So many good things are happening around Fidalgo — walks, talks, educational opportunities and rewarding experiences!
Below are some highlights of events coming up that we believe may be of interest to Transition folks.
Transition Fidalgo and Friends’
Monthly Gathering Presentation:
Changing Wildfire, Changing Forests—Climate, Fire,
and Vegetation in the Pacific Northwest
Presented by Dave Peterson, Professor of Forest Biology, UW
Tuesday, September 24, 6:30 pm,
Anacortes Senior Center, 1701 22nd St.
Climate change, as it affects extreme weather and wildfire, will be a dominant influence on the future structure and composition of forest ecosystems. This presentation explores historical relationships between fire and forests in the Pacific Northwest as a context for recent fire patterns, then projects how climate change is expected to alter forest ecosystems. Management and policy options for reducing fire risk in forests and human communities will be evaluated.
Dave Peterson is Professor of Forest Biology at the University of Washington, School of 
Environmental and Forest Sciences, and emeritus Senior Research Scientist with the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station. He has conducted research on fire science and climate change throughout the western United States, has published 230 scientific articles and four books, and as a contributing author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He currently works on climate change assessment and adaptation on Western federal lands. Dave lives on his family’s tree farm in Skagit County, Washington.
Also, Jack Hartt will be sharing briefly about the Forest Monitoring project in the ACFL as conducted by the Fidalgo Forest Stewards this year.
Other Events of Interest
Fix-It Days
September 28
Last Saturday of each summer month
10 – 2 at the
Farmer’s Marker, Anacortes
This is the 8th year that Transition Fidalgo & Friends has held the popular Fix It Days events at the Anacortes Farmers Market. Fix It Days is a public service to our community, where friends and neighbors from our area bring their broken appliances, lamps, electronics, etc. to be repaired. In return for repairing an item, we ask that a donation be made to support the continued sustainability work of Transition Fidalgo & Friends.
For Transition Fidalgo & Friends, the Fix It Days program is a three-way win-win. First, we provide a way for people to avoid throwing away items that, in many cases, only need a simple repair, thus avoiding the need to purchase a replacement. Second, we reduce our solid waste problem by keeping items out of the landfill that still have life left in them. Third, TF&F is able to support a successful program that addresses the growing homeless problems in our community. Our goal of creating a sustainable and resilient community will require solutions to both these problems.
Climate Strike March,
to be held Friday September 20 in Anacortes and around the world.
More details to come
Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Volunteer Science Events:
Sept 26, Thursday, 9am –12pm
Invasive snail monitoring
Oct 5, Saturday, 9am –1pm
Monitoring cedar trees
Padilla Bay Reserve is starting two new long term research projects and is looking for volunteers to help gather data.
Join us Thursday, September 26 to help us better understand the life history and ecological role of the invasive turret snail (Batillaria) on our mudflats. You’ll need knee-high rubber boots or hip waders for this project. Crew size is limited, so RSVP.
On Saturday, October 5, join us as we start a research project to understand how climate change is affecting our trees and forest species. We’ve seen dozens of cedars die recently. We’ll document the current size and condition of cedars and other trees, which will help us recognize future changes, and learn how to help the forest adapt.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older (sorry, it’s a requirement of our insurance).
Please RSVP for either event: for info on where to meet and what to bring, please email Roger Fuller at rfuller@padillabay.gov, or call 360-428-1098.
Anacortes Science Café
September 19, 4 pm
Johnny Picasso’s
Friends of the Forest
Sugarloaf Sunset Hike
- Thursday, October 10, 2019
- 5:15 PM 7:15 PM
This hike is about 2 miles roundtrip with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain. Join us for a hearty hike to the top of sugarloaf for a calm October sunset. The challenging hike up is rewarded with a stunning summit view of the San Juan islands and Olympic mountains. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring your head lamps or flashlight for the return trip down after the sun has set for the night. Meet at the Ray Auld Drive parking lot.
Our hikes are for humans only; please leave your pets at home.
The Sugarloaf Sunset Hike is listed as Challenging: can be challenging for unconditioned hikers. Generally 4-7 miles roundtrip with moderate to significant elevation gain. Steady and often steep inclines. May include difficult terrain or obstacles throughout.
8th Fidalgo Shoreline Academy
October 19, 2019
Join us for a day of discovery as we explore our vibrant connection to the shoreline environment.
