Goldeneyes 2023-2024

Welcome to Explorers Club Season 4! This year, our technical and socio-emotional skill building will go hand-in-hand. We’ll begin the year learning about shelter building and how it takes a team to complete one full debris hut. We’ll move forward onto the art of carving and the prerequisite skills of body awareness, tool safety, and patience. Next, we’ll hop into medicinal plants and recall what we’ve learned about ethical harvest and plant ID. Our season will end with a challenging rock scramble along the coast that will deepen our connection to the wild and hone our sense of group support. 

All outings, including dates, times, locations, and staffing are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances and without notice. We will notify you of any changes as soon as possible.

Resources

Explorers Club Pack List

Mentor Contact Info

Lydia Houston (she/they) | lydia@wildwhatcom.org

Sarah McHugh (they/them) | sarah@wildwhatcom.org

OUTING 8  |  Saturday, May 11  |  10:00-4:00PM

EXPLORATION  |  Larrabee Coast Traverse 

Previous Explorers have made the momentous journey along the Salish Coast between Clayton Beach to Larrabee State Park and it is now time for our group to do the same. We'll embrace the low tide and get around a few jutting bluffs first thing. Once around the corner, the group will enter a rare section of wild space that is sheltered within the map of civilization. The route along the coast is so seldomly travelled by humankind that we’ll be bound to spot numerous eagles, crabs, herons, and seals. This day is unlike any of our other outings due to the challenging nature of rock scrambling and mentor guided climbing. It will require our Explorers to maintain a backcountry mindset as we move Slow and Low over the slippery, barnacle covered sandstone. It is very important to wear good hiking or walking shoes and may be helpful to have rubber gardening gloves to prevent barnacle cuts. Please pack closed-toed water shoes, a towel, and a bathing suit.

Drop-off Directions:  100-104 WA-11. From I-5, take exit 250 (Old Fairhaven Parkway/Chuckanut Dr). Head west on Old Fairhaven Parkway. Turn left at 12th St, then left again at next light onto Chuckanut Dr. for approx. 5.5 miles. The parking lot is a short distance past the main Larrabee State Park entrance. It will be on your left and is signed Lost Lake Parking Lot. Map.

Pick-up Directions: 245 Chuckanut Dr. From I-5 N, take exit 250 for Old Fairhaven Pkwy and turn west onto Old Fairhaven Pkwy.  At the traffic light, turn south onto 30th St and follow for ~1 mile. Turn west onto Old Samish Rd. After ~.5 miles, turn south onto WA-11/ Chuckanut Drive. Follow Chuckanut Dr for ~3.5 miles and then turn west on Cove Road. Turn south on Pleasant Bay Road, follow signs to the boat launch. Map.      

Reminder: A Discover Pass is required for all parking at Larrabee State Park. If you do not have a pass, please stay with your vehicle and plan to make drop-off and pick-up quick.

2024-2025

OUTING 1  |  SEPTEMBER  |  10:00 - 3:00 PM

SKILLS  |  NETTLE HARVEST AND SPIDERS WEB  |  NORTHRIDGE PARK

To begin our year, we will head to a patch of urban wilderness on the north side of town. On this outing, we will have the opportunity to get to learn more about one of our most useful local plants, stinging nettle, and one of the most invasive, English ivy! We’ll begin our nettle cordage projects on this outing but will need to let them cure over the year. After harvesting + processing nettles, we’ll break to play a huge game of Spiders Web! On our last outing of the year, we will utilize the nettles that we harvest this outing to create our own cordage. Please wear long sleeves to prevent stings while running through the forest, and bring garden gloves if you have them.

Directions: 3773 E McLeod Rd. From I-5, take exit 255 and head east on Sunset Drive for 1.7 miles. Turn R onto E McLeod Rd. After .4 miles pass the first entrance to Squalicum High and turn left into the Squalicum High School student parking lot. You’ll see tennis courts on your left and mentors will be waiting in the top parking lot. Map.

