Green Sanctuary Program
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Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
Green Sanctuary Program |
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April 1: Tar Sands The Green Sanctuary Program and Social Justice Committee in co-sponsorship with Village Books, the City of Bellingham, RE Sources, Sustainable Bellingham, Sustainable Connections and Whatcom Transit Authority present Andrew Nikiforuk author of "Tar Sands." Doors will open at 6:15 pm for attendees to purchase Mr. Nikiforuk's book and have it signed. Mr. Nikiforuk will make a short presentation at 7:00 pm and then a panel of local organizations will discuss the implications of Mr. Nikiforuk's book. The oil sands in Fort McMurray, Alberta are the world’s largest energy project, America’s #1 supply of crude oil, and have been criticized as a source of “dirty oil.” The environmental and social impact of the tar sands has led Al Gore to dub them “an economic weapon of mass destruction.” Providing almost 20 percent of America's fuel, much of this dirty oil is being processed in refineries in the Midwest. This out-of-control megaproject is polluting the air, poisoning the water, and destroying boreal forest at a rate almost too rapid to be imagined. Andrew Nikiforuk’s Tar Sands declares a political emergency, outlines the issues as he sees them and argues forcefully for change. Time: 6:15 pm (Book Sale), 7:00 pm (Presentation) Location: Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1708 I St., Bellingham Cost: Free Contact: (360) 733-3837 April 1: Bike To Work And School Day Planning Meeting Help plan Whatcom County's biggest and best bicycle event of the year: Bike to Work and School Day will be the third Friday in May, with lots of festivities leading up to and around it. You can be part of the fun. Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Bellingham Public Library Meeting Room Cost: Free Contact: everybodyBIKE Mary Anderson or Ellen Barton 360-671-BIKE April 3: 'CALL FOR EARTH DAY PARTICIPANTS!!' The AS Environmental Center is in the planning process for this years Earth Day Celebration. This years theme is-- Rethink, React, Rebuild: inspiring creative environmental change. We are looking for organizations and businesses who would like to be a part of our earth day. We are looking for groups who would like to have a booth, host an activity or lead a workshop on April 25th from noon-6 pm on the Communications Building Lawn on South Campus at WWU. The event will have bands, activities, educational information,etc. Time: 12:00 PM Location: Communications Building Lawn on South Campus at WWU Cost: Free Contact: AS.earth@wwu.edu or call us at 360-650-6129 April 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, May 9, 10, 16, 17: Urban Permaculture Design Course This is a certification course that covers the required 72 hour curriculum. We will focus on using Permaculture to maximize productive yield in urban lots, creating sustainable food systems right in our backyards. This is also an opportunity to foster relationships with sustainable small businesses in order in order to create a vibrant, local economy. Throughout the course, We will also tour some of the best permaculture sites in Bellingham. Time: 9 am to 6 pm Location: Forest Garden Urban Ecology Center at 905 E Victor St and other locations in Bellingham, WA Cost: $700.00 Contact: bellinghampermaculture@gmail.com April 4: North Cascades Audubon Society - Semiahmoo Spit Join us for “Birding the Beaches”, a cooperative effort of NCAS and Whatcom County Parks. This trip, on the first Saturday of each month, is usually about three hours in length. It is a great outing for beginning birders. We will tour beaches on Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor and view large numbers of seabirds, waterfowl and shorebirds as well as raptors and songbirds. Semiahmoo/Drayton Harbor is Whatcom County’s only designated Important Bird Area. We all need to know and value this important habitat. No Registration Required. Trip Leader: Paul Woodcock. Time: 9:00 am Location: Semiahmoo County Park Cost: Contact: Paul Woodcock at 380-3356 or vp@northcascadesaudubon.org. April 4: Sustainable Gardening In this workshop, we discuss ways to have a beautiful and productive food and/or ornamental garden while being sensitive to the environment. Topics will include plant selection, reducing water usage, reducing chemical usage, pest and weed control. Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm Location: Cloud Mountain Farm, Everson, WA Cost: Contact: April 4: Getting Gardens Into the Hands of the People! Help Grow Food & Community Gardeners Needing Land to grow food or needing mentors. Neighbors Offering Lawns for food & forest gardens. Garden-Mentors Offering Wisdom to those learning. 