WNPS: Native Plant Stewardship Course

2114 Electric Avenue, Bellingham WA

19 August, 2021

Description

The Native Plant Stewardship Program returns this fall! This no-cost course combines classroom learning with field trips to enrich understanding of the key roles that native plants play in our forests, rivers, shorelines, and other vital habitats, and shows how to use this knowledge to help protect and restore these habitats. The course provides 30 hours of learning including identification of important native and invasive plants, key wildlife-habitat relationships, restoration skills, and other topics. Home study of selected readings and videos supports classroom topics. In return, participants agree to provide 30 hours of service to local conservation and restoration projects within 18 months of completing the course. Benefits: This program is part of the Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) Native Plant Stewardship Program. Participants who complete the training will be recognized as a WNPS Native Plant Steward and will have the opportunity to become a Park Steward with the Bellingham Parks Volunteer Program. When: This 6-week program meets in and around Bellingham Class dates: Aug 19-Sept 23, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. (Thursdays) Field trips: Aug 28, Sept 11, and Sept 18 (Saturdays) The Stewardship Program instructor is an Adjunct Professor at WWU’s Huxley College of the Environment and is a long-time WNPS member. He grew up in Whatcom County and has been studying the region’s flora and fauna for nearly 30 years. Cost: There is no tuition, but participants must be members of the Washington Native Plant Society and agree to provide 30 hours of service to local conservation and restoration projects within 18 months of completing the course. The cost for WNPS membership starts at $20. It’s easy to join! Visit Applications are open to anyone! For more information on how to apply, please visit A more detailed outline of the course can be found here: Hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) and The City of Bellingham, in partnership with other local conservation organizations.