OUTING 2  |  OCTOBER  |  10:00 - 4:00 PM

HIKE  |  FRAGRANCE LAKE

For our second outing,, we’ll strap on our packs and lace up our boots for a day of hiking + reconnecting on the Fragrance Lake Trail. While this hike is a bit of a climb, Explorers in their fifth year of EC are certainly up to the challenge! Our time on the trail will be spent catching up with old buds and getting to know new friends. Along the way, we will practice our trail etiquette and the Do’s and Don’t of hiking in a group. In preparation for our season of fire skills, we’ll also work on our tree ID by identifying hemlock, cedar, and vine maple. Please come prepared with a hefty lunch + lots of H2O, rain gear, and a good pair of trail shoes or boots. If your kid is a squid, be sure to bring closed-toed water shoes and a bathing suit.

Directions: 100-104 WA-11. From I-5, take exit 250 (Old Fairhaven Parkway/Chuckanut Dr). Head west on Old Fairhaven Parkway. Turn left at 12th St, then left again at next light onto Chuckanut Dr. for approx. 5.5 miles. The parking lot is a short distance past the main Larrabee State Park entrance. It will be on your left and is signed Lost Lake Parking Lot. Map.

Reminder: A Discover Pass is required for all parking at state parks. If you do not have a Discover Pass, please stay with your vehicle and plan to make drop-off and pick-up quick.

OUTING 3  |  NOVEMBER  |  10:00 - 4:00 PM

EXPLORATION  |  FOLLOW WHATCOM CREEK TRAVERSE

As salmon swim upstream, so too will we be walking upstream on this urban exploration, following Whatcom Creek through downtown and into Whatcom Falls Park. We'll begin near the creek's mouth behind the Bellingham Public Library and follow it through the city, discussing the history of both, making observations and asking questions about what we encounter along the way. We’ll work together to navigate both physical and emotional landscapes as we traverse across space and time on this very special outing. 

Drop-off directions: Lottie St and N Commercial St. Head West on Lakeway Drive and continue for ~.3 miles. Lakeway will become Holly St, continue for ~.5 miles. Turn R onto Commercial St and follow for ~.3 miles. Drop off will be on the corner of Lottie St and Commercial St, behind the Bellingham Public Library- Central Branch.  Map. 

Pick-up directions: 1700 Silver Beach Rd. From I-5, take exit 253 (Lakeway Dr.). Head east on Lakeway Dr. for approx. 1.4 miles. Turn left onto Silver Beach Rd. and drive for .4 miles until you reach the parking lot near the playground and fish hatchery. Map.

OUTING 4  |  JANUARY  |  10:00 - 3:00 PM

SKILLS  |  KINDLING BUNDLES  |  LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN 

The art of making and tending fires is a true ancient skill of survival. We will start the day by reviewing our knowledge of tree and plant identification, reconnecting very specifically with the Western Hemlock. As we hike into the woods, we will begin to gather materials and learn how to create kindling bundles. Lessons of 'Leave No Trace,' and fire safety will be intentionally woven throughout the day. Hopefully, the group will leave this outing with an appreciation of the intricate art of fire-making and a firm knowledge of fire safety.

Directions: Lake Louise Rd at Gate 9. From I-5, exit 253. Drive east onto Lakeway Dr for ~3.4 miles. Turn R right onto Austin Street and drive for ~.5 miles. Follow onto Lake Louise Rd and drive for ~2.5 miles. Lookout Mountain Preserve parking lot will be on the right. Map.

OUTING 5  |  FEBRUARY  |  10:00 - 3:00 PM

SKILLS  |  TRI-STICKS & FIRE  |  LARRABEE STATE PARK

On this winter outing, the group will meet at Larrabee State Park for a day of skills practice and connection. We’ll continue our carving journey with some new knife techniques. We will need to remember that Slow is Fast if we hope to hone our whittling practice and bring some fire to our cold day Please send your Explorer with an empty mug for hot beverages and lots of warm, dry layers.

Directions: 245 Chuckanut Dr, Bellingham. From I-5, take exit 250 (Old Fairhaven Parkway/Chuckanut Dr.).  Head west on Old Fairhaven Parkway to 12th St. Turn left at 12th St and then veer left onto Chuckanut Dr. for approx. 5.0 miles. Turn right into the main park entrance and park in the first lot on the left. Map.