1:30 -2:00 Tea & Introductions.Time: 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm Location: 1317 Commercial ST. #202 -Center for Expressive Arts, Bellingham Cost: Free Contact: 360-676-1859 or lightsourceon@comcast.net April 4: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association Work Party - Black Slough Join NSEA and the Whatcom Conservation District as we work to restore streamside habitat along the Black Slough by planting native trees and shrubs at this new site in Van Zandt. Head east on the Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) and turn right onto Highway 9 heading south. Travel down Highway 9 for about 3 miles, then turn right onto Nelson Rd., look for signs, and check in at the NSEA tent. Tools and gloves are provided. Refreshments are provided by The Bagelry, Starbucks Coffee, the Community Food Co-op, Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked Goods, and Tony's Coffee. Please wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring your enthusiasm, your friends and family, and anyone else that can hold a shovel! Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Location: See above for directions Cost: Free Contact: NSEA at 715-0283 or email volunteers@n-sea.org. April 4: Recycled Art Show Artist Reception The RE Store celebrates the 8th annual Recycled Art and Fashion Show. The RE Store hosts 1 of 3 galleries in Bellingham and will feature a free Artist Reception for the K-12 student gallery. All are welcome. As a part of the event, the Recycled Art Station gives participants a chance to make art for themselves out of safe RE Store-style junk with paint, glue, wire, tools, and help from staff. Time: 2 p.m. Location: Re Sources, Meridian St. Cost: Contact: jasond@re-store.org or http://www.re-store.org/recycledartshow April 6: Village Books Presents AN EVENING WITH DAVID SUZUKI David Suzuki points the direction we must take as a society if we hope to meet the environmental challenges we face in our still-young century. The Big Picture not only identifies the problems we face but proposes solid, science-based solutions, and examines the forces that are preventing real change. These essays tell the story of a species struggling to come to grips with its own biological nature, a nature we must ultimately embrace to live in balance with the systems that sustain us. David Suzuki is an award-winning scientist, environmentalist, and broadcaster, who has written 42 books, and received countless degrees and honors. He is renowned for his radio and television programs that explain the complexities of the natural sciences in a compelling, easily understood way. Proceeds will benefit Sustainable Connections. Time: 7 p.m. Location: Mt. Baker Theater, Commercial St., Bellingham Cost: $7.50/person Contact: 360) 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com/events/2009/david-suzuki April 6: Washington Wines with Laurent Martel Wine educator Laurent Martel explores the expanding world of Washington wines. Washington is now the second largest wine-producing state, with a new winery opening its doors every 10 days. We will learn about Washington’s eight wine appellations (soon to be nine), and will discuss what makes Washington Merlots so world renowned, the potential for Syrah in this state, and what’s next for Washington wine producers. We will taste as many regions and varieties as time will allow. You must be 21 or older to attend this class. Time: 7–8:30 pm Location: Local Roots Room, which is upstairs at the Cordata Co-op, Bellingham Cost: $29 members, $33 non-members Contact: Kevin Murphy at 360-734-8158 or email kevinm@communityfood.coop April 7: World Issues Forum with Gary Nabham on "Where Our Food Comes From: Conserving Heritage Foods Globally, Nationally, and Locally" The Green Sanctuary Program and Social Justice Committee in co-sponsorship with Witness for Peace NW, Fairhaven World Issues Forum, Whatcom Human Rights Task Force, Jobs with Justice and Community to Community present Baldemar Mendoza Jimenez, coordinator of Union of Organizations of the Sierra Juarez, Oaxaca as part of "NAFTA Turns 15: A Look at Free Trade, Food Security and Migration in Oaxaca, Mexico. Sr. Mendoza is an expert on food sovereignty issues and the impacts of free trade agreements on indigenous farmers from Oaxaca. UNOSJO is an indigenous organization that works with indigenous communities in the Zapotec region of the Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico. It has denounced the contamination of native corn in Oaxaca by genetically-modified (GMO) corn and is a leader within Oaxaca on food security issues. Its efforts also focus on women’s issues, indigenous rights, and organic coffee production. Sr. Mendoza will speak about the impacts of NAFTA on indigenous communities in Oaxaca, including: • The affects of GMO corn contamination on native corn production Time: 7 p.m. Location: Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1708 I St. Cost: Free Contact: (360) 733-3837 April 8: Bellingham Solar WA Meeting - Alternative Financing for Small Businesses Shenandoah Myrick, EcoBroker will review numerous opportunities for local business owners to finance new purchases as well as refi's & upgrades for energy efficiency. Time: 7:00 pm Location: Re Store - Upstairs classrom, Guide Meridian Cost: Contact: April 9 - June 4: Beyond Waste - Carbon Masters Program Are you interested in finding out what you can do to combat global warming? Join the Carbon Masters volunteer training program to find out. Integrating home study, class sessions, discussions