March
Have you been putting your Gore-Tex to good use, or getting muddy on some trails? It may still be wet outside, but the days are getting longer! In this month’s newsletter we have the annual Gear Swap, more info about the uphill training series and the winter speaker series has another interesting presentation. Lastly, there is a new way to stay in touch and go climbing together.
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Branch News & Events
Tues, March 3, 6:00 – 9:00pm @ Downtown YMCA Mezzanine Room
Everybody has some gear that is gathering dust. Give that gear a chance for further adventure, and bring it down to the annual Gear Swap. Anyone is welcome to sell and buy items at this event. Have some gear you want to sell? Please, bring it along. Also, you’ll need your ID as the YMCA requires it for entry beyond the check in desk.
Uphill Training Series
Orientation and Baseline Fitness Assessment
Pine and Cedar Trailhead, March 5th, 5:30pm
The Uphill Training Series Orientation and Baseline Fitness Assessment Hike is coming up! Wether you plan to join the series or hike on an individual basis, we hope you make it to this first meet up.
What to Bring: Bring your 10 essentials, especially a headlamp and a weighted pack consisting of 20% body weight. Gallon water jugs work well for this purpose. We will have a pack scale at the trailhead. If you have one, bring a heart rate monitor device but this is not required.
See you at the trailhead!
Lead by our Hiking Committee Chair
Will Hill
Email: dubyuhill@gmail.com
Winter Speaker Series
Three Fingers Lookout: Tales of a Cascades Treasure
Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 – 8:30pm @ Backcountry Essentials
Come to Backcountry Essentials March 10th, and hear the next session in the Winter Speaker Series. Malcolm is such a wealth of fascinating information on the Three Fingers Fire Lookout that an hour presentation won’t nearly do it justice. You don’t want to miss this one!
Avalanche Awareness!
The Basic Course just wrapped up an awesome Avalanche Awareness Field Trip, ending in a snowy hike up to a sunny Artist Point. A perfect day!
There are lots of other great opportunities for our community to learn how to stay safe in the back country. Look out for more chances to take advantage of AIARE 1 courses and beyond. Keep an eye out for more information in the fall.
WeClimb Google Group
A new Google group has been created so all graduated or equivalent members of the Bellingham Mountaineers can have a central place to stay connected. Members can advertise climbs and other activities, look for partners, and send your unofficial trip reports. If you have not been added to the WeClimb google group, please contact Krissy.
Monthly Branch Meeting
Tuesday, March 31 @ 6:00pm set up/ social time
6:30pm Start
YMCA Mezzanine Meeting Room
Fridays at the YMCA with Vamos Outdoors
Jan 17 – Mar 6
Apr 17 – Jun 12
The Bellingham Mountaineers have partnered with Vamos Outdoors Project to
connect Latinx and English Language Learners with climbing education. We will be looking for volunteer belayers. If you’re interested in helping, contact Krissy or be on the lookout for a signup email.
Conservation
Thank you for all your hard work with conservation!! Some of our Basic students have already started doing some volunteering. The next couple of months will be centered around public input and protecting our public lands. Friendly reminder: work parties are a great way to stay in shape throughout the fall and winter
Public Input
Election year can be dicey to navigate (to say the least) so here is a legislative trail map! This link allows you to stay informed on legislation specific to Washington conservation efforts that will be on the ballot in 2020 as well more information on stewardship, comment letters, etc.
Conservation Course
At a time when public lands and waters are under unprecedented attack, the outdoor community needs the knowledge and resources to protect the outdoor experience. That’s why we’re launching Outdoor Advocates Network, a resource where you can learn about and take action to champion our public lands.
Outdoor Advocates Network features Protecting Public Lands 101, an eLearning course which breaks down the basics of our national public lands system and empowers you to take part in advocacy efforts. It also features an Action Center, where you can check out some of our nation’s most pressing public lands issues and make your voice heard. We’re excited to pilot our eLearning experience and look forward creating more classes and adding more resources to grow this program.
Community Events
Community Events
Native Plant Sale – March 28
Work Party to restore Salmon Habitat – March 21
Build a Planter Box; a Women Build Workshop – March 25