It's true! What started with two nature-loving moms bringing girls and young families outdoors, has grown to a robust organization that clocks 50,000+ nature hours with thousands of you every year. All we can say is WOW - and thank you for being a part of our success. Now it's time to celebrate. Read on for details about our May 5th kickoff party, our 20 for 20 Campaign, new merch with art by Gretchen Leggitt, and how to share your Wild Whatcom story! Read more…
April 2024 Wild Connections
Spring is here, and we’re kicking it off with a poetry reading by our own Nicola Follis, School Programs Coordinator, and a celebration of twenty years of service and stewardship by our Explorers Club participants.
As the weather shifts (back and forth), we would love to have you join us out there on one of our Beaver Prowl outings. We’re also excited about the return of Wonder Walks! Read more…
January 2024 Wild Connections
Are you dreaming of warmer weather and sunnier skies? We'll be opening registration for Summer Camps and Preschool Summer Camps on Thursday, February 1 (CT). Note: this is Wednesday, January 31 at 10:00PM (PST). Plus, we’ve got news about after school programs, our winter appeal, and community programs in our January 2024 issue of Wild Connections. Read more…
December 2023 Wild Connections
January 2023: Casey Cook (Marine Life Center) leads late night discovery.
We are just weeks away from welcoming 2024. How are you doing this winter?
The El Niño weather, the hectic holidays, the sense of big change that a new year can bring - all of these factors have their impact on our day to day lives. Resting to restore is important, but make sure you balance rest with time outside - and with others.
Wild Whatcom has plenty of winter fun ahead. We can bring loaner gear to keep you cozy, and we guarantee that curiosity and community will be there too! Let's make our way through the season together.
December 2023 Message from Mike
Our year-end fundraiser helps us reach the people in Whatcom County who need our nature programs them the most! Are you wondering about the impact of your support? Watch and listen - to this message from our Program Director Mike Sidwell:
If you just can't contribute today, please consider these alternatives:
Share this fundraiser with your friends who care about our community, our environment, and outdoor access for all.
Join us on a outing! A great place to start is at one of our Community Programs.
Donate outdoor clothing and gear to help us provide free loaners to participants in need.
Volunteer with us! We have lots of options, in the field, on communities, even virtually.
Our year-end fundraiser continues through Dec. 31st, and every dollar matters. Any support your can share is greatly appreciated!
November 2023 Wild Connections
Wild Whatcom supporter, big animals can easily capture our attention - and for good reason! But just in case it isn't already on your radar, we wanted to share the news that "The National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are currently in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process to evaluate options for restoring and managing grizzly bears in the North Cascades of Washington"*, and they're seeking your input.
First Look: 2023 Impact Report
We know you face a constant barrage of 'content' online; taking time to read this email is a gift of your attention and consideration. Thanks for reading!
Today, we're giving you the first look at our 2023 Impact Report. This report reflects our programming, priorities, budget allocations, and partnerships for the fiscal year ending August 2023. Together, this past year, we:
Provided more then 50,000 nature hours to youth, families, and classrooms in our community
Explored with more than 3,000 participants
Reached over 1,200 public school students
Provided more than $69,000 in scholarships
Gave back more than 5,000 hours in service and stewardship
October 2023 Wild Connections
Wild Whatcom supporter, We are soaring into autumn, the magic season of warm colors and golden light. Now is a lovely time to look up and watch the birds as fall migration begins. Who's leaving? Who's arriving? How are birds preparing for shifts in weather and food sources?
We share some solid birding tips, reveal the exciting school programs we provide in Whatcom County, and more in our latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/wildwhatcom.org/oct-2023-wild-connections.
The Upfront Theatre fundraiser show
Wild Whatcom is kicking up fall leaves and clapping for joy thanks to our new partnership with the Upfront Theatre. This fantastically wacky improv group is presenting "Wildly Funny", a one-night-only benefit show to raise funds for Wild Whatcom's youth scholarships!