with experts and site visits. The program provides hands-on tools to adapt and lessen the effects of climate change. Like other WSU Extension Programs, volunteers give back to the community in exchange for training. Subjects will include: Climate change and its impact in the Pacific Northwest; Civic Engagement; Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy; Transportation; Beyond Waste - Dealing with our stuff; Green Building and Landscaping; Resilient Communities; Food Security; Green Economy and Jobs; Consumerism. Time: 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm Location: Cost: Contact: WSU Whatcom County Extension at 360-676-6736 or email joycej@wsu.edu. April 10: 'CALL FOR EARTH DAY PARTICIPANTS!!' The AS Environmental Center is in the planning process for this years Earth Day Celebration. This years theme is-- Rethink, React, Rebuild: inspiring creative environmental change. We are looking for organizations and businesses who would like to be a part of our earth day. We are looking for groups who would like to have a booth, host an activity or lead a workshop on April 25th from noon-6 pm on the Communications Building Lawn on South Campus at WWU. The event will have bands, activities, educational information,etc. Time: 12:00 PM Location: Communications Building Lawn on South Campus at WWU Cost: Free Contact: AS.earth@wwu.edu or call us at 360-650-6129 April 10-11: Food Justice Conference with Winona La Duke and Christopher Cook The conference seeks to educate and generate dialogue surrounding one of our most fundamental actions as humans: eating. This weekend series of events will address whether our current food system is healthy, sustainable, and socially just. The conference will concentrate primarily on the local implications of our current food system, but will unavoidably reflect on the international and national scope of this contemporary structure. Lecture and panel discussions will draw upon perspectives from local farmers, community organizers, journalists, activists, and professors. The event will commence with a keynote address by Winona LaDuke in the PAC Concert hall on Friday April 10th. The proceeding day, Saturday April 11th, will feature multiple events taking place in the Viking Union—most notably award-winning journalist Christopher Cook. The entire conference will be free and open to the public. Institutional Food Co-sponsors for the Food Justice Conference are Civil Controversy, Social Issues Resource Center, the Environmental Center, Students for Sustainable Food, the Office of Sustainability, and Centro Tonalli. Time: See above for various events and times Location: Various Cost: Free Contact: April 11: Hands-on Intro To Permaculture Please join Certified Permaculture Teacher, Bruce Horowitz and Systems Designer Brian Kerkvliet for an experiential opportunity to learn pemaculture basics. Held at Inspiration Farm, A 45 year old organic homestead integrating creative lifestyles, integrated livestock, Biodynamic practices, animal husbandry, land / water management, annual & perennial food systems. Time: 10 am - 5 pm Location: Inspiration Farm, 619 E. Laurel Rd., Bellingham Cost: $75 Contact: 360-398-8227 or info@inspirationfarm.com April 11: Haute Trash Fashion Show This wild and fanciful fashion show is created entirely out of trash. Designers utilize a vast array of materials that include bicycle inner tubes, food packaging, discarded hot tub lids, book bindings, and countless other discarded items. They create genuinely appealing apparel and accessories that are modeled with accompanying descriptions of the materials that are guaranteed to amuse and amaze. In addition, Lucky Brown and the Funk Revolution will perform, following the Fashion Show for a full night of inspiring entertainment. The Haute Trash Fashion show, brainchild of a group of progressive fashion designers, brings their 25-years experience to the annual Recycled Art and Fashion Show. Their designs and accessories are made from a wide variety of unconventional materials such as construction fencing, food packaging, bicycle inner tubes, crocheted plastic bags and container lids, all of which were bound for the landfill. The groups designs have been seen at the Seattle Art Museum, Burning Man, county fairs, and dozens of other community festivals throughout the Western U.S. Local fashion designers will also feature their work at this years show. After the Trash Fashion Show, Lucky Brown and the Funk Revolution will keep you dancing until closing. Tight horns, a big bottom rhythm section, and the ever-infectious enthusiasm of Joel Ricci are a certifiable, undeniable good time for even the shyest wall flowers and curmudgeons. Time: 8:00 p.m. Location: The Wild Buffalo, Bellingham Cost: $10.00 for Fashion Show, $15.00 for Fashion Show and music Contact: jasond@re-store.org or http://www.re-store.org/recycledartshow, (360) 647-5921 April 11: BJEFF MAPES, PEDALING REVOLUTION: HOW CYCLISTS ARE CHANGING AMERICAN CITIES BlueGreen is a awesome, feel good film which aims to help connect the people with the health of our ocean. Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Village Books, 1200 Eleventh Street Cost: Free Contact: (360) 671-2626 April 11: BlueGreen Connections BlueGreen is a awesome, feel good film which aims to help connect the people with the health of our ocean. Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: PAC Concert Hall, 481 High St., Bellingham Cost: Students $5 and non-students $7 Contact: April 13: First Gear Bicycling Class: Confidence And Comfort Get the tips and secrets that make bicycling safe, comfortable and fun for getting around town. Learn communication and positioning skills that make traffic or trail riding easy and stress-free. First Gear, part one of the three-part Full Cycle course, is a great introduction for getting back on the bike or a refresher for those already biking. Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Cost: Contact: everybodyBIKE Mary Anderson or Ellen Barton 360-671-BIKE April 15: Decisions, Decisions: Exotic Grass Invasions and Altered Wildfire Regimes in the American Deserts Julio Betancourt, Professor, Geography & Regional Development Senior Scientist, National Research Program, Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey. Large-scale invasions by Eurasian and African grasses, brought in by chance or to feed cattle and control erosion, have introduced frequent and extensive fires into American deserts that supported little or no burning in the pre-European era. We are standing on a threshold and must now choose between saving the desert or resigning ourselves to these novel and combustible grasslands. What decisions must we make, who makes them, and how will they be implemented across complex physical and cultural landscapes? My own take on these issues is that of a federal scientist with a sense of place and an ongoing crusade to engage the private and public sectors in Southern Arizona, where buffelgrass now threatens to convert a turistic Sonoran Desert into a burning savanna. Time: Location: Fairhaven College Auditorium Cost: Contact: 650-2309 April 15: Fixing To Ride Bicycle Class (Full Cycle, Part 2) Fixing to Ride covers bike fit, gearing, basic maintenance, and how to fix a flat, with a review of traffic rules and more complex intersection techniques. Full Cycle is a three-part bike skills course based on the League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling course. Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Cost: Contact: everybodyBIKE Mary Anderson or Ellen Barton 360-671-BIKE April 16: Whatcom County Rural Elements Update The Whatcom County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the rural element update. The following Planning Commission meeting, on April 30, will be devoted to further deliberation by the Commission on the topic. Staff has prepared a memorandum and revised LAMIRD criteria to serve as the basis for the discussion. We encourage the public to review the policy topics discussed in the memorandum and provide comments before or during the April 16th meeting. Materials from the March 4 and 5 public meetings are now online at the PDS web site, http://www.whatcomcounty.us/pds/plan/long/projects/lamird/updateprocess.jsp, including staff's slide presentation, public comments submitted, and tabulations of the response to the public policy comment sheet. We had an excellent turnout for the meetings (over 300 total) and we appreciate your efforts to participate and stay informed. The next meeting on the Rural Element Update will be public hearings before the Planning Commission on April 16 and 30 -- you will receive additional announcements and materials in future messages. For more information, see http://www.whatcomcounty.us/pds/plan/long/projects/lamird/updateprocess.jsp Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: County Council Chambers, Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave. in Bellingham Cost: Contact: (360) 676-6907 or pds@co.whatcom.wa.us April 17: World Issues Forum - "Climate Variability and Climate Change in the Western U.S." Julio Betancourt, Professor, Geography & Regional Development Senior Scientist, National Research Program, Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey:"Climate Variability and Climate Change in the Western U.S." Two important sources of uncertainty in resource management in the western U.S. are decadal-to-multidecadal (D2M) natural climate variability and anthropogenic climate change. D2M variability is characteristic of the instrumental record of the past century, as well as tree-ring chronologies of last two millennia. Resource managers have barely addressed the challenges posed by D2M variability, which makes it that much harder to reckon the impacts of climate change. Abrupt cool season warming beginning 1976-1984, depending on the region, brought on a marked increase in springtime temperatures, an earlier onset of spring by 8 to 10 days, a rise in the elevation at which it rains rather than snows, a decrease in snowpack, earlier snowmelt timing, a shift to an earlier pulse of snowmelt-fed discharge, and an increase in the frequency of large fires. My presentation will rely on statistical approaches to identify spatiotemporal patterns of temperature and precipitation variations in both the past and present to explore their associations with various modes