Ladies Night Out
Ages 18+ | Female-Identifying & Non-Binary | Monthly | Max. Participants: 30 | Price: Suggested Donation
Walk when the moon is full!
There's something special – and really fun – about exploring at night under a full moon! Ladies Night Out is co-created by the individuals who attend. Each outing has a different, distinctive flavor.
Our goal is to notice the natural world around us and breathe, observe, and enjoy what the night brings. Here's what you can expect:
Illuminating conversation, connection, and discovery of the wild nature reflected within.
Natural history info, walking/mild hiking, wildlife observation, and a sharing circle.
A solo experience involving 20-30 minutes observing nature, catching your moon shadow, and steeping in the stillness of nightfall.
A collaborative experience where your participation is welcomed and encouraged.
Come get a little moonlight in your eyes and bask in a moonbeam in good company. We'll bring the chocolate. You bring your sense of adventure!
Registration
Reserve your spot! Group size is limited. Note: Location revealed after your registration is received.
Already know what you are registering for? Register here.
Cost
This program is offered for free with a suggested donation of $15-$30/person.
Cash, check (payable to Wild Whatcom), or donate online.
Yearly Calendar
2024
January
Moon of Crackling Branches | Saturday, January 27, 2024 | 4:30-7:00PM
Changing perspectives: What we want to take with us and what we want to let go of as we start a new year.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–Yes
Trail–Flat, paved trail with some gravel areas. We will be walking out onto flat sandy/rocky beach.
Walk/Hike Distance–Under 2 miles with frequent stops.
WTA –Route 75 Bellingham to Blaine/Birch Bay. Closest Stop is Lincoln Road at Shintaffer Road. Stop ID 5576. Note: This stop is still a one hour walk from meeting location.
February
Moon of Deep Snow | Saturday, February 24, 2024 | 4:30-7:00PM
Reflect on how spending time near water changes your inner state as we learn about water as a shaper of geology and human connections.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–No
Trail–Off trail outing. Terrain is mostly flat, but we we will be exploring along the rocky/sandy shore of the Nooksack River.
Walk/Hike Distance–Less than a mile.
WTA Bus–Route 72X Mt. Baker Highway at Nugents Corner. Stop ID 7202. Note This stop is a 5 minute walk from our meeting location.
March
Moon of Chinook Wind | Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 6:00-8:30PM
We will get curious about spring botany with a native plant walk, reflect on how spring's arrival influences how we feel, and hopefully hear abundant frog songs!
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–No
Trail–Packed dirt and gravel trails with only a slight incline in some spots.
Walk/Hike Distance–Less than a mile.
WTA Bus–Not accessible
April
Moon of Budding Trees | Sunday, April 21, 2024 | 6:00-8:30PM
We will be traveling uphill to a serene lake on this more hiking-based outing, while examining and nibbling the edible trees and buds along the trail. When we reach the pond, we will have a quiet reflection time near the water, where we often see diverse waterfowl and evidence of beaver!
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–Yes
Trail–Flat, packed dirt and gravel. This trail involves significantly more uphill travel than our typical outings.
Walk/Hike Distance–Approximately 2 miles.
WTA Bus–Not accessible
May
Moon of Flowers | Wednesday, May 22, 2024 | 7:00-9:30PM
Flowers are beginning to bloom! We will explore a fragrance garden, take a flat walk out to a diverse wetland to appreciate the abundance of birds like Northern harrier, American bitterns, and Red-winged blackbirds, and look and listen for beaver.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–Yes
Trail–Flat, packed gravel and dirt trails with some wooden boardwalks (which can be slippery when wet).
Walk/Hike Distance–Under 2 miles.
WTA Bus–Route 27 Cordata to Ferndale. Closest Stop: 1st Ave at Alder St. Stop ID 4721. Note: This stop is a 30 minute walk from our meeting location.
June
Moon of Salmon’s Return | Friday, June 21, 2024 | 8:00-10:30PM
We will reflect on the ecological and cultural importance of salmon in this area, and contemplate what “home” means to local fish. Get silly playing games on the beach and enjoy some s’mores around a campfire as the sun sets around us.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–Yes
Trail–Flat, paved trail with some packed gravel areas- will also be walking out onto flat sandy/rocky beach.
