 | Description | |
| The public is invited to "It's Your Arboretum", an event sponsored by the City of Bellingham, the Sehome Arboretum Board of Governors and WWU "Outdoor Science Learning Resources" students. The Sehome Hill Arboretum is a 175.5 acre native plant arboretum open to the public to enjoy a natural Western Washington forest community. The Arboretum is jointly owned by Western Washington University and the City of Bellingham and is governed by the Arboretum Board of Governors. The long range plan for the Arboretum is to allow the forest to follow its natural successional path, undisturbed by surrounding development. The summit of Sehome Hill is 620 feet above sea level and a view tower provides spectacular views of the San Juan Islands and the Cascade Mountains. Sehome Hill was logged during the 1870's and is now covered almost completely with a lowland mixed forest characterized by Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Big Leaf Maple, Red Alder and Black Cottonwoods. There are approximately 5.9 miles of trails in the Arboretum, many of which were originally constructed as roadways for logging, stone quarrying and pleasure driving. "It's Your Arboretum" will include the following activities: Geologic Tour: See evidence in the rocks of a 50 million year old massive floodplain. Follow the geologic history of this ancient river system that includes coal deposits through the effects of a more recent mile-thick ice sheet that sculpted the present shape of Sehome Hill. Birding by Ear: June is a great month for experiencing the wonderful sounds of local resident birds and their far-traveled visitors. Learn to use your ears to identify thrushes, warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers and more. Plants Both Welcome and Not: Have you ever wondered what happens after a clear cut? If so, you're invited to join native plant specialists from Plantas Native LLC, in an exploration of the regenerative patterns right here in "Your Arboretum". Each of these tours will be conducted at 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. so participants have the opportunity to attend all three. For youngsters there will be face painting, t-shirt stenciling, tactile walks and story telling throughout the event. Enjoy "Grandpa's Geetars" from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., a bluegrass and old time band as they entertain in the Outdoor Learning Center. Access the Sehome Hill Arboretum off Bill McDonald Parkway across from 25th Street. The headquarters for "It's Your Arboretum" will be in the Outdoor Learning Center located on the Huntoon Trail in the western part of the Arboretum. Signs will direct participants. Parking is available in designated areas at the base of the hill as well as the upper parking lot. | |
| Time | |
 | Start: 01:00 PM | |
| End: 04:00 PM | |
| Location | |
| Sehome Hill Arboretum | |
| Contact | |
| Parks & Recreation Main Office | |
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