of large-scale climate variability in the context of climate change. Time: 3:00 p.m. Location: Fairhaven College, Communications 125 Cost: Free Contact: 650-2309 April 17: MARTIN MELAVER, LIVING ABOVE THE STORE The 2008 economic crash is just the latest evidence of the truth that many have known for so long: that too much of our modern economy is based on a house of cards. We need businesses that factor their impact on people and places into their equations for success AND strive to restore the communities and environments in which they operate. How can this be done? Living Above the Store provides a roadmap for creating such a business; it’s both a “how to” and a “why to” that challenges “business as usual” to change. It’s for readers who care about issues of community and sustainability as well as for those who want to learn more about how a socially responsible business can first redefine, and then find, success. Martin Melaver has been CEO of Melaver, Inc., since 1992. Never content with the well-trod path, he has a PhD in literature from Harvard University and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He is actively involved with numerous community organizations in and around Savannah, Georgia. Melaver splits his time between Savannah and Tel Aviv, Israel. Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Village Books, 1200 Eleventh Street Cost: Free Contact: (360) 671-2626 April 17: 'CALL FOR EARTH DAY PARTICIPANTS!!' The AS Environmental Center is in the planning process for this years Earth Day Celebration. This years theme is-- Rethink, React, Rebuild: inspiring creative environmental change. We are looking for organizations and businesses who would like to be a part of our earth day. We are looking for groups who would like to have a booth, host an activity or lead a workshop on April 25th from noon-6 pm on the Communications Building Lawn on South Campus at WWU. The event will have bands, activities, educational information,etc. Time: 12:00 PM Location: Communications Building Lawn on South Campus at WWU Cost: Free Contact: AS.earth@wwu.edu or call us at 360-650-6129 April 17: Inspiration Farm Biodynamic Farm Apprenticeship The Inspiration Farm Apprenticeship incorporates Biodynamic and sustainable farming practices. Meets one day a week on a flexible schedule for 12 weeks starting in April (tentatively beginning April 17). It will include animal and plant rearing activities throughout the growing season. Held at Inspiration Farm, A 45 year old organic homestead integrating creative lifestyles, integrated livestock, Biodynamic practices, animal husbandry, land/water management, annual & perennial food systems Time: 10:00 am Location: Inspriation Farm, 619 E. Laurel Rd Bellingham Cost: $250 Contact: 360-398-8227 or info@inspirationfarm.com April 17: The Future of Business: Green Jobs and Sustainable Industries in the 21st Century Inspiration and hands-on tools at the largest business conference in NW Washington! Sustainable Connections' Green Building Program and Sustainable Business Program are joining forces to bring you timely information on today’s shifting economy. Time: 7:45 am to 5:00 pm Location: Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Cost: $250 Contact: 360-398-8227 or info@inspirationfarm.com April 18: Edible Forest Gardening Workshop Edible forest gardening is a method of growing food that mimics a natural forest by interplanting fruit and nut trees, berry shrubs, vines, ground covers and vegetables that can be applied to city lots or country acreagege. "Gardening like the forest" can produce more food sustainably. This hands-on workshop will include fundamentals of edible forest gardening, site assessment, site prep, weed and lawn eradication, site design and installation, and maintenance. Taught by Dave Sansone, director of Perennial Harvest. Time: 9am-4pm Location: Cost: $50 Contact: Dave Sansone 360-333-5051 or davesansone@hotmail.com April 18: Recycled Art Workshop At The RE Store The RE Store presents a free workshop for all ages. Come and create your own artwork from cool RE Store junk, paint, glue, wire, tools, and helpful staff. Professional sculptor, Thor Myhre, will be on hand to help with ideas and attaching materials to your artwork. Time: 1 P.M. Location: Re Store, Meridian St. Cost: Free Contact: jasond@re-store.org April 18: Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium Where on Earth are we going? And what can we do about it? These questions are at the heart of the Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium. Stunning video segments and meaningful discussions and activities lead to the unfolding of a bold and hope-filled vision: to bring forth an Environmentally Sustainable, Spiritually Fulfilling, and Socially Just human presence on Earth. We are living during the largest social movement of all time. Millions of people and organizations around the world are creating new ways to address these concerns. The focus of the symposium: - Where are we? If you are ready to explore what this means for you and look at opportunities to create an inspiring future, we invite you to attend this non-denominational event presented by the Pachamama Alliance. The Symposium