Birch Bay Watershed Watchers

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Birch Bay Watershed Watchers

December 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.

A Note to Our Volunteer Network

Hello Watershed Watchers,

Unfortunately, our staff has made the difficult decision to end our Watershed Watchers Program in the Birch Bay watershed after this month. The good news is we will still be working to provide watershed engagement opportunities for Birch Bay residents and visitors. However, we will be going about it differently to utilize resources better and reach a broader audience.

While this will be the last edition of the monthly volunteer e-newsletter, we will still deliver the BBWARM e-news. We will be sure to include similar content about watershed protection, engagement opportunities, and upcoming events. In addition, we will ensure you are on the list to receive the BBWARM e-newsletter.

We appreciate all your involvement and encourage you to continue your litter pick-up volunteer efforts with Whatcom County Health Department's "Adopt-a-Road" program. If you continue, please keep reporting your volunteer hours each month. Starting in January, there will no longer be a trash can at the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library. If you pick up a large amount of waste, contact Whatcom County Adopt-a-Road Program at 360-778-6400 or health@co.whatcom.wa.us to schedule a trash pick up.

Thank you for all your work in the Birch Bay Watershed. We hope to see you all at some beach clean-up events in 2023!

Please email us at swvolunteer@co.whatcom.wa.us with any questions.

Submit Your November Litter Pick Up Hours!

If you haven't done so yet, please take a few minutes to report your litter pick-up hours for November. Under "Adopt-a-Road Organization Name," you can type "Birch Bay Watershed Watchers." Click here and submit one activity report for each cleanup date.

December’s Theme: Water Winterization!

Are you and your home ready for the cold and rain?

Here is a water service “cold snap checklist” from the City of Bellingham:

Eliminate drafts: close and insulate vents with rigid foam; caulk and seal any openings near your water pipes.
Insulate pipes.
Drain outside pipes and faucets.
Cover or insulate exterior faucets. Check out this video from Seattle Public Utilities to learn how to protect your outdoor spigots.
Disconnect or winterize garden hose and irrigation systems, pools and spas according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you are planning to be away from your home this winter, have your water turned off, drain your system, and close all vent openings.

Check out the Whatcom County news flash and the Public Works news flash for links to more information about flood preparedness, creating a two-week kit, staying healthy and safe during a flood, and snow and ice management.

Upcoming Events:

Whatcom Farm Expo - Saturday, March 4, 2023: Mark your calendars for the seventh annual FREE Whatcom Farm Expo at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden from 9am to 2pm. This event will include hands-on exhibits demonstrating the latest in agricultural innovations, products and services, as well as seminars by local veterinarians, financial advisors, and horticulturalists. Check out the WCD website for details.

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