January 2022 Quarterly Newsletter with Lake Whatcom Watershed Updates
Photo by Dean Coffman
Plan Now for Spring Native Landscaping Projects!
Dreaming of spring? Now is a great time to start planning a native landscaping project. Native plants are beautiful, low maintenance, and attract birds and wildlife. Landscaping with native plants and low-phosphorus mulch is also an easy way to help protect Lake Whatcom. Native landscaping filters water and recycles nutrients to reduce the amount of pollution flowing into the lake.
The Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program offers eligible homeowners project design assistance and financial support to install native landscaping. Learn more at www.lakewhatcomHIP.org.
The Whatcom Conservation District 2022 Native Plant Sale offers an easy and affordable way to order native plants for spring planting. Online pre-order is required by March 7 with pick up scheduled March 19-20. There is a $50 minimum purchase required and all plants meet HIP requirements. Learn more at https://whatcomcd.org/plant-sale.
Join the Lake Whatcom Watershed Watchers
Flooded roads and homes can be dangerous and costly. When flooding happens, local governments need to know about it. But we can’t be everywhere at once.
Drop Off Hazardous Waste at the Disposal of Toxics Facility
Do you have old paint, cleaning supplies, lawn and garden chemicals, or other household hazardous waste to get rid of? Drop them off at the Disposal of Toxics Facility next to the Bellingham Airport at 3505 Airport Drive. It’s free and easy.
They are open the first Saturday of each month and weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We’ve received reports of two docks that came loose and washed up on shore during recent winter storms. If you have any information on which properties may have lost a dock, please email Ingrid Enschede at IEnsched@co.whatcom.wa.us . Also, don't forget to inspect your dock regularly to make sure it’s securely anchored in place.
Financial Assistance Available for Septic Owners
Financial assistance is available to help with the cost of septic maintenance, repairs, and replacements. Rebates of up to $200 are available to offset evaluation and maintenance costs. If your system needs more significant fixes, the Craft 3 loan program is available to help finance the repair or replacement of your system . Visit www.whatcomcounty.us/septic for more information.
Whatcom County Public Works produces the Lake Whatcom Lowdown with funding from Whatcom County's Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility. Funding from the utility enhances Whatcom County's outreach for Lake Whatcom watershed residents. Visit our website to learn more.
