The first day of Fall, brought with it cloudy skies and a light morning rain. However, that did not deter the volunteers who came out to engage in Climate Action Week with Recreation Northwest to help us clean up trash around Padden Creek. We encouraged volunteers to bike/walk to Fairhaven Park to recognize part of this year’s theme for Climate Action Week; reducing carbon emissions by taking fewer solo trips in gas-powered vehicles.
Todd Elsworth and I biked all of the tools we’d need for the clean-up of Padden Creek from our downtown office to Fairhaven Park! The rest of our volunteers walked in and met us at the lower pavilion.
We’re thankful to the City of Bellingham, for lending us tools for our Padden Creek clean-up event.
The main objectives of our Padden Creek Clean Up Event:
1.) Improve the water quality of the Padden Creek section through Fairhaven Park.
2.) Remove any trash/debris from Padden Creek and the riparian ecosystem surrounding the creek.
3.) With remaining time, eradicate ivy & other invasive species in our Native Plant Restoration Area.
Volunteers showed up in waves as I led the group with a brief discussion on safety and the purpose of the 3rd Annual Climate Action Week.
Todd Elsworth, our fearless leader, heads out with a few volunteers to start cleaning up litter from Padden Creek.
All smiles while picking up litter from Padden Creek!
Rita, a dedicated volunteer from our work parties, was radiating with positivity as she began the morning looking for litter along the banks of Padden Creek.
We were excited to meet a new volunteer, Jeff, participating in one of our events!
Michelle, one of our regular volunteers, brought her positive attitude and quickly moved up creek picking up litter!
Sticking with our philosophy of having fun, Michelle and Rita were radiating with light, proud of all the trash they collected from Padden Creek. By the end of the morning, we had filled two trash bags with litter from the creek!
Invasive species & Ivy Removal
After cleaning up Padden Creek, we shifted gears walking to our Native Plant Restoration Site to remove ivy and remove some invasive species.
John came all the way from Maine to volunteer with RNW! He pulled a bushel of ivy from the trees to help them have more space to grow.
Some of our native plant saplings, planted earlier this year, are breathing better thanks to Rita who cut back surrounding invasive blackberries.
Lots of gratitude to our volunteers who came and engaged with us during Climate Action Week!
It was a fun-filled morning, as always, with Recreation Northwest. We would like to send a warm thank you to the volunteers who participated in our Padden Creek clean up. I am sure all of the organisms that call Padden Creek home are grateful as well for improving the health of their riparian ecosystem!
A huge thank you to Amy Brown, Volunteer Coordinator, with the City of Bellingham. Amy continues to be one of our biggest supporters by loaning us tools and resources to help make our volunteer work parties successful.
Recreation Northwest participated in the 3rd Annual Climate Action Week and we would also like to thank Stefanie Cilinceon, Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist, with the City of Bellingham. Stefanie provided crucial resources for Climate Action Week, and played a key role in helping to make our event happen.
This restoration project would not be possible without the generous support of your donations. Consider making a Donation. Thank you for supporting our mission, to protect the spaces where we live and play!
We look forward to seeing you at our next volunteer event!
Caleb Savage
Caleb originally hails from Massachusetts, however, he has been living in Washington since the winter of 2019. A recent resident of Bellingham, he has been immersed in the field of Environmental Education for the past 7-8 years. He has taught hands-on science inquiry-based lessons to all ages in a diverse range of ecosystems throughout the country. He has also led backpacking and whitewater rafting expeditions while helping his participants gain a sense of place. He has a passion for the local community, the environment, and encourages his participants to be present in the here and now when exploring the outdoors. When Caleb is not working you may find him exploring the wilderness around Mount Baker or the Chuckanuts, biking through Bellingham, going to see live music, and creating delicious food.
