For this Valentine’s Day, we asked our community to write love letters to the land they love. Here is the growing collection.

In 2017, local science educator Michael Jay put an idea on paper: “What if my family’s land along Kinney Creek could become an environmental education site?” Eight years later, thanks to a partnership between the Jay family, Whatcom Land Trust, Explorations Academy,...

In March 2025, Patricia Otto signed a Conservation Easement with Whatcom Land Trust legally protecting 100-acre Agate Pond Preserve forever – The forests and wetlands she conserved and stewarded for 40 years.

By Rich Bowers, Whatcom Land Trust (Retired Executive Director & Past Board Member) Ellen and Gary Gehling built their home along the banks of the Nooksack River. Their view looks out over the North Fork of the river, and the adjacent one-hundred-and-eleven acres...

Volunteers are at the heart of Whatcom Land Trust’s work, caring for the land every single day. Listen to Janet’s story to learn why she gives her valuable time to help restore Whatcom County’s special places.

How community partners rallied together to protect Bellingham’s recreation hub – Forever. On Galbraith Mountain, conservation, recreation and working timberland coexist in harmony. Just a short walk from downtown Bellingham, Galbraith is a world-class destination for...

After removing a structure in disrepair, the Trust is working with volunteers to maintain critical wildlife habitat and conserve wetlands that provide a buffer from impacts of sea level rise. On a cold January morning, Stewardship Director Jennifer Mackey bundled up...

Whatcom Land Trust’s community partnership with Explorations Academy   It’s a stormy December day at Whatcom Land Trust’s California Creek property. Fifteen middle and high school aged students, clad in rain gear, are planting saplings across an open field....

Why South Fork salmon are facing an uphill battle and how community partners are working together to try and save them.

A partnership with local farmers Katie and Matthew to benefit salmon and create affordable farmland. By Lorraine Wilde and Aneka Sweeney It takes a village to build a farm and keep it viable long-term. In 2015, Katie Pencke and Matthew McDermott founded Alluvial...