Event Details
When:
-
Location:
Sehome Arboretum
Meet at WWU Parking Lot 7G
North End of Campus,
Adjacent to Higginson Hall
Corner of High St.
and E. Oak St.
Price:
Free
Brought to you by:
College of the Environment, WWU Alumni Association
Description
Join the more than 1 billion people worldwide that are celebrating this year’s global Earth Day theme of “Invest In Our Planet” by joining Western Washington University for a community Work Party! With your help we will restore habitat near the Sehome Arboretum by planting native trees, removing invasive species, spreading mulch, and more.
Our special guest, Hannah Lewis, author of Mini-Forest Revolution: Using the Miyawaki Method to Rapidly Rewild the World, will join us to share her insights on Bellingham's FIRST Miyawaki method test forest that we’ll be restoring!
“Mini-forests” planted using the Miyawaki Method form a canopy after only a couple of years of as-needed weeding and watering. And - like any other healthy ecosystem - become self-sufficient. Hannah will share what a mini-forest is and why people all over the world are organizing their communities to plant mini-forests in the small spaces around where they live and work – just like ours in Bellingham!
In collaboration with the City of Bellingham, WWU LEAD, Washington Trails Association, and Whatcom Million Trees Project we will work near the Sehome Arboretum on Saturday, April 22 to support the growth of native plants by planting, applying mulch and removing invasive plants, which compete with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. Encouraging the growth of native plants is an important way to slow and adapt to climate change, since native plants absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, preserve biodiversity, and protect streams from rising temperatures. Through this work, we create positive change and invest in the health of our planet to achieve an equitable and prosperous future.
All ages and abilities are welcome at this event. No previous volunteer experience is necessary. Tools, gloves, instruction, snacks, and hydration provided.
Please also see Hannah’s Earth Day Week presentation of the Miyawaki method at the Environmental Speaker Series on Thursday, April 20.
The City of Bellingham will be hosting their own community work party earlier in the day in the Sehome Arboretum. Their event concludes with social time with Hannah Lewis from 12:00pm to 1:00pm (pizza provided!). You are welcome to attend this social time! Meet at WWU parking lot 7G, corner of High St. and E. Oak.
Featuring:
Hannah Lewis
Hannah Lewis is the author of Mini-Forest Revolution: Using the Miyawaki Method to Rapidly Rewild the World, published in June 2022 by Chelsea Green; a French translation of the book was released in January 2023 by Editions Eyrolles in France. Hannah has an MS in Sustainable Agriculture and Sociology from Iowa State University and a BA in Environmental Studies from Middlebury College. She lives in Minneapolis, where she works for the non-profit Renewing the Countryside to build sustainable local and regional food systems and plant mini-forests.
WWU LEAD
WWU LEAD provides experiential community engagement opportunities for students to apply environmental knowledge outside the classroom. Our organization fosters partnerships within the WWU community and Whatcom community at large. These partnerships between community members, public lands, and WWU aim to restore and preserve native biodiversity in Whatcom county. It is important to acknowledge that all of our activities are happening on stolen indigenous land, particularly belonging to the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe.
Accommodations and Other Details
Contact the WWU Alumni Association for this event. Feel free to call at (360) 650-3353 or email at alumni@wwu.edu if you have any questions or comments.
Advance notice for disability accommodations and special needs is greatly appreciated. Please indicate your special needs on the registration form.
Free parking is available in lot 7G at the north end of campus (corner of High St. and E. Oak St., adjacent to Higginson Hall). Western provides comprehensive parking details—including lot locations, applicable fees, and campus map.
There is also a WTA bus stop across the street from lot 7G, with access to multiple lines.