Work Parties in Review

Goats and Blackberries–August 2009

Out at the Ruth Kelsey Nature Sanctuary, the goats from Healing Hooves lent their considerable skills in vegetation management to the Whatcom Land Trust. Over the course of five days, open space was returned to the meadow that was once filled with Himalayan blackberry brambles. As it turns out, goats and sheep are a wonderful, natural tool for controlling unruly plant life. Thanks to their efforts, volunteers were then able to go in and dig up much of the remaining blackberry brambles with ease. If you’d like more information about the folks and goats at Healing Hooves, go to www.healinghooves.com.

Lily Point Marine Reserve–September 2009

On this beautiful September morning, volunteers ventured out to Lily Point on Point Roberts to help the Whatcom Land Trust control an English ivy infestation on the property. They sure had their work cut out for them! With their help, the Whatcom Land Trust pulled out and sawed (yes, sawed) through vines that cloak part of the shoreline and mature upland forests. The volunteers’ hard work is much appreciated for, given enough time, English ivy can smother and pull down mature trees. The Reserve provides crucial habitat to many species, including salmon. Birds such as bald eagles and blue herons have also been sighted here.

Mulka Barn Removal and Clean-up–Winter 2009-2010

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Located on the banks of the Samish River, the forested and open marsh wetlands of the Mulka preserve are home to a variety of species. Resident and migratory birds and waterfowl as well as fish, like rearing Coho salmon, call this place home. Our goal for this project was to restore open space by deconstructing the barn on the property. Over a period of several Saturday mornings throughout the winter, volunteers bent to the task of stacking lumber and pulling nails. What’s going to happen to the leftovers? Wood that is still in good shape will be reused. Scrap metal, like nails, will be recycled. WLT’s long-term goal is to restore and protect the preserve’s functioning habitat. Thanks to all you volunteers, we’re that much closer to our goal.

Holly Hunting at Jensen Family Forest Park–January 2010

Families from Whatcom County and the surrounding counties (even a few from British Columbia), hunted holly with the Whatcom Land Trust at the Jensen Family Forest Park. This picturesque little woodland area in northwest Whatcom County was having a bit of trouble from invasive holly, which we happily took care of. Parents and children alike worked hard, and by the end we had an impressive pile of holly. Thank you Whatcom County Parks and Recreation for coming out and taking care of the leftover debris! We appreciate your support.

Bat Houses at Ruth Kelsey Nature Sanctuary–February 2010

photos by: Genevieve Schmidt

On a cloudy morning in February, volunteers drilled posts, dug holes, and cranked socket wrenches in order to create habitat for native bats in Whatcom county. We had a lot of fun at this one. A total of five bat houses were set in place at Kelsey, each around three feet tall and two feet wide, with only 3/4 of an inch of space in between, for warmth.

When installing bat houses, they need to be placed at least 12 feet high above the ground, though 15-20 feet is ideal, with a 20-25 feet radius of space free of perches for potential predators. Place them on posts or on the side of a building, not it trees. In Washington, because of our latitude, bat houses should be painted black and facing south/southeast to soak up enough heat. For more information, Bat Conservation International’s website is extremely helpful. Find it at www.batcon.org.