On May 30, the second annual Arboretum Day at Western Washington University aims to educate volunteers about Sehome Hill Arboretum’s existence and function through a variety of activities. From hiking to restoration efforts, students and faculty from the Ecological Restoration Club and College of the Environment will guide volunteers through activities from 9 a.m. to noon.
The work party will focus on mulching The Outback Farm and removing ivy and invasive blackberries. Activities will follow the work party, featuring hikes led by Ecological Restoration Club member Leah Brown, live music from Western Americana Music Group and 150 free meals from the Common Threads Farm’s food truck.
The hikes will rotate every 45 minutes from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., supported by Western’s Bird Club and faculty from the ecology and geology departments, and supplemented by live music. The food truck will be on campus between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“Last year, arb day was really fun, and we’ve learned a lot about how to plan and execute it, so my hopes for this year are even higher,” Brown said.
Caleb Barville, co-founder of Western’s Ecological Restoration Club, is nearing graduation and embracing a greater guiding responsibility.
“My role is mainly a mentor,” Barville said. “I’m trying to prepare the new leaders of the club to organize and run events.”
Barville said he hopes to inspire people to organize more events like Arboretum Day, ones that bring people together through shared values, like caring for the planet – especially the Arboretum, since it’s right next to campus.
According to Barville, attendance at the club’s weekly work parties fluctuates, but sunny days seem to have the most volunteers.
“Our weekly Friday work parties have between 20 and 40 volunteers every week,” Barville said. “There’s typically new faces every week.”
The City of Bellingham’s Parks and Recreation Department will also contribute to the May 30 work party.
“We’re working with the City of Bellingham to host a work party, which will draw its own crowd separate from Western students,” Barville said.
Outside the annual arb day, Barville said the club works on a different site each week.
“We have 14 sites that our club manages, ranging from just simple removal of invasive plant species to replanting of native plant species, mulching, erosion control and all kinds of things that help with restoration of this forest ecosystem,” Barville said.
Cassie Paetkau, a third-year Western student, is training to become the club’s event chair as Barville graduates this quarter.
Paetkau said she is nervous about her upcoming position change, but she is excited for what she has prepared for arb day.
Located behind Buchanan Towers on Western’s campus, the 9 a.m. work party begins prior to the main activities of Arboretum Day.
Jamie Reed is a campus life reporter. She is a third-year public relations major with a minor in anthropology. She likes to draw and listen to music while enjoying the sun when it’s out. You can reach her at jamiereed.thefront@gmail.com.
