Birch Bay Watershed Watchers

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Birch Bay Watershed Watchers

July 2022
Monthly Newsletter with Birch Bay Watershed Watcher Updates

Photo by Holly Faulstich

Want to see your Birch Bay photo in the newsletter? Submit your photos here.

Submit Your June and July Litter Pick Up Hours!

If you haven't yet, please take a few minutes to report your litter pick-up hours for June and the first half of July. The July 5th beach cleanup hours count! Under "Adopt-a-Road Organization Name," you can type "Birch Bay Watershed Watchers." Click here and submit one activity report for each cleanup date.

Thanks to all the volunteers who came together on the 5th to clean up the beach after the 4th of July celebrations! Over 55 volunteers spent the morning helping to pick up 3.94 tons of trash. It was wonderful to see the community pride and collaboration to create a cleaner and healthier home for the wildlife and people of Birch Bay.

A Note for New Volunteers

Hi Watershed Watchers. Happy Summer! We’ve had several new people join our network of volunteers, so here is a quick introduction to the Watershed Watchers Program:

The goal of Watershed Watchers is to provide concerned citizens and environmental stewards with opportunities to help make a difference in the Birch Bay watershed. Our network of volunteers report stormwater issues, clean up litter through Whatcom County Health Department’s Adopt-a-Road, keep stormwater infrastructure clear, and participate in volunteer events.

If you would like to participate in litter pickups, please visit Whatcom Health Department’s Adopt-a-Road website to sign up. On that webpage you will find an information packet and volunteer registration form. Wherever you pick up litter, please fill out THIS FORM to submit your hours.
Use THIS FORM to report any signs of stormwater issues you see around your neighborhood and/or Whatcom County. Stormwater issues range from pollution to clogged culverts. Learn more about what to look for on our website.

Thank you for being part of this wonderful network of volunteers. If you have any questions for us, please email SWVolunteer@co.whatcom.wa.us

Help us Conduct Surveys!

We have a special volunteer opportunity for you to help us with a research project to inform outreach about hazardous waste disposal. We need help collecting intercept surveys. The tentative dates are August 12th and 13th. There will also be a training beforehand - stay tuned! Please email SWVolunteer@co.whatcom.wa.us if you are interested.

New Watershed Watchers Trash Can Location

The Watershed Watchers trash can is back in Birch Bay! There is a standard size trash can for volunteers to use for litter pickups. The new location is at the Birch Bay library. It is tucked away on the footpath between the main building and outbuildings and is marked for Watershed Watchers only. Look for our sign at the location outlined below.

July’s Theme: Prevent Pollution!

Now that you know how to spot water pollution (see June’s edition for more information), let’s learn how to prevent it! Here are some things you can do at home to minimize pollution: wash your car on the lawn or take it to a professional car wash, check your car for leaks, pick up litter around your neighborhood, don’t feed wildlife, and only use phosphorus-free fertilizers in your yard.

Here are some helpful resources to learn about pollution prevention:

Learn how to prevent pollution at home on the EPA’s website
Check out the Whatcom Conservation Districts Water Quality page for maps, educational videos, and more
Visit Whatcom County’s Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) page
Read about toxics reductions on the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) website

More Upcoming Events:

Save the date! The 10th Annual Run with the Chums 5k Fun Run/Walk will be on September 10th this year! Visit the WCD website for more information. Registration will be open soon.

Please share this newsletter with your neighbors!

What is BBWARM?
The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District is the stormwater management district for the Birch Bay watershed managed by the Whatcom County Public Works Stormwater Division and a citizen advisory committee. BBWARM was established by the Whatcom County Council to address citizen concerns about water quality, flooding, and the loss of aquatic habitat. Visit our website to learn about BBWARM programs, history, and funding.

www.bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org