WILD WHATCOM

This fiscal year, we've been partnering on more small fundraising events with local businesses in WHATCOM COUNTY, like Zeeks Pizza, STRUCTURES BREWING LLC, and Sweet As Waffles. Sometimes we provide an activity, like Nature Trivia or Nature Show and Tell. Even more local businesses have lent their support by donating prizes for these events, including Bellingham Bells, Cute But Crazy Socks, Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked Goods, GEAR AID, Gretchen Leggitt, LFS Marine & Outdoor, Pickford Film Center, SPINCYCLE YARNS LLC, Tony's Coffee, and Village Books and Paper Dreams. We recognize how important these collaborations are, and the exponential value of support from small businesses that work hard to succeed in an ever-changing economy. The fact that the businesses above (and more who don't have a handle on this platform) are willing to invest in local nonprofits and community groups in whatever way they are able, deserves deep gratitude. It is an honor to work in community with you!

Our staff is in the midst of our annual planning retreat. It's a great time to check the alignment of our program goals to our mission and the evolving needs of our community. It's also a great time to build community among our staff! Last night we bonded over Uno ?? ?? #communitydriven #naturenerds #relationshipsmatter

Binyon Vision Center, we see you! Thank you for renewing your partnership with us to support nature access for all. We also appreciate your community focus when it comes to vision care, and so enjoy working with you! How about you, neighbor? Will you join our business partners in getting more folks Together Outside? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gme5uuUd

Join us in celebrating Industrial Credit Union's continued commitment to nature access for all! This Whatcom County credit union has partnered with us for three years, and they share our community focus on equity, access and inclusion. Will you join them in bringing more local folks Together Outside? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gme5uuUd

JOB OPENING: The School Programs Manager oversees and leads all school based programs: EdVentures, SEED, in-school field trips, and Neighborhood Nature. This role is primarily responsible for the development, tracking, evaluation, and quality of all school programs. Learn more about this role and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/g_HZNp2w Photo: A group of our Neighborhood Nature after school participants this winter.

Every time I watch this video, I feel big emotions. Vulnerability in public spaces is so real for queer people, for people of color, for women, for people with disabilities, for people who have experienced trauma, so many of us. Nature spaces have the capacity to bring healing and restoration, but we need to feel safety and belonging to fully experience that. This gives me hope.

Thanks to the BTV crew at City of Bellingham for the beautiful profile of our Out and About program. It is difficult to articulate the value of building community, and a culture of safety and belonging outdoors, for the folks who join us on our nature outings. This video truly shines a light on the deep impact of nature and community connections for folks in the queer community. https://lnkd.in/gVgUDrhW

We want every community and ecosystem in Whatcom County to thrive. Our programs provide safe, welcoming opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors, learn more about local parks and nature spaces, and get to know their neighbors. Everyone deserves...

We are so grateful to our long-time partner BELLINGHAM EAR NOSE & THROAT for supporting our 2024 Together Outside fundraiser! Everyone deserves the benefits of time in nature, and nature benefits when more folks appreciate and protect our local ecosystems. Learn more and donate today to get more people Together Outside: https://lnkd.in/gme5uuUd

We are so proud of the extensive work on accessibility and inclusion that Nicole Keeler has been doing over many years with Bellingham Public Schools, Blaine County School District No. 61, Lynden School District, Mount Baker School District, and NOOKSACK VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT, as well as many other community and state partnerships, including with WA State Recreation and Conservation Office and WA OSPI. Thanks to E3 Washington, Elizabeth Schmitz and Sheila Wilson for your catalytic work as well! Together, we are creating outdoor learning opportunities for ALL youth in our state.