is presented worldwide by volunteer, trained facilitators. Let the Symposium be a resource and catalyst for you. Be informed, inspired and moved to action. Time: 1 - 4 P.M. Location: Unity Church, 1095 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham Cost: Cost $15; students $8; no one turned away due to lack of funds Contact: 733-2270 or AwakeningTheDreamer@hotmail.com April 18: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association Work Party - Terrell Creek Help NSEA and the Chums of Terrell Creek plant native trees and shrubs and remove non-native vegetation along Terrell Creek. From I-5 North, heading toward Blaine, take the Grandview Rd. exit and head west. Turn right at the stop sign at Jackson Rd. Parking is available in the parking lot at the Birch Bay Bible Community Church on the left. Cross Jackson Rd. and check in at the NSEA tent. Tools and gloves are provided. Refreshments are provided by The Bagelry, Starbucks Coffee, the Community Food Co-op, Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked Goods, and Tony's Coffee. Please wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring your enthusiasm, your friends and family, and anyone else that can hold a shovel! Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Location: See above for directions Cost: Free Contact: NSEA at 715-0283 or email volunteers@n-sea.org. April 18: Introduction to Nature Awareness and Permaculture Design Nature Awareness & Skills connect us to the natural world adopting the knowledge and information handed down through generations of trackers and scouts. Permaculture is an ecological design system for human households and settlements that emphasizes working with rather than against Nature. These two approaches make a powerful and synergistic combination for relating and working with the natural world. Pre-registration required. Brown-bag Lunch. Snacks & Refreshments Included • Learn what it takes to become “native” to your place Time: 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Location: Bodhi Creek Farm, 25 acres in the North Cascades Foothills, Washington Cost: $95 for the full day Contact: More info at http://www.cascadiatraining.com April 19: Earth Day 5-k The EC and the road runners are hosting the second annual earth day 5-k. Get outside and sweat for the earth. The race begins at 10 am, with late registration at 8:30-9:45. The race will start in the PAC plaza at Western Washington University Time: Begins 8:30 am Location: PAC plaza at Western Washington University Cost: Free Contact: Kyle Mears at AS.earth@wwu.edu. April 19: Council of the Grandmothers Empowerment Circle Receiving this empowerment helps to infuse the much-needed energy of Yin restoring balance to the planet. Learn who the Grandmothers are and receive their gift of love and empowerment. Time: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm Location: Everybody's Yoga, 1609 Broadway #202, Bellingham Cost: Free Contact: April 19: North Cascades Audubon Society - Deception Pass State Park This is a full-day trip (half-day option), exploring the flora, fauna, and geography of one of our region’s most spectacular parks. One cannot minimize the superlatives of this place. This complete naturalist’s tour will spend equal time on birds, mammals, flowers, trees, tidal forces, meteorology, and whatever else might captivate the moment. Trip leader: Dave Schmalz Time: 8:00 am Location: Various Cost: Contact: Dave Schmalz, 671-1537 April 20: Simple Steps to a Greener Lifestyle Join us in this month of Earth Day celebrations as we gather to hear a panel of community leaders from Whatcom County's sustainability movement. Their goal: to inspire each of us to start on the path toward a greener lifestyle. Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Location: Whatcom Community College - Heiner 209, Bellingham Cost: Contact: April 20: Brave New Voices Green Team: Spoken Word Youth Speaks presents three poets from the Brave New Voices Green team who will present their spoken word poetry that examines environmental issues through a personal lens. The poets will also lead a workshop on using poetry as a means for change. You can check out one of the poets work at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsVZiOlzsTI Time: Workshop 3:30-4:30 Viking Union 462, Performance 8-9 pm in the Viking Union MPR Location: Western Washington University, Bellingham Cost: Contact: AS Environmental Center 360-650-6129 April 20: World Issues Forum: The Climate Crisis: Why US leadership is urgently needed Elizabeth May is an environmentalist, writer, activist and lawyer. She has been active in the environmental movement since 1970. She first became known in the Canadian media in the mid-1970s through her leadership as a volunteer in the grassroots movement against aerial insecticide spraying proposed for forests near her home on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Sponsored by Canadian American Studies, Fairhaven College and the Sustainability Academy Time: Noon-1:15 pm Location: Fairhaven College Auditorium Cost: Contact: 650-2309 April 20: World Issues Forum: Moving Toward a Green Economy Elizabeth May is an environmentalist, writer, activist