In 2015, Recreation Northwest completed our first major stewardship project in the Bellingham’s Fairhaven Park. Want to dig deep? Here’s the role of our organization as outlined in our Community Stewardship Project post. This is the story that tells how Recreation Northwest as Community Stewards of Fairhaven Park came to fruition.
Thanks to all of you who made it happen. – Todd Elsworth.
In the photos below LEFT is the previous trail that went right through the wetland. Below to the RIGHT is the new trail alignment built with an accessible trail for all to enjoy.
Special Thanks to our Partners for Phase ONE:
Gerry Wilbour, NW Trails
Perry Welch, Welch Environmental
Andy Law, Wilson Engineering
City of Bellingham, Parks and Recreation
Chris Mellick, RRAD
Our Generous Donors.
See our list of our supporters: Phase One Trail Stewardship Project Donors.
We especially thank the Bellingham-Fairhaven Lions Club, Q Laundry, Alcoa Intalco Works and Stones Throw Brewery.
The Trail Work Party Volunteers made it ALL COME TOGETHER!
Our First Fairhaven Trail Work Party A Success
Work Party #2 – A Bunch of FUN
August 20th Work Party #3
50 Volunteers at Q Laundry “You Clean UP Pretty Good” Fairhaven Trail Work Party
Finishing the Trail with Alcoa Work Party
Background:
Recreation Northwest is a Park Steward for Fairhaven Park. Working in partnership with city staff, we have chosen to focus on trail relocation projects in Fairhaven Park- working towards connecting the park with the recently purchased Chuckanut Community Forest.
We are in the Phase ONE step towards protecting the rich biological diversity of the urban habitat and offering public access to enjoy this bounty of nature. The relocated trail will connect Fairhaven Park and 18th Street.
We are proud to be working to relocate unsanctioned trails through fragile wetlands in this special urban forest. The new trails will connect this popular park and newly acquired community forest with a diverse network of trails. The trails will be built to City of Bellingham’s specifications and will bypass the wetlands, allowing increased and enjoyable access for people as well as protecting this important habitat for wildlife and the ecology of the forest.
Dig Deeper: Here’s the role of our organization as outlined in our Community Stewardship Project post. This is the story that tells about Recreation Northwest as Community Stewards of Fairhaven Park.
More Information:
Press Release (10.27.14) Recreation Northwest Leads Trail-Building Effort in Fairhaven Park.
Media Coverage:
How to Build a Trail – Mount Baker Experience Magazine, November 2015
Whatcom race organizers good stewards of outdoor adventure areas, Bellingham Herald OP ED, January 21, 2015
Group leads effort to move trail off wetlands in Fairhaven Park, Bellingham Herald, November 28, 2014
Muddy Boots: Building a trail is a volunteer effort, Cascadia Weekly, November 12, 2014
Forest Stewards: Recreation Northwest aims for sustainable recreation, Mount Baker Experience, Fall 2014
Branching out: A local race organization becomes a park steward, Mount Baker Experience, Spring 2014
Todd Elsworth is one of the many “Mossy-haired lunatics roaming the dripping peninsulas”, described in “I’m Here for the Weather” by Tom Robbins. As executive director, he works to fulfill our mission to teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play.