Keynote Address: Love and Beauty in the Time of Turbulence
Presented by Jack Hartt
Information on all speakers and presentations HERE
Location: NW Educational Services District building, 1601 R Ave., Anacortes.
Skagit Audubon:
15th Annual Puget Sound Bird Fest (Fri. Sep 13, – Sunday Sep 15, 2019 9:00 am)
SCHREIBERS MEADOW HIKES (Wed. Sep 18, 2019 7:30 am)
NORTH BAKER LAKE (Wed. Sep 25, 2019 8:00 am)
Sauk Mountain Parking Area for Raptors (Wed. Sep 25, 2019 9:00 am)
Workshop: Improving Forest Health and Fire Resistance in a Changing Climate – Lopez Island
Sat, Oct 26, 10:00am
Midnight’s Farm, Lopez, WA
Free
ALL IN for Climate Action Week (Bellingham)
Sept. 21, 2019 (Sat)
Climate Action for Peace – Int’l Day of Peace
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21
Location: The Majestic Ballroom (1027 N Forest St, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: The Whatcom Peace and Justice Center has been celebrating the International Day of Peace for the past 17 years. This year’s theme is Climate Action for Peace, in recognition of the importance of combatting climate change to protect and promote peace throughout the world. Join us for keynote speakers, live music, poetry, and a silent auction.
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Sept. 23 to Sept. 29, 2019 (all week)
Climate Action Week Social Media Campaigns
Description: Follow the Port of Bellingham and Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) on social media to see daily posts about various climate action topics during ALL IN for Climate Action Week.
Sept. 23, 2019 (Mon)
ALL IN for Climate Action Week Kick-off
Time: 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23
Location: Council Chambers at Bellingham City Hall (210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: Learn about all of the progress that has been made towards the City’s climate action goals during a presentation at the City Council Regular Meeting, which will include Mayor Linville reading a Climate Action Week proclamation. Meeting materials can be viewed online after the meeting when available.
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Sept. 23, 2019 (Mon)
“Racing Extinction” – A Documentary
Time: 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23
Location: Pickford Film Center (1318 Bay Street, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: In “Racing Extinction”, a team of artists and activists exposes the hidden world of extinction with unforgettable images that will change the way we see the planet. This documentary will awaken the senses of every compassionate human. While the movie is free, a ticket is required. It can be picked up ahead of time at the Pickford.
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Sept. 24, 2019 (Tue)
Climate Action for Smart Businesses
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24
Location: Squalicum Boathouse (2600 N Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: Smart businesses are leading the country in climate action. Join the Port of Bellingham and Sustainable Connections over lunch to learn how your business can sign up to save energy, money, and be a leader in climate change. Lunch will be provided!
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Sept. 24, 2019 (Tue)
Bringing Climate Action Home: An Energy Efficiency and Home Improvement Fair
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24
Location: Building Performance Center (3406 Redwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: Are you interested in improving the energy efficiency of your home? Local energy professionals and contractors will be on hand at this interactive event to educate about the basics of home performance and ways to reduce energy consumption.
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Sept. 24, 2019 (Tue)
Celebrating Earth, Our Common Home
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24
Location: Lairmont Manor (405 Fieldston Road, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: Climate change is one of the key moral issues of our time, and it is essential that faith communities be fully involved and mobilized. This will be a non-denominational service led by local faith leaders from several faith traditions. We will gather to celebrate our common home, Earth, and commit to our moral responsibility to protect it.
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Sept. 25, 2019 (Wed)
E-Bike Ride
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25
Location: Bellingham High School parking lot (2020 Cornwall Ave)
Description: Bring your electric bike and join Whatcom Smart Trips for a ride around town! On the ride we’ll cover how to use the green bike boxes, navigating intersections, choosing good routes and more. Ride will start and end at the parking lot at Bellingham High School. This is a great ride for new e-bike riders who want to learn more about the rules of the road and the best routes.
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Sept. 26, 2019 (Thu)
Shared Electric Scooter Demonstration
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26
Location: The Granary Building (1211 Granary Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: Hosted by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, the goal of this event is to introduce our community to shared e-scooter technology and provide an opportunity for Q&A about how shared micro-mobility works. All participants 18 and older will have a chance to try an e-scooter on the newly completed cycle tracks by Waypoint Park. Helmets and instruction provided.
