Hello May! Climbing season is officially here! We had the largest group ever at our BMC Rock II field trip in Penticton, BC! A special thank you to Ted and Jen for organizing this trip over the past four years. See Branch News below for a picture of the group and a link to more photos of the trip.
This month we are starting the first of our Summer Potluck Series on the second Tuesday of the month. Nathan will host. If you’re interested in hosting June, July, August, or September, contact Alicia. Also, see below for details on hosting.
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Events
Summer Potluck Series
Tuesday, May 14 6:00pm-9:00pm
Whatcom Falls Park, Small Picnic Shelter off of Silver Beach
It’s that time of year again! We will be kicking off our summer potlucks with Nathan’s amazing cooking and grilling skills. You don’t want to miss this one.
Our monthly potluck is a great time to get together, catch up, eat delicious food, and plan outings. Bring your family, friends, furry sidekicks and bring a side dish or dessert to share.
Extended Rappel Refresher @ Potluck
Each month during our potlucks a skills refresher will be set up near the picnic shelter. This month we’ll be looking at extended rappel. The extended rappel was a new standard practice at our branch in 2018. This year the set up has changed slightly. This is a great opportunity for learn and/or review the latest procedure.
NEEDED! Potluck Hosts
Contact Alicia to sign up!
Calling all grill masters and non-masters. We need volunteers to host our potlucks on June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10. The hosts purchase and grill the main dish. They will receive a $30 gift card for Fred Meyer. All grilling supplies, plates, and cutlery are provided.
Lost Ledge Boulders Work Party and Climbing Party ⛏️🧗
Thursday – Friday, May 8 – 10 9:00am-3:00pm
Meet at Rock Trailhead (at the top of Cleater Road)
Join the VITAL #bellingham community to help build access trails to local climbing area Lost Ledge Boulders at Larrabee State Park on May 8-10, 9am-3pm. You don’t have to stay the whole time. They are meeting at the rock trail head at the top of Cleater Road. Usually if the weather is good, people climb afterward! All you need is work gloves and work clothes (closed toed shoes etc)
If you can make it any of the days, let Art know by emailing him at art@vitalclimbinggym.com.
MTB Setup & Fit Tips for New Riders
Wednesday, May 15 6:30pm-7:30pm
Prime Sports Institute
New to mountain biking but curious or confused on how to set your bike up to improve your riding? Join licensed coach and professional mountain biker Spencer Paxson in this free seminar designed to help new riders improve their understanding of fundamental bike setup and fit.
Conservation
WTA: Find a Work Party
Washington Trails Association is offering over 70 stewardship options this month! Multiple local work parties are located in Larrabee State Park, Sehome Hill Arboretum and Oyster Dome.
WLT: Find a Work Party
Whatcom Land Trust is offering three work parties during the month of May!
Public Input
The Excelsior Mine located in the Mt. Baker Ranger District of the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is undergoing testing to allow possible reopening of the mine. Click on this link to find out more details on the proposal and an opportunity to add your voice.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is beginning a trail planning process at Larrabee State Park and they need your help. The trail planning committee is asking for public input. In addition to other items this planning process will identify and address:
- Current trail uses
- Trail system mapping
- Relationship to other nearby trail systems
- Healthy interaction between user groups
Adventure Scientists
In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Adventure Scientists is recruiting, training, and managing volunteers to gather tree tissue samples which researchers will use to develop genetic and other chemical-signature reference libraries. The developed libraries will enable scientists to identify the species and origin of traded wood products and aid customs officers in the forensic validation of a suspicious shipment. This will help officers enforce illegal logging legislation, empower responsible buyers, and thwart dishonest harvesters in the illegal timber trade. Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved!
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.