"Wildly Funny" is an all-ages show, and audience members can be part of the fun by sharing their favorite, funny, wild outdoor experiences as prompts for the performers. Here are all the details:
WILDLY FUNNY - A Wild Whatcom Fundraiser
Tuesday, October 10th, 2023
6:00-7:30PM
Presented by the The Upfront Theatre
Tickets: $20 (all proceeds benefit Wild Whatcom)
NOTE: Tickets are limited, so don't delay! This past year, Wild Whatcom's scholarship requests (and fulfillments) increased by 53 percent over the previous year; we expect the needs to increase this year as well. Your contribution will help Wild Whatcom cover costs for local kids to get outside to play, learn, and heal.
Enjoy an evening of big laughs, support Wild Whatcom, and discover the The Upfront Theatre's wildly talented improv comedians. We hope you'll say yes, and... join us!
September 2023 Wild Connections
September is a transitional month for the people, flora, and fauna of Whatcom County. Summer is winding down, school is ramping up, and life is shifting for all of us. One aspect of seasonal change is the increased risk of wildfire. With changing climate in mind, we want you to know how Wild Whatcom plans for - and responds to - climate conditions and outdoor safety for all of our programs.
Learn about Wild Whatcom’s risk management planning, local weather and wildfire information resources we recommend, as well as fall program highlights, and free September events at https://mailchi.mp/wildwhatcom.org/sept-2023-wild-connections.
After school care and volunteer ops
OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT!
We have a few fun opportunities to to share with you. We promise we'll be quick - summer is waiting! Learn more about joining us as a field volunteer (outside supporting our youth programs), and a new Neighborhood Nature after school option at: https://mailchi.mp/wildwhatcom.org/2023fallopportunities.
Wild Connections: Find berries and meet Mike
August is a peak month for so many berries. Whatcom County nature spaces are known for berry abundance, so as long as you forage respectfully and safely, you can enjoy these classic summer treats on the wild side. This article concisely covers The Basics of Berry Foraging.
Make sure you know what to pick, and what to avoid, by perusing UW's Summer Berry Guide or another science-y source with good photos and descriptions.
Of course, there are lots of other nature goodies to enjoy, when you know what to look for, and what to do with your harvest. Make sure to check out our Operations Director Rachel's recipe for nettle pesto below. And keep checking these emails, Facebook and Instagram, and our website for opportunities to join us and create cordage, hunt mushrooms, and more!
Read more: August 2023 Wild Connections.
New Summer Faces and Places
We are beaming with joy as we introduce you to our new (and returning) Mentors! By offering consistent schedules and pay, extensive training and support, and a culture of respect and inclusion, we are able to attract incredible humans who bring so much knowledge, enthusiasm, and compassion to their work. Let us introduce you!
After you meet our new employees, take a look at where you can find our table this summer. As one of our delightful founders, Holly Roger, always says: "See you out there!"
More: https://mailchi.mp/wildwhatcom.org/2023summerplacesfaces.
Wild Connections: Riparian wonders, grown up nature fun, dandelion sweets
Riparian (ripe-air-eon) simply refers to an ecosystem that brings water and land together. In general, this refers to habitat in and around rivers and streams. Besides being fun to say out loud, Riparian areas are even more fun to explore. In fact, here are some rip-roaring ideas that are ripe for summer sampling:
Crawdad fishing - The fun of seeing crawdads up close cannot be overstated. Catch and release, please! Find them in the big pool between two falls, or the creek near the hatchery in Whatcom Falls Park. This is a favorite activity during our summer camps. As a matter of fact, we have a few camp openings for grades 1-8 in July and August camps.
Frog counting - Attention citizen scientists! Register to count invasive species frogs with the Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Program on Saturday, July 8th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM near Birch Bay State Park. Adults and youth ages 12-up (with parent) can join. Email Vikki Jackson at vikki@whatfrogs.org by June 30th.
Salmon observation and stewardship - There are so many ways to watch, learn, and support salmon! You can find lots of places to observe salmon locally. Children of the Setting Sun Productions YouTube channel has many amazing videos about the relationship of the Salmon People with every aspect of local ecosystems, including history, culture, current conservation efforts, and future plans. For stewardship opportunities, connect with our wonderful partner Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA). Want to learn about the science of salmon habitat? Listen to our committee volunteer Annika Fain's NW Fish Passage podcast.
Read more in the July issue of Wild Connections
A lifelong love of nature starts here
Nature is calling! We hope you're planning lots of outdoor fun for yourself and your favorite explorers this summer (if you want some inspiration, check out what we have planned for our donation-based Community Programs for adults and all ages).