Reminder: A Discover Pass is required for all parking at state parks. If you do not have a Discover Pass, please stay with your vehicle and plan to make drop-off and pick-up quick.

OUTING 6  |  MARCH  |  TIME TBD

SERVICE  |  CONNELLY CREEK RESTORATION SITES

Explorers Club has two official restoration sites that we work on every year in partnership with the Bellingham Parks Department. In the decade-plus that EC has worked at Connelly Creek trailhead and Happy Valley park, the landscape of each site has changed dramatically. Explorers of all ages have helped to remove Himalayan blackberries and dig out their persistent roots. We’ve planted over 100 native plants, shrubs, and trees. Existing plant life has been freed of ivy, reed canary grass has been covered in mulch, and morning glory has been dug out by the root. Explorers have removed hundreds of pounds of trash and hauled almost 100 yards of mulch. 

With the help of Bellingham City Parks and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA), we are contributing to the very important work of salmon habitat restoration. Salmon are keystone species of the Northwest, playing important roles in every ecosystem and community they interact with. They are economically, culturally, and spiritually significant to Indigenous peoples, including our Lummi and Nooksack neighbors. Our restoration work creates a positive ripple effect that is felt in communities beyond just salmon and gives us an incredible opportunity to be part of a legacy of stewardship and protection. 

Please remember to print, sign, & bring the Park and Recreation’s Risk and Liability form to drop off.

Directions: South Bellingham Park and Ride (West). From I-5, take exit 250 (Old Fairhaven Parkway/Chuckanut Dr). Head west on Old Fairhaven Parkway for 0.1 mile. Turn north onto 30th St for 0.3 mile. Turn east on Donovan Ave. and drive for 0.1 mile. Turn south onto 32nd Ave. and drive for 0.2 of a mile. Turn east into Bellingham Park & Ride (WSDOT) westside lot. Map.  

OUTING 7  |  APRIL  |  10:00 - 4:00 PM

EXPLORATION  |  PLACE-BASED STORYTELLING  |  ST. CLAIR PARK

Time to put your imagination caps on, friends! This outing will be all about immersing ourselves in a woodland adventure that is meant to test our Explorers’ technical skills and deepen their communication as a group. The group will work together to solve various challenges, all with the goal of deciphering a coded message. Riddles, treasure maps, and fantastical thinking will abound on this day. Remember to bring your nature journal, a pencil, and an adventure item (cape, eye-patch, captain’s hat, staff/wand, etc) to this outing!

Directions: From I-5, take exit 254 (Iowa St.). Head east on Iowa St., to Woburn/Yew St intersection. Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto Yew St. for .5 miles. Turn right on Texas St. then right onto St Clair St. Follow to the end of the street. Parking lot will be on the right side. Map.

OUTING 8  |  MAY  |  10:00 - 3:00 PM

SKILLS  |  NETTLE CORDAGE AND CAMPFIRE CREATION  |  LILY AND LIZARD LAKE

Today Explorers will hike up to a beautiful mountain lake to build a fire, and weave together the moments of the past year. The fresh nettles we harvested and processed at the beginning of the year are now dried, cured, and ready to be twisted into strong and durable rope. We hope that this process of creating something from harvest to finished product will be a powerful experience of mindfulness, accomplishment, and tangible connection to nature. 

 Directions: Blanchard Mountain Trail Upper parking Lot. Take I-5 South to the Alger exit (240). Turn right onto Lake Samish Rd. Turn left onto Barrel Springs Rd. In another 0.7 mile, turn R on 5 Mi Blanchard Hilltrail, a good gravel logging road.  Pass the Lower Blanchard Mountain parking lot. At the T in the road, continue straight for the Upper Blanchard Mountain Trail parking lot. Map.

Reminder: A Discover Pass is required for all parking at State Parks. If you do not have a pass, please stay with your vehicle and plan to make drop-off and pick-up quick.

Questions

Please contact your group’s mentor(s) listed above or explorersclub@wildwhatcom.org.