This month, we’re continuing our series of board member profiles. Wild Whatcom board members represent a wealth of wisdom and experience from their unique life journeys, but they share a deep respect for and desire to contribute to the welfare of our local communities and ecosystems. They also model a collective commitment to navigating change together, while centering our program participants and staff in their leadership decisions. We do want to brag - our board is amazing!
Sarah Fowler has been a part of the Wild Whatcom community for many years now. Her children were the first to get involved, and Sarah herself has joined in adventures with Ladies Night Out. Living in a smaller, somewhat rural community in Whatcom County, Sarah brings her experience of everything from the joys of a slow(er) pace, to youth program access and drive times to Bellingham-based activities. But Sarah’s deep understanding of the importance of connection and belonging is the standout strength she brings to our organization; it truly permeates all she does - as you’ll see in the Q&A below:
Wild Whatcom: How did you get involved in Wild Whatcom?
Sarah: I first got involved with Wild Whatcom when my oldest daughter joined the Explorers Club in 2nd grade. She graduated from the program a few years ago, and my younger kids are still enrolled. Wild Whatcom has been part of our family’s life for many years, and I’ve experienced the organization as a parent, a participant, a longtime outreach volunteer, and now a board member.
Wild Whatcom: Why did you choose to join the Wild Whatcom Board?
Sarah: I joined the Board because I believe in the power of connecting with nature, with other people, and with the place you call home. I’ve experienced this in my own life and seen its impact on kids, too. What drew me to Wild Whatcom is its commitment to helping people of all ages feel they belong in Whatcom County, that the outdoors is for them, and that they have a role in caring for it. I wanted to contribute my skills to that work while learning from others who make it possible.
Wild Whatcom: Which of your interests and skills do you find most relevant to your work on the board?
Sarah: My strengths are relationship-building, communication, and connecting people to things I care about. My work in sales and customer experience has taught me how to tell a story and bring people together around a shared purpose. What I find most rewarding is seeing Wild Whatcom’s impact on kids and families and playing a small part in shaping its future. And honestly, I just love being around people who care deeply about nature, the birds, and getting people outside!
Wild Whatcom: If you could be something in nature other than a human being, what would you be and why?
Sarah: Probably fungi! I love the idea of being part of a vast, interconnected network doing important work beneath the surface. So much of what fungi do goes unseen, yet they’re essential to the health of the whole ecosystem. There’s something beautiful about being part of something bigger than yourself.
Wild Whatcom: Our mission statement reads: Wild Whatcom fosters lifelong connections to nature. What does that mean to you?
Sarah: o me, a lifelong connection to nature means that being outside becomes part of how you experience life, not just something you do occasionally. The more time we spend outside, the more connected we become to the places we live and the natural world around us. I believe people are more likely to care for and protect the places they know and love. Helping people of all ages build that relationship benefits our communities, our well-being, and the places we call home.
Sarah, we are so thankful for the heart and connectivity that you pour into your role on the board and beyond!
If you’re inspired by what you’ve read here - or experienced on a Wild Whatcom outing - consider volunteering with us. There are roles for every schedule and most areas of interest. Take a look at our volunteer page and submit a short interest form. We would love to welcome you to our volunteer team.