wreath making wreaths
Dec
1
Sun
A Wildcrafter’s Workshop: Foraging & Wreathmaking with Northwest Natura
Tickets
Dec 1 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
A Wildcrafter's Workshop: Foraging & Wreathmaking with Northwest Natura

Please Join naturalist, outdoor educator, and wildcrafter, Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) for a memorable and relaxing winter wildcrafter’s workshop.

In this course you will learn how to make an entirely wildcrafted wreath outdoors using foraged materials from a classic PNW mossy woodland. Learn about and collect materials with guidance and on your own, then find a spot among 3 roaring campfires and enjoy a cozy hot beverage before getting started on your wreath. You will learn the step by step process of wreathmaking without the use of modern materials. The process will be intuitive and meditative and something you can pass on to your children and friends. Guidance will be available whenever you need it throughout the course. Come meet new people and enjoy the company of wildcrafter’s and nature lovers in this unique offering from Northwest Natura!

In this outdoor course you will forage for materials to make an entirely wildcrafted wreath. Here’s what you can expect:

Wildcraft a winter/holiday wreath with foraged stems for the ring, and evergreens, lichen, berries, moss or other beautiful things for the decor.

Learn the names of trees, plants, lichens, and other wildlife as you forage for wreath materials.

Learn and discuss what ethical foraging looks like in wildcrafting.

Enjoy an intuitive wreathmaking workshop with an experienced guide to help you when you need it.

Campfire warmth and comforting hot beverages provided during the wreathmaking process.

Meet new people and enjoy the company of wildcrafters and nature lovers.

Additional Info

~4 hours outdoors (campfire warmth during 2nd half)

Expect winter weather

Hot beverages like coffee, tea, and cocoa will be provided <3

You will receive an email 3-5 days prior to the event with details and driving directions, including information about the weather and what to bring.

Please note that as a safety precaution this class may be postponed if dangerous wind gusts or subzero temps are forecasted.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather (extra layers)

Wear warm gloves (not thick gloves though because you’ll need your dexterity)

Snacks/Lunch and water

Large foraging basket or bag

Camping chair

Garden sheers or sharp knife

Blanket for extra comfort and warmth around the fire – optional

Extra decorations (dried fruit, dried mushrooms, herbs, bells, ribbons, charms etc) – optional

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

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Categories: Education Family Events Home & Garden Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: Foraging pnw ethnobotany wildcrafting wreaths
Dec
7
Sat
Forest Lichens: An Immersive Course on Nature’s Resilient Allies with Northwest Natura @ Whatcom County - TBA
Tickets
Dec 7 @ 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Forest Lichens: An Immersive Course on Nature's Resilient Allies with Northwest Natura @ Whatcom County - TBA

Join botanist and naturalist, Jazmen Yoder for an immersive workshop that explores the fascinating realm of lichens.

This is a hands-on forest-based class that incorporates multiple methods of learning including sample collection, guided notetaking, and several fun challenges and opportunities that will have you identifying, discussing, and categorizing various lichens we find in the forest.

What to expect:

Practical Identification Skills

Walk in the woods and learn practical techniques to identify various lichens.

Learn how to discern moss from lichen with a simple trick

Take a closer look (30x) and learn vocabulary for lichen structures.

Collect samples on your own then organize and label them with classmates around a warm fire.

Explore Names and Medicinal Uses

Familiarize yourself with the common and scientific names of several lichens

Discover history and cultural significance about certain species including traditional medicine and foraging practices.

Learn sustainable and ethical foraging methods for these sensitive organisms.

Participate in a Names Quiz to test your new knowledge

Lichen Biology

Ecology

Reproduction

Symbiosis and evolution

Key vocabulary

The entire class will take place on private forest land (Northwest Natura Land) in Maple Falls.

If you have an interest in lichens, biology, botany, natural medicines or hanging out in the woods with people learning new things, this outing is for you!

This class will be invigorating, educational, and unforgettable. Join me this winter at this one-of-a-kind workshop!

Space is limited, so please register via the website.

