Get involved in Birch Bay beach clean up on June 12

Local organizations are celebrating volunteers during a fun day cleaning up Birch Bay State Park on Saturday, June 12.

During the “Watershed Watchers: Day at the Beach” event, Whatcom Conservation District and Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM) will celebrate Birch Bay Watershed Watchers volunteers from 12-3 p.m.

Whatcom County Public Works’ Kate Rice said event organizers were excited for both current and prospective volunteers to learn more about the program.

BBWARM began the watershed watchers in 2017 as a way to involve the public with Birch Bay water quality issues. Watershed watchers volunteers report stormwater problems and/or participate in the Adopt-a-Block program, which allows volunteers to adopt an area to keep clean.

People who want to clean up the beach will be provided with trash bags, gloves and trash grabbers. Several guided nature walks will be offered during the event and Bellingham’s West Coast Pops will be provided for a tasty treat. Event coordinators recommend wearing clothes that attendees don’t mind getting dirty.

Those interested in becoming a watershed watcher can also sign up online at bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org/get-involved/watershed-watchers or contact Whatcom County Public Works’ Kate Rice at 360/778-6302 and krice@co.whatcom.wa.us.