Walk/Hike Distance–Under 2 miles.
WTA –Route 75 Bellingham to Blaine/Birch Bay. Closest stop is Lincoln Road at Shintaffer Road. Stop ID 5576. Note: This stop is still a one hour walk from meeting location.
JUly
Moon of Ripe Berries | Friday, July 19, 2024 | 7:00-9:30PM
We will be appreciating the bounty of mid-summer, eating berries off the vine, and prowling for beavers and other nocturnal creatures as the sun sets.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–Yes
Trail–Flat, packed gravel and dirt trails with some wooden boardwalks (which can be slippery when wet).
Walk/Hike Distance–Under 2 miles.
WTA Bus–Route 27 Cordata to Ferndale. Closest Stop: 1st Ave at Alder St. Stop ID 4721. Note: this stop is a 30 minute walk from our meeting location.
August
Moon of Cougar/Moon of Dry Grass | Saturday, August 17, 2024 | 6:30-9:00PM
We will be getting curious about the plants of late summer, looking for evidence of changing seasons and reflecting around a peaceful pond as we listen to the frogs croak “hello” to the moon.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–No
Trail–Packed dirt and gravel trails with only a slight incline in some spots.
Walk/Hike Distance–Less than a mile.
WTA Bus–Not accessible
September
Moon of Harvest | Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 5:30-8:00PM
We will be looking for evidence that autumn is just around the corner, and learning about native plants and trees along an uphill hike to a peaceful lake.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–Yes
Trail–Flat, packed dirt and gravel. This trail involves significantly more uphill travel than our typical outings.
Walk/Hike Distance–Approximately 2 miles.
WTA Bus–Not accessible
October
Moon of Falling Leaves | Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 4:30-7:30PM
A more somber and reflective outing than most. We will walk the cemetery to appreciate the abundant lichen growing on headstones, learn about local historical figures buried there, and share personal stories about loved ones who have passed on.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–No
Trail–Paved and flat, packed dirt and gravel. Mostly flat with some gentle hills.
Walk/Hike Distance–Under 2 miles.
WTA Bus Route 512 Sudden Valley to Downtown Bellingham. Closest Stop: Lakeway Dr at Bayview Cemetery. Stop ID 2124. Note: Stop is a five minute walk from our meeting location.
November
Moon of Frost’s Return | Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 3:30-6:30PM
Salmon mating season is upon us! We will walk along an accessible lakeside trail to observe the Kokanee salmon migrating up a creek to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–Yes
Trail–Packed dirt and gravel with little to no incline.
Walk/Hike Distance–Approximately 2 miles.
WTA Bus–Not accessible
December
Moon of Winter | Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 8:30-11:00PM
Join us to find a moment of peace during this hectic season. We will be having an end of year potluck to break bread in community and reflect on our year with some nature art.
Accessibility Info
Trailhead Bathroom–Yes
Trail–Flat pavement and packed dirt and gravel.
Walk/Hike Distance–Under 1 Mile.
WTA Bus Route 14 Bellingham to Fairhaven. Closest Stop is Fairhaven Station. Stop ID: 9393. Note: Stop is a five minute walk from our meeting location.
Moon names courtesy of Lummi Indian How Stories by Ethel Fyles Beck.
Ladies Night Out Pack List
Participants should be prepared to safely and comfortably spend several hours outdoors. Living in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) means we can start our adventure in the sun and end in the rain.
Participants should bring the following. Additional items specific to that month’s outing will be detailed in the reminder email:
Appropriate clothes (i.e., rain boots, rain jacket/pants, hat/gloves, and warm layers). See our Essentials of Layering for more information.
Something to sit on (extra fleece, plastic bag, etc.)
Camera (no flash photography please)
Flashlight or headlamp (opt)
Binoculars (opt)
LOANER GEAR
Wild Whatcom has loaner gear available. You do not need to purchase gear to participate in our programs. To request loaner gear, please fill out this form and we will reach out to you. Please let us know at least five (5) days prior to your outing if you need to borrow gear/clothing.