Whatcom Water Week is September 12th-20th with FREE, fun events across Whatcom County to celebrate the vital water resources we have here in the Pacific Northwest. With a wide range of events, you’ll find something that engages you to help protect our waterways.
Weeklong Events – September 12th-20th
Story Walk at Taylor Dock – Step into the world of “Hello, Ocean!” by Corinna Luyken, and stroll along Taylor Dock while you learn about the treasure you can find in the ocean and how we can protect them.
Story Walk at Little Squalicum Pier – Walk along Little Squalicum Pier and read “1, 2, 3 Salish Sea” by Nikki McClure. You’ll learn about the amazing animals that live in our ocean and why we need to protect them.
Saturday, September 12th
Run with the Chums 5K – Join the run at the BP Highlands on a course that takes you along some of Whatcom County’s most beautiful shorelines and beaches.
Monday, September 14th
Kids Water Week Science & Storytime – Bring your kids to the Marine Life Center on Squalicum Harbor from 10:00am-11:00am for some hands-on experiences and storytimes so they can learn about our waterways.
Tuesday, September 15th
Bellingham Water Treatment Plant Tour – Take a tour of Bellingham’s Water Treatment Plant and learn about where Bellingham’s drinking water comes from, how it’s filtered and sanitized, and the challenges operators face. Tour times are 10:00am-11:00am and 5:30pm-6:30pm.
Birch Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour – Learn how Birch Bay’s wastewater is treated and cleaned before being sent to the Strait of Georgia. Be prepared to be in an industrial setting and dress appropriately. All visitors must wear closed-toe shoes. Tour time is 1:00pm-2:00pm.
Wednesday, September 16th
Bellingham’s Post Point Water Treatment Plant Tour – Discober what happens to Bellingham’s wastewater from our homes, schools, and businesses. From flushing toilets to washing dishes, you’ll learn about the fate of 12 million gallons of soapy, dirty water. The tour includes Q&A with the plant operators and laboratory staff. Tour times are 10:00am-11:30am or 6:00pm-7:30pm.
Thursday, September 17th
Clayton Beach Stewardship – It’s a day at Clayton Beach, starting with a short site visit and discussions of the restoration project. Then, roll up your sleeves and help with vegetation management and preparations for the late-fall planting. This event runs from 9:00am-12:00pm
Water Week Read Aloud – Bring your kids to Taylor Dock in Bellingham for a Read Aloud Story Walk on the Dock. A librarian will read “Hello, Ocean” while you walk along the dock. After the story, stay for nature-based crafts. Event runs from 10:30am-11:30am.
Lightcatcher Building Green Roof Tour – Learn how the Whatcom Museum recycles water using their innovative Green Roof technology. See how rainwater is collected, stored, and transported to toilets to save water. Event starts at 1:00pm.
Exhibition Explorers: Totally Tubular Water Play – Create your own water obstacle course and beat the heat in the Lightcatcher courtyard. You’ll be able to use your creativity to complete the task. Then, check out the Luminous Glow exhibition. Event runs from 2:00pm-4:00pm.
Water Week Trivia – Stop by Stones Throw Brewery in Fairhaven and compete to take home the trivia prize. Buy in is $2 and you can have a team of up to 4 participants. Event runs from 7:00pm-9:00pm.
Saturday, September 19th
Bellingham Dockside Market – Its the freshest seafood you can get. Shop directly from the fishermen and women that bring their catch in from the sea. At Squalicum Harbor, Gate 5 from 10:00am-2:00pm.
Forest Water Scavenger Hunt – The Stimpson Family Nature Reserve will be your hunting grounds and you and your family try to find everything in the activity booklet while you learn about the natural features and their important role in the water cycle. Earn a Water Wise take-home momento. Event runs from 11:00am-3:00pm.
Beach Cleanup – Join RE Sources for a beach cleanup at the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve on Gulf Road in Ferndale. Event runs from 11:00am-1:00pm.
ALL MONTH LONG
We Scoop Photo Contest – All month long, be part of the “We Scoop Photo Contest.” Dog poop left on the ground can wash into our waterways causing pollution. Be your dogs “pup-arrazi” and snap a picture for the contest. They could be featured in upcoming scooping ads. Learn more at www.whatcomcounty.us/scooppoop