Before you fling your arms wide and run headlong into a field, lake, or trail, don't forget to get the younger set signed up for our fall programs!
Neighborhood Nature, our K-5 after school program, is now open for all three sessions: Fall, Winter and Spring. Choose the days and locations that work best for you. Just make sure you register ASAP, especially for Fall.
Nature Preschool also has openings! Our 2022-23 pilot was a joyous success, and we would be thrilled to welcome your little adventurer (age 3-5) to join us for the 2023-24 year.
Explorers Club also has openings. This monthly, weekend program takes all of the naturalist knowledge, social-emotional exploration, and community-building that make up all of our programs, and builds depth year by year. Youth can sign up at any grade level (2nd-12th) to join a small group of peers who they stay with throughout the program. The deadline to submit your interest form is July 31st.
Important: Scholarships for program fees, and free loaner clothing/gear are available for all of these programs!
We’re hiring - and looking for volunteers too!
As Sammy transitions to her new role as Executive Director, we're looking to fill her previous role of Program Director. Priority deadline for applications is June 12th.
We also have openings for summer camp volunteers! If you have some weekday time available, enjoy working with kids, and want to learn and play with us outside, submit your Volunteer Interest Form ASAP. Our next volunteer orientation session is June 17th.
Wild Connections: Beach fun, fire flicks, foraged food
Let's celebrate June with some beachcombing! To be honest, Wild Whatcom is out exploring the shoreline all year round. But just like you, we adore the summer months for peeking - and respectfully poking - into tidepools, wet sand, and the like.
If you're interested in learning something new about what to look for while exploring the shore, please join Wild Whatcom at the beach. Women and non-binary folks are welcome at Ladies Night Out on Saturday, June 3rd for Moon of Salmon's Return; our all ages Community Field Trip on Sunday, June 4th will meet at Marine Park for early afternoon tidepooling; Out and About, our new program for queer adults and allies, heads to the beach for their first weekend outing on Sunday, June 18th; and Wild Things for little ones and their families celebrate a whole month of beachcombing every Friday and Saturday in June.
Read more in the June issue of Wild Connections.
Welcome our new Executive Director
Dear Wild Whatcom supporter,
The Wild Whatcom Board of Directors is excited to announce Sammy Jolly as our next Executive Director.
Our Board Chair spearheaded a rigorous and competitive hiring process as we were fortunate to meet with many qualified applicants. True to our Wild Whatcom inclusive and collaborative approach, we had dedicated involvement from our full board and staff at different stages of the hiring process.
We are incredibly grateful to be able to invest in an internal candidate who has dedicated years to our staff, programs, and mission. Sammy, who has served as our Program Director for the past four years, and a coordinator and field mentor previously, knows our organization through and through. She brings a strong skill set of fundraising, risk management, administrative skills, partnership engagement, and public speaking while also personally understanding the experience of delivering our programs with kids and families in the field. She has demonstrated commitment to supporting our staff, ensuring safety for our participants, and always brings humor and fun to our organizational culture (she also does improv comedy!). Learn more Dear Wild Whatcom supporter,
The Wild Whatcom Board of Directors is excited to announce Sammy Jolly as our next Executive Director.
Our Board Chair spearheaded a rigorous and competitive hiring process as we were fortunate to meet with many qualified applicants. True to our Wild Whatcom inclusive and collaborative approach, we had dedicated involvement from our full board and staff at different stages of the hiring process.
We are incredibly grateful to be able to invest in an internal candidate who has dedicated years to our staff, programs, and mission. Sammy, who has served as our Program Director for the past four years, and a coordinator and field mentor previously, knows our organization through and through. She brings a strong skill set of fundraising, risk management, administrative skills, partnership engagement, and public speaking while also personally understanding the experience of delivering our programs with kids and families in the field. She has demonstrated commitment to supporting our staff, ensuring safety for our participants, and always brings humor and fun to our organizational culture (she also does improv comedy!). Read more here.
