Service at Woodstock Farm: 11.19.16

Four GEC groups contributed joyful purpose to our shared service day, taking pride in our new role as caretakers of Woodstock Farm.

At our gathering meeting, we learned about the history of this place and the role of generosity and forward conservationist thinking that led to its preservation. Thanks to Cyrus Gates, his family home and land has been gifted to Whatcom County for all to enjoy - Mr. Gates also had a strong hand in protecting Larrabee State Park, Arroyo and Fairhaven Parks, Sehome Arboretum, and the Mt. Baker Bulb Farm (since turned into Bellis Faire Mall due to a legal loophole).

We brainstormed on who the users of the park are: humans, yes, but also raven, salmon, chipmunk, raccoon, weasel, mouse, heron, slug and so much more. We talked about why a park needs caretakers for all these stakeholders, and what occurs without people lending a hand to manage trails and terrain. Since our gathering area was adjacent to a stand of alders, thimbleberry and salmonberry, overrun by invasive blackberry, the girls quickly understood how invasive species take over native ones rather quickly.
Then we were off on a very short trip by bus to our destination just up the road. The next few hours were spend collaborating in purposeful work, removing invasives with care and attention, singing and talking while we worked.

At one point in the day about 50 of us were spread out across a section of trail; pulling, digging, laughing and chatting. What a fun thing to witness!

If you have not been to Woodstock Farm, take the time for a short visit.  The old homestead is owned by the city of Bellingham.  It is a beautiful site and you can wander around, take in the views south across Chuckanut Bay, or explore the grounds.  Wild Whatcom has been partnering with Bellingham Parks and Rec for many years, engaging in service alongside other volunteers from our community.  This season marks the first season for the GEC in having a permanent site, adopted by us with the purpose of providing unlimited opportunities for stewardship.  Our first project has been to clean up a trail leading south from the top parking area.

Our groups included middle schoolers through fourth graders, so it was an opportunity not only to work