and lawyer. She has been active in the environmental movement since 1970. She first became known in the Canadian media in the mid-1970s through her leadership as a volunteer in the grassroots movement against aerial insecticide spraying proposed for forests near her home on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Sponsored by Canadian American Studies, Fairhaven College and the Sustainability Academy Time: 4:00-5:30pm Location: Fairhaven College, Fraser Hall 3 Cost: Contact: 650-2309 April 20: World Issues Forum: Moving Toward a Green Economy Elizabeth May is an environmentalist, writer, activist and lawyer. She has been active in the environmental movement since 1970. She first became known in the Canadian media in the mid-1970s through her leadership as a volunteer in the grassroots movement against aerial insecticide spraying proposed for forests near her home on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Sponsored by Canadian American Studies, Fairhaven College and the Sustainability Academy Time: 4:00-5:30pm Location: Fairhaven College, Fraser Hall 3 Cost: Contact: 650-2309 April 21: Sustainable Home Design: Living a Greener Life at Home In this three-part course, you will explore the basic principles of sustainable home design-and why sustainability matters. Come with a curious mind and, at course's end, you will leave class truly inspired. Goal: to inspire each of us to start on the path toward a greener lifestyle. Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Location: Whatcom Community College - Laidlaw 215A, Bellingham Cost: Contact: April 21: Author and Agriculture expert Joel Salatin to lecture in Skagit County Noted author and sustainable agriculture authority Joel Salatin will be the featured speaker at a day-long seminar devoted to sustainable agriculture and pastured-based livestock systems. The event is sponsored by the Northwest Agriculture Business Center and Skagit Farmers Supply. NABC project manager Maryon Attwood said, “NABC and Skagit Farmers Supply are delighted to bring such a highly regarded sustainable agriculture expert to Western Washington in time for spring planning and planting.” Over the past 20 years, Salatin has emerged as a leader in the sustainable-food movement. His 500-acre Polyface Farm in Swoope, Va., is legendary for its robustly flavored beef, pork, chicken, and eggs. Among farmers, Salatin has won status for his innovations in multi-species, pasture-based animal husbandry. He is author of Pastured Poultry, Salad Bar Beef, You Can Farm Family Friendly Farming, Holy Cows and Hog Heaven, Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal. The Salatin farm is featured prominently in The Omnivore's Dilemma (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Omnivore%27s_Dilemma), by Michael Pollan At the NABC-Skagit Farmers Supply seminar, Salatin will offer morning and afternoon workshops for farmers, ranchers, and others interested in pasture-raised livestock and sustainable agriculture. A general public lecture will be held in the evening. The morning session will have two topics: “Pasture-raised Livestock Systems and Pastured Poultry.” The afternoon session will have two different topics: “Diversifying for Profit, Production and Pleasure and Salad Bar Beef.” The evening lecture, “A Disconnected Food System is Out of Joint” will be complemented by a wine tasting and book signing. All of the sessions and wine tasting will take place at the Padilla Bay Foundation, located on Farm To Market Road, in Skagit County. Skagit Farmers Supply will host a booth featuring pasture management materials and OMRI organic certified products for farmers and ranchers attending the workshops. The NABC will also have information available regarding their poultry processing equipment rental program. Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Location: Padilla Bay Foundation in Skagit County Cost: Workshops fees are $50 for the morning session, $50 for the afternoon session, and $25 for the evening talk, reception, and book signing Early registration by April 17th reduces workshop costs by $5 Contact: For more information, or to register for the seminar, call NABC at 360.336.3727 or log on to www.agbizcenter.org April 22: World Issues Forum with Nidia Castellanos of Colombia Nidia Castellanos of Colombia is secretary general of the Arauca Peasant Association (ACA), which promotes organic agriculture and defends the rights of its members. Talk: "Women Resisting War" goal: to inspire each of us to start on the path toward a greener lifestyle. Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Location: Fairhaven College Auditorium, WWU., Bellingham Cost: Contact: April 22-24: Workshop on the Impact of Climate Change on Northwest Tribal Fisheries The purpose of this workshop is to share information, provide resources, and create a network of people to address the impact and challenges of climate change on tribal fisheries. A major focus of this event will be to explore avenues by which scientific research and technology can be brought together with Indigenous knowledge and experience to address this critical issue. Although this workshop will focus on salmon, other species, including shellfish, as well as the overall health of fisheries ecosystems will be considered. A partial list of presenters includes: Jose Aguto, National Congress of American Indians Time: 8:00 am Location: Northwest Indian College – Log Building Cost: Free. Registration required: 360-392-4248, sgiven@nwic.edu Contact: Steve Pavlik, Red Alert Workshop Coordinator 360-392-4307, spavlik@nwic.edu April 25: EARTH DAY CELEBRATION! This day will be an incredible conglomeration of music, activities, dance, comedy, art, performance, speakers, clubs, and causes all in celebration of planet Earth. Featuring bands: Petunia and the Vipers, Sweet Beats, Spoonshine, Acorn Project and special evening concert with ASP Pop. Don’t miss this party on the Comm Lawn, bring your friends and family of all ages there is something for everyone. Time: noon-8 pm Location: Western's South Campus-communications building lawn Cost: Contact: AS Environmental Center 360-650-6129 April 25: North Cascades Audubon Society - Stimpson Family Nature Reserve This trip is cosponsored by the Whatcom Land Trust. We will be searching the Land Trust's beautiful Stimpson Reserve for neotropical migrants and other woodland birds. Join NCAS leaders for an easy hike of about 2 miles through a mixed coniferous and deciduous forest. Deer are usually plentiful and a few flycatchers and warblers should be back and singing. 10:00 AM. Trip leaders: Tom Pratum and Paul Woodcock. Call the Whatcon Land Trust at 650-9470 to register. Time: 8:00 am Location: Stimpson Family Nature Reserve Cost: Contact: Paul Woodcock at 380-3356 or e-mail at vp@northcascadesaudubon.org. April 25: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association Work Party - NSEA Nursery Join NSEA staff and our Washington Conservation Corps. crew as we ready the nursery for the summer season. Help us pot up bare root plants and organize our native plant nursery. From I-5, take the Sunset Drive/Mt. Baker Highway exit and head east. Turn left onto Hannegan Rd. and follow for 1 mile. NSEA is located on the SE corner of Hannegan Rd. and Bakerview Rd. on the right. Park here and check in at the NSEA tent. Tools and gloves are provided. Refreshments are provided by The Bagelry, Starbucks Coffee, the Community Food Co-op, Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked Goods, and Tony's Coffee. Please wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring your enthusiasm, your friends and family, and anyone else that can hold a shovel! Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Location: See above for directions Cost: Free Contact: NSEA at 715-0283 or email volunteers@n-sea.org. April 25: Environmental Heroes Award Celebration and Fundraiser RE Sources' 7th annual Environmental Heroes Award Celebration and Fundraiser will honor Mike and Elaine McRory, Barry Wenger, David MacLeod, Kyle Morris and Gordon Scott for their hard work and dedication toward the environment. Time: 7 P.M. Location: Crystal Ballroom, The Leopold, Bellingham, WA Cost: Free Contact: jasond@re-store.org April 25-26: 9th Annual Whatcom County-Sponsored Earth Day Garage Sale Winter’s over. Time to launch into your spring cleaning mode and clear out those closets and garage. With the help of Whatcom County’s free signs and advertising, what have you got to lose? Get together with your friends and neighbors and host your own Earth Day Garage Sale. Event is sponsored by Whatcom County Public Works' Solid Waste Division. Sign up for free signs, and advertising at http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/publicworks/solidwaste/events/garagesale.jsp Time: 9 am to 4 pm Location: Throughout Whatcom County Cost: Contact: (360) 676-7695 or SolidWaste@co.whatcom.wa.us April 26: Recycled Art Workshop At The RE Store The RE Store presents a free workshop for all ages. Come and create your own artwork from cool RE Store junk, paint, glue, wire, tools, and helpful staff. Professional sculptor, Thor Myhre, will be on hand to help with ideas and attaching materials to your artwork. Time: 1 P.M. Location: Re Store, Meridian St. Cost: Free Contact: jasond@re-store.org April 30: Team Up For EverybodyBIKE Kick-off Reception May is National Bike Month! Join us for a kick-off celebration for Team-Up for everybodyBIKE. WIN CASH PRIZES by bicycling and logging your trips in May! It’s easy. Team up with family members, friends, neighbors, classmates, or co-workers. Encourage each other to bike to work or school, to lunch, for grocery shopping, for visiting friends. Time: 5 P.M. Location: Cost: Contact: Mary Anderson or Ellen Barton 360-671-BIKE April 30: Whatcom County Rural Elements Update The Whatcom County Planning Commission will further the deliberation by the Commission on the topic. Staff has prepared a memorandum and revised LAMIRD criteria to serve as the basis for the discussion. For more information, see http://www.whatcomcounty.us/pds/plan/long/projects/lamird/updateprocess.jsp Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: County Council Chambers, Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave. in Bellingham Cost: Contact: (360) 676-6907 or pds@co.whatcom.wa.us |
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