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Sept. 26, 2019 (Thu)
Green Power X (GPX)
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26
Location: Aslan Depot (1322 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: GPX brings you fast paced ideas from Bellingham energy experts for achieving a better energy future. In a “TEDx” style slam, hear about district energy, solarize business campaign, renewable energy projects and much more. Learn, mingle with energy experts, and meet WWU’s newest Professor of Energy Studies, Froylan Sifuentes. Note: This event is being held at a 21+ taproom.
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Sept. 26, 2019 (Thu)
Help Telegraph Townhomes Go Solar!
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26
Location: Cordata Presbyterian Church (400 Meadowbrook Ct, Bellingham, WA 98226)
Description: Join Habitat for Humanity & Ecotech Solar for a free workshop to learn how solar can work in your home; & how you can help the Telegraph Townhome Community go solar! Ecotech experts will give you all the details on federal tax incentives, energy savings, & easy financing options.
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Sept. 26, 2019 (Thu)
Go Solar, Save the Planet, Save Money Workshop
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26
Location: Firehouse Events Center (1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: This workshop will include a presentation that discusses solar, how it works, how utility power uses fossil fuels, the impact that carbon emissions have on the climate, how residential and commercial solar makes a bigger impact than people might think, how solar benefits the local economy, and the simple and affordable steps towards going solar.
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Sept. 26, 2019 (Thu)
A Moral Case for Climate Action
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26
Location: Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship (1207 Ellsworth St, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: Join Betsy Gross and Jayne Freudenberger from the Climate Reality Project Bellingham Chapter as they show video excerpts of Dr. William Barber’s speech at the Climate Reality Leadership Conference 2019. His speech urges us to recognize the impacts that climate change has on poor and indigenous people, who have contributed the least to it.
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Sept. 27, 2019 (Fri)
Scavenger Hunt by WTA Bus
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27
Location: Downtown Bellingham Bus Station (205 E Magnolia St)
Description: Learn how to ride the bus on this fun guided trip. This is a great trip for getting a view of both the Gold and Green Go Lines, two of the most used bus routes in Bellingham. We’ll have a list of “scavenger hunt” clues to help you identify popular spots along the routes. Bus passes provided, or use your Gold Card if you have one. Meet at Gate 8 at 2pm sharp. Everyone welcome.
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Sept. 27, 2019 (Fri)
Climate Action Week Work Party with NSEA
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27
Location: NSEA campus (3057 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226)
Description: Join the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) on their campus for an opportunity to learn about NSEA and local salmon recovery efforts by taking part in activities that help maintain their native plant nursery. NSEA’s native plant stock is an integral part of their restoration efforts to support healthy salmon habitat while also sequestering carbon.
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Sept. 27, 2019 (Fri)
Netse Mot: One Mind for Xw’ullemy (the Salish Sea)
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27
Location: Blaine Fishing Pier (End of Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230)
Description: Join us by land or sea at the border to show that there is no border when it comes to protecting the Salish Sea! Tribal leaders will speak, and will stand with NGO’s and faith communities, to address the question “What can be done to save the Salish Sea?” Music by the Blackhawk Singers.
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Sept. 28, 2019 (Sat)
Little Squalicum Park Restoration Work Party
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28
Location: Little Squalicum Park (640 Marine Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: Are you ready to take real action against climate change? Join us at Little Squalicum Park where we will help prevent invasive plants such as Himalayan blackberry, clematis, and English Ivy from dominating this restoration site and preventing native plants from improving water quality and sequestering carbon.
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Sept. 28, 2019 (Sat)
Kids Art Contest at the Farmers Market
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28
Location: Depot Market Square (1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: WTA is seeking works of art from kids 10 or younger, to be enlarged and permanently displayed on three brand new buses. The theme is “I Love Nature.” Kids will create their works of art while sitting on a WTA bus, parked at the Bellingham Farmers Market. Art supplies will be provided.
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Sept. 28, 2019 (Sat)
E-Bike Demos
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28
Location: Boundary Bay Brewery (1107 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225)
Description: Curious about e-bikes? Stop by and take one for a spin down to the new cycle track on the waterfront or up the new bike lane on Chestnut. E-bikes are a great solution for longer commutes and hills. Helmets provided but bring your own if you choose. Bike buddies will be on hand for support if needed.