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Categories: Education Home & Garden Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: ecology forest lichen pnw ethnobotany pnw hiking
Dec
14
Sat
Outdoor Skills: Fire & Breadmaking with Northwest Natura @ Private land/ Maple Falls
Tickets
Dec 14 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Outdoor Skills: Fire & Breadmaking with Northwest Natura @ Private land/ Maple Falls

Come out and enjoy an afternoon learning survival firelighting and baking 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 and/or flint and steel.
-Independent foraging; locating materials for fire making.
-Craft your own fire without a lighter using foraged materials.
-Learn my outdoor bread recipe to share with your friends and family.
-Preparing and baking (and eating!) 3 loaves between 3 small groups at camp.
I will direct but maintain a hands-off approach with this class so you can successfully make a fire in damp conditions and bake outdoors on your own in the future without guidance.

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

The location of this course will take place on forested private land in Maple Falls. Registered Participants will receive driving directions and other information in an email sent 3-4 days prior to the event.

Please register via the website. Space is limited.

If you have dietary restrictions such as no dairy, please let us know ASAP so I can plan to accommodate you. Sorry, gluten free option is not available.

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Categories: Education Food & Beverage Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: bread baking Bushcraft cooking class fire crafting fire making Foraging outdoor skills wildcrafting
Dec
15
Sun
Outdoor Skills: Fire & Breadmaking with Northwest Natura @ Private land/ Maple Falls
Tickets
Dec 15 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Outdoor Skills: Fire & Breadmaking with Northwest Natura @ Private land/ Maple Falls

Come out and enjoy an afternoon learning survival firelighting and baking 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 and/or flint and steel.
-Independent foraging; locating materials for fire making.
-Craft your own fire without a lighter using foraged materials.
-Learn my outdoor bread recipe to share with your friends and family.
-Preparing and baking (and eating!) 3 loaves between 3 small groups at camp.
I will direct but maintain a hands-off approach with this class so you can successfully make a fire in damp conditions and bake outdoors on your own in the future without guidance.

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

The location of this course will take place on forested private land in Maple Falls. Registered Participants will receive driving directions and other information in an email sent 3-4 days prior to the event.

Please register via the website. Space is limited.

If you have dietary restrictions such as no dairy, please let us know ASAP so I can plan to accommodate you. Sorry, gluten free option is not available.

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Categories: Education Food & Beverage Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: bread baking Bushcraft cooking class fire crafting fire making Foraging outdoor skills wildcrafting
Dec
21
Sat
PNW Tree Identification: A Seminar for Nature Lovers & Foragers with Northwest Natura @ My Garden Nursery
Tickets
Dec 21 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
PNW Tree Identification: A Seminar for Nature Lovers & Foragers with Northwest Natura @ My Garden Nursery

Please join botanist and naturalist, Jazmen Yoder for this captivating crash course in tree evolution and biology followed by an interactive seminar on Pacific Northwest native tree species, and how to find the best mushroom hunting spots using your identification skills and knowledge about specific tree-fungi symbioses.

In this course you will learn how to identify the most common of our native tree species and become acquainted to them through stories and observation of physical characteristics.

This seminar is designed for beginners but would be an interesting class for people who know their trees already. You can expect fun quizzes and questions, hands-on learning, ethnobotanical facts, and mushrooming tips in this captivating lesson taking place on the Winter Solstice.

Topics include:

-Brief intro to trees – evolution and biology
-Northwest Trees – a list!
-Summary of common trees
-Activity: work alone or in groups
-Conifer ID
-Deciduous tree ID
-Interaction with tree samples
-Helpful quizzes and playful challenges
-Tree symbology and ethnobotany including Winter Solstice/Yule and Christmas traditions.
-Mushroom associations.
-Find the best mushrooms spots by knowing your trees.
-Q/A

***Please register via the website. Space is limited.

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Categories: Education Home & Garden Local History Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: botany Bushcraft Foraging Fungi identification Mushrooms Pacific Northwest native tree species pnw ecology pnw ethnobotany
Feb
6
Thu
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra educational concert: ‘Peter and the Wolf’ @ Mount Baker Theatre
Tickets
Feb 6 @ 10:00 am
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra educational concert: 'Peter and the Wolf' @ Mount Baker Theatre

Join the BSO and local narrator for an unforgettable and educational experience, featuring Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. This classic children’s tale is told with orchestra. Students learn about instruments in the orchestra and how the orchestra communicates through music.

Intended for elementary, but all ages are welcome! Instrument Petting Zoo with Wind Works the hour prior to the concert.

This concert is part of the Mount Baker Theatre’s Wade Bennett King Educational Series.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Education Music Concerts Tags: #Educational #musicperformance Music Orchestra symphony
November 2024 – February 2025 Nov 2024 – Feb 2025