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Nature Notes - Bears, you say?
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.
Photo of bear track courtesy of Licia Sahagun.
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FROM OUR TEAM - IT'S AN APPEALING TIME OF YEAR
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Sharing gratitude during a recent Neighborhood Nature outing after school.
Winter Donor Appeal kicks off in November
What's so appealing about donating to Wild Whatcom? And who gives a donation, anyway? Wild Whatcom supporter, we are happy to tell you all about it!
Our Winter Donor Appeal is a way for us to share our latest goals with you, and ask for your support to reach them. It's that simple. Who donates to Wild Whatcom? Happy participants and their families, community-minded businesses, and people who believe in the importance of connecting with nature - for our own health, and the health of our world.
 A donation to Wild Whatcom is a simple way to invest in your community, right here in Whatcom County. It's also a way you can take action based on your values. We believe in the value of each person's support. You don't need to have a lot to make a difference! Here are examples of what your donation can do:
- $37 pays for an outdoor after school program (including transportation) for a child in Whatcom County. That means less screen time and more time playing outside with peers
- $102 pays for a student in an under-resourced county school to participate in multiple school field trips combining scientific discovery and hands- on learning at a local park
- $600 covers a month of low barrier nature walks for a group of older adults and adults with disabilities
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PROGRAMS: OPENINGS & A WINTER HIATUS
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Nature Preschoolers make the most of October leaves.
Nature Preschool availability
Our outdoor preschool (pre-K) program has begun its second year, and we would love to have your child join us! We have a few spaces in our Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday groups. Here's what you need to know:
- Nature Preschool is open to young explorers ages 3-5, who are potty-trained
- Sessions are 9:00AM-1:00PM; you can register for one or more days
- Payment is month-to-month, and scholarships are available
- Class size is 10 children, with a maximum 5:1 child to staff ratio
Our curriculum centers child-led exploration, emergent learning, and social-emotional skills practice. To facilitate ongoing learning and discovery we follow nature-guided themes throughout the year. To learn more, and to register, contact preschool@wildwhatcom.org.
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Wonder Walkers looking for mushrooms on a sunny autumn day.
Wonder Walks - final outings before winter break
We've had so much fun in 2023 exploring outside with Wonder Walks adult participants on Fridays! Due to the accessibility challenges that mud and ice can bring, we have decided to pause this program during the winter season.
You still have three more opportunities to join us for a Friday afternoon Wonder Walk this month! We will meet on Fridays, 11:30AM-1:00PM, Nov. 3rd, Nov. 10th, and Nov. 17th, at Maritime Heritage Park. November is one of the best times to explore this park, as it is often easy to see seals and sea lions up close, feasting on salmon migrating up the creek! Learn about the relationships between salmon and the marine mammals who live in Bellingham Bay, and about their importance to the overall health of the ecosystem.
As always, we'll be moving on a level, low-barrier trail, with opportunities for nature journaling and art. All adults, ages 18+, are welcome! This is a by donation (pay what you can) program. Please register to attend so we know how many folks to expect.
After our winter 'hibernation', Wonder Walks will resume weekly outings in April 2024.
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The following events are by donation (pay what you can); please preregister
- Every Friday and Saturday, 9:30-11:00AM - Wild Things for kids ages 0-6 and their adults
- Fri., 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11:30AM-1:00PM - Wonder Walks for adults ages 18+
- Sat., 11/4, 1:00-3:00PM: Salmon's Journey - Community Field Trip for all ages
- Sat., 11/18, 2:30-4:30PM: Mycelium and Me, Exploring Hidden Relationships - Out and About for queer adults and allies, ages 18+
- Sun., 11/26, 3:00-5:30PM: Moon of Frost's Return - Ladies Night Out for women, non-binary adults ages 18+
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