Wild Work & Community Connections

Since 2021, the Institute has provided paid service days to our staff. We encouraged everyone to use those hours to volunteer with a local nonprofit organization or government agency of their choice each year. Here are some of the creative ways that this benefit contributed to our local community – read on to learn more about our staff’s contributions over the last several months.

In October, Jodi joined North Cascades National Park biologist Roger Christophersen on Ross Lake to install five remote sensing cameras to track winter wildlife activity. Placed off Big Beaver Trail, at Hozomeen, and along Lightning Creek Trail, the cameras help monitor species like wolves, using trail intersections to increase detection chances. With lake levels unusually low, navigating stumps and rocks added a challenge. Despite this, the team enjoyed crisp weather, vibrant foliage, abundant mushrooms, and signs of wildlife—including recent cougar scrapes that added a bit of tension to the trip.

Britt joined the Mountaineers’ Carbon Footprint Reduction Committee quarterly meeting to present energy usage data before and after upgrades at the Seattle and Tacoma Program Centers. In her first six months on the committee, Britt analyzed historic energy data to guide upcoming upgrades. The improvements will help Mountaineers facilities serve as microgrids, providing emergency power to surrounding communities—boosting energy resilience in the region.

Last Spring, Sammy and Aubrey volunteered at Indralaya, a theosophical community on Orcas Island dedicated to intentional living in harmony with nature. They helped revitalize the garden alongside longtime community members—planting, weeding, and spreading woodchips. Working shoulder to shoulder, they heard stories from volunteers with deep roots in Indralaya and Orcas Island.

Hannah took part in the North Cascades National Park’s 2024 EMS refresher course as a volunteer EMT. The training covered CPR, allergies, strokes, and airway management through lectures and real-life scenarios, led by ER doctors, paramedics, and NPS staff. 

Althea volunteered at the City of Ferndale’s Zombie 5K Fun Run, checking waivers, handing out bibs, and directing over 100 runners and walkers as they were (slowly) chased by volunteer zombies—a lighthearted morning full of community energy.

Althea also supported the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention’s annual auction in Bellingham, assisting with raffle sales, bid tracking, and event setup. SPARK, a nonprofit science and history museum, offers hands-on experiences and is a popular school field trip destination.

Christian volunteered to spin tunes and raise spirits at the Noisy Waters Mural Festival produced by Paper Whale, an nonprofit organization focused on bringing art to Bellingham’s waterfront. The event featured a mural competition, workshops, music and live painting from the “Indigeversal Collective,” a group of Indigenous artists representing tribes from across North America.

Annabelle joined a National Park Service restoration team on Sahale Arm, working with experts in trails, wilderness, archaeology, and Mike Brondi. Their goal was to restore subalpine meadows damaged by unofficial “social trails” by planting native species like huckleberries and blueberries. After a rainy hike in, the skies cleared to reveal brilliant fall colors. The team transformed worn paths into freshly planted habitat and noted future restoration spots before hiking out through the fog. Annabelle left hopeful the young plants would thrive under winter snow.

Eva spent a Saturday volunteering with the City of Bellingham and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, removing invasive species and planting native plants along Whatcom Creek. The work supported vital riparian habitat and was a great way to stay connected with local restoration efforts.

Eva also joined a Washington Trails Association work party on Blanchard Mountain, helping build a new trail and learning how proper drainage is planned and implemented.

Neal volunteered at the River Farm, an Evergreen Land Trust property in Van Zandt. He and others helped winterize the site—taking down a large tent, storing gear, and sharing a hearty harvest lunch. River Farm regularly hosts outdoor learning, including Whatcom Intergenerational High School’s “Forest Camp” and offers diverse ecosystems to explore.

Last winter, Hannah was back at it again, supporting Kitsap County’s Severe Weather Shelter system, volunteering weekly at the Kingston shelter. Her shifts—ranging from intake to overnight support and cleanup—helped provide beds, meals, and hot showers for those seeking warmth and safety during freezing temperatures.

Lindsey joined the Padilla Bay Stewards for a restoration day at the Padilla Bay Nature Preserve. Despite windy, rainy conditions, the group planted Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, Red Alder, Dogwood, and Lady Ferns across the site. The day offered a chance to learn more about the impactful work being done through Padilla Bay’s Stewardship Program.

Last but not least, Jason supported the WWU Dance Department during a collaborative performance between Advanced Ballet students and Electroacoustic Music student at the Performing Arts Center. The original works explored themes of past and future across both disciplines, with lighting design by Declan Sava. Jason helped set up the space, photographed the event over three hours, and contributed editing and post-production to support the department’s documentation of the performance.