September 2022
Monthly Newsletter with Birch Bay Watershed Watcher Updates

Want to see your Birch Bay photo in the newsletter? Submit your photos here.

Submit Your August Litter Pick Up Hours!

If you haven't done so yet, please take a few minutes to report your litter pick-up hours for August. Under "Adopt-a-Road Organization Name," you can type "Birch Bay Watershed Watchers." Click here and submit one activity report for each cleanup date.

September’s Theme: Get Ready for the Rain

Here are a few simple things you can do to prevent water pollution when the rain comes: 

• Check your car for leaks, keep your tires inflated, and wash your car at a commercial car wash
• Always scoop, bag, and trash your dog’s waste
• Properly dispose of your household hazardous waste
• Participate in Whatcom Water Week to learn about our local water systems. Visit the Whatcom Water Alliance website for more information and click here for a list of all events.  

Take the Hazardous Waste Survey!

We are interested in hearing about how you handle hazardous waste in your home.  By completing a short, online survey, you will be helping us develop an effective outreach program to help residents in our region understand how and where to dispose of common household items.

If you are interested in providing feedback for this important initiative, you may follow the link below and enter your survey code. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Online Survey Link: https://www.research.net/r/Whatcom2022

Survey Participation Code: WHAT9

Submit your “We Scoop” Photos!

Enter your best dog photos in the We Scoop Photo Contest. Your pup may join past winners as a star in our local scoop the poop ads. AND, this year, winners will receive a scooping prize pack! The contest ends on September 30th.

Visit the Scoop Poop website to enter. 

Why Does the Beach Stink?

Residents can’t help but notice the unpleasant smells that return to the beach each summer. People are often concerned that the smell is from a sewage leak, but more likely it is a sulfur gas produced as algae decays. Shallow water and excess nutrients can further promote algae growth. 

 Have you noticed pink scum on the water around Birch Bay beaches? This is purple sulfur bacteria, a type of bacteria that thrives in water with low levels of dissolved oxygen and high levels of sulfur. 

Visit these links for more information: 

• City of Blaine: What Stinks?
• Department of Ecology: Saltwater Beach Odors 
• Washington State Department of Health Blue-Green Algae
• CDC Information for Animal Owners

Upcoming Events:

• Registration for the10th Annual Run with the Chums 5k Fun Run/Walk is open! The run will take place on September 10th with start times at 9:30 and 10am. Visit the WCD website for more information. 
• Stop by our Stormwater Pop-Up Event on September 13th across from CJ's Beach House. We will have free car care and pet waste toolkits along with other pollution prevention materials.
• Submit your We Scoop photo entries and take the Scoop the Poop Pledge by September 30th to be entered to win some scooping prizes. 
• Join Whatcom Conservation District, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, and the Whatcom Land Trust in restoring salmon habitat along California Creek on October 15th as part of Orca Recovery Day!