Community Work Parties 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Since 1999, NSEA's Stream Stewards Program has engaged citizens in improving the health of their watersheds by participating in hands­ on salmon recovery work parties throughout Whatcom County. Each work party event offers stewardship opportunities based on the culture of shared responsibility and resulting in shared benefits. Volunteers learn how to properly plant trees and remove invasive vegetation, while learning about native vegetation. By working together towards a common goal, community members identify how their actions impact riparian ecosystems both individually and as a community.

 As Whatcom County residents remove invasive plants and install native trees and shrubs, they help NSEA increase biodiversity, accelerate forest succession, and rebuild riparian habitats. Increasing the area and quality of riparian buffers improves flood control, increases stormwater runoff filtration, decreases erosion, and helps to shade streams for native fish.

Stream Stewards Program

Watch this video to learn what our Community Work Parties are all about!

Every spring and fall NSEA hosts volunteer work parties at salmon habitat restoration sites around Whatcom County.  Most events take place on Saturdays from 9 am to noon.  No previous experience necessary to participate. All ages are welcome! Come to three or more in a calendar year and be recognized by our Stewardship Appreciation Program. See below for the full schedule and links to register. Reach out to our Stewardship Program Manager, Sarah Brown at sbrown@n-sea.org or call 360-715-0283 for assistance.

2024 Schedule

All events are 9am-12pm and do not require rsvp unless otherwise noted. Event details including parking are listed in our volunteer portal - nsea.volunteerhub.com

Team up with NSEA and the City of Bellingham as we clear ivy from Squalicum Creek and open space for native trees and groundcover to grow. Click here for details.

See restoration history and help us maintain older sites that need love.

8am-12pm - Requires registration! Click here for details.

Join NSEA, the Whatcom Land Trust, and the Whatcom Conservation District in Blaine as we plant native trees and shrubs at California Creek, a major habitat for Chinook. Click here for details.

celebrate Make a Difference Day and Arbor Day with the City of Bellingham and NSEA as we remove invasive plant species from Whatcom Creek. Click here for details.

Partner up with NSEA and Lummi Nation in Bellingham to clear out English Ivy from a mitigation bank property on the Nooksack River Delta to improve salmon habitat. Click here for details.

Team up with us and the Whatcom Land Trust in Deming as spread mulch along this tributary of the Nooksack River to prepare for future planting! Click here for details.

Grab a shovel and plant along a tributary of Silver Creek with NSEA as we restore this habitat for coho and chum salmon as well as steelhead and bull trout! Click here for details.

Cancelled due to weather.

Venture out to a long-term restoration site along Terrell Creek in Blaine and plant native trees and shrubs with NSEA as we work to improve habitat for coho and chum. Click here for details.

See restoration history and help us maintain older sites that need love.

8am-12pm - Requires registration! Click here for details.

Work to restore wildlife habitat with NSEA and the City of Bellingham at this scenic park along Connelly Creek, home to coho and chum salmon. Click here for details.

 

Things for you to remember

  • Registration is recommended

  • NSEA brings all needed tools, gloves (sizes XS - XL), and instructions for each event

  • Masks are optional for shuttle rides to/from the restoration side

  • Sturdy shoes and long pants that you don't mind getting dirty are recommended

  • Weather appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry that can be cleaned easily

  • Any volunteers under 18 years old must bring a completed NSEA Youth Liability Form to each work party. Minors under 14 years old must also be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a COB/NSEA Youth Liability Form to work parties with the City of Bellingham Parks Department.

  • Stay home if you are feeling sick!

COVID-19 Update

The safety and well-being of volunteers and community members is always our highest priority. Please continue to follow the most current guidelines from CDC and local county officials regarding masking, testing, and isolating.

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