Birch Bay Watershed Watchers

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Birch Bay Watershed Watchers

October 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 September Litter Pick Up Hours!

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

October’s Theme: Find & Clear Storm Drains

Clogged storm drain and a clear storm drain

As we enter the rainy season, it’s important to ensure only rain goes down the drains. Surface water runoff flows into storm drains and makes its way to the nearest waterway, often with little or no treatment. This means that pollutants get washed into our creeks and Birch Bay. It’s also important to keep storm drains free of litter, leaves, and other debris because they can plug the drain and cause flooding.

Take a walk around your neighborhood to identify the storm drains. Can you safely clear them off? You can use a brush or broom to remove debris to prevent flooding. You can also call 360-778-6400 to report blocked drains.

Here are a few more tips to keep pollutants from entering our local waterways:

Pick up pet waste and put it in the trash
Care for your car
Collect and haul or properly compost yard debris
Plant native plants and cover bare soil with mulch
Don’t feed wildlife
Properly dispose of hazardous waste

Visit the Whatcom County Stormwater page for more information on how to keep stormwater clean.

Thanks for Taking the Car Care Pledge!

Photo of pop-up event tent along Birch Bay Berm Our staff celebrated Whatcom Water Week last month by talking with over 60 community members along the berm. We chatted about ways to prevent water pollution and tips on water use efficiency. Many people signed our car care pledge which asked people to wash their car responsibly, check for leaks, and check their tire pressure to help protect water quality. We also distributed some useful tools to help with car care, pet waste management, and water use efficiency.

Upcoming Events:

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!
Join BBWARM, Whatcom Conservation District, and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association at a Terrell Creek Restoration Party on November 19th and November 26th! Learn more and register on the NSEA website.

Please share this newsletter with your neighbors!

What is BBWARM?
The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District is the stormwater management district for the Birch Bay watershed managed by the Whatcom County Public Works Stormwater Division and a citizen advisory committee. BBWARM was established by the Whatcom County Council to address citizen concerns about water quality, flooding, and the loss of aquatic habitat. Visit our website to learn about BBWARM programs, history, and funding.

www.bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org