Nature Programs Address Inclusion, Access for Adults
Wild Whatcom launches programs to support outdoor education and wellness for all
Contact Information:
Licia Sahagun, Executive Director, licia@wildwhatcom.org or 360-389-3414
Kate Kohut, Community and Volunteer Programs Manager, kate@wildwhatcom.org or 801.920.4127
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 24, 2023
Whatcom County, Wa - For participants in Wild Whatcom’s new nature programs, the focus is on the journey, not the destination. The local, outdoor education nonprofit now offers two new programs to help underserved adults get outside on their own terms.
Wonder Walks is designed for adults (ages 18 and up) who need or prefer low grade, low barrier trails and outdoor surfaces, and a slow moving pace. These weekly nature outings meet every Friday, 1:00-2:30PM, and focus on a new park or trail each month. A typical outing includes community-building activities, nature walks and discussions, journaling, and creative activities.
“We focus on place-based themes and noticing what’s happening in the moment, and over time,” explains Kate Kohut, Community and Volunteer Programs Manager. “Participants' interests and observations guide our discussions, and we stop frequently to appreciate small wonders that are easy to miss when moving fast. Returning to the same location helps us recognize the changing landscape week to week.”
The original idea for Wonder Walks came from requests by older adults for outdoor education that was physically accessible. But as Licia Sahagun, Wild Whatcom’s Executive Director recalls, “During the planning process, we started hearing from adults of all ages who wanted to get outside with others but found many outdoor recreation options - trail running, mountain biking, and other fast-paced activities - inaccessible. It was a good opportunity to go deeper in our approach to inclusion. We know that lots of folks in our community can enjoy Wonder Walks across a range of physical abilities, neurodivergent experiences, learning styles, and limited time availability.”
The other new program offering is Out and About, designed for adults (ages 18 and over) who identify as queer (LGBTQIA2S+) or queer allies; it is led by Wild Whatcom staff who also identify as queer. The monthly program schedule shifts between Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons to accommodate a variety of schedules. A typical outing includes community-building and personal reflection activities, nature walks, place-based discussions that include participants’ experiences, the contributions of queer naturalists and scientists, and ways that animals and plants thrive outside of heteronormative expectations.
“Every aspect of Out and About is community-informed and queer-led,” states Kate Kohut, Community and Volunteer Programs Manager. “We do consider this an affinity program, meaning we want LGBTQIA2S+ folks to know that they share this aspect of their identity with program staff and other participants. Being queer, and understanding how that impacts our relationship with nature, is at the center of this program.”
The core purpose of Out and About is to create a safe, inclusive space for queer people to be themselves outdoors, and to build nature-based knowledge and skills in a supportive setting. As Kohut points out, “Outdoor spaces have been historically unwelcoming to queer people, and this program serves to provide an opportunity for folks to connect with nature and build outdoor skills in a queer led, judgment free space.”
Wild Whatcom, whose mission is to foster lifelong connections to nature, was established in 2004 and offers outdoor education and enrichment programs for children and youth, adults, and families. Learn more about Wild Whatcom, its mission, programs, and impact at https://www.wildwhatcom.org/; Contact: 360-389-3414 or info@WildWhatcom.org with questions.
Wild Connections: Frogs, Facts, EC, and Littles
Things are getting noisy in Whatcom County wetlands. What’s going on? We asked Vikki Jackson from Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Program (WCAMP) to break it down for us.
“Pacific Chorus Frogs (see photo below) are the guilty parties regarding spring frog choruses,” Vikki tells us. “All our other native Frogs are much quieter in attracting mates. In early summer the non-native Green Frogs start calling (kinda sounds like someone coughing) and then the non-native Bullfrogs kick in and sound like a bunch of lowing cows.” Read more about WCAMP, plus news about scholarships, summer camps, 2023-24 registration, and our spring fundraiser in the May issue of Wild Connections.
Support Our Equity Work!
DONATE TO FUND YOUTH PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS
Did you know that Wild Whatcom provides scholarships to cover program fees for local families in need? It's one vital way we remove barriers to outdoor education for youth across Whatcom County - but we need your help! Take a look at the details below, then take action! Every kid deserves to be nurtured by nature.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 in donations by May 31st.
This April and May, Wild Whatcom is asking you make a springtime contribution to help us serve more Whatcom County youth and families with economic challenges. Please give what you can this spring. Your gift will remove financial barriers and allow more children to discover all the joys, learning, and health benefits of time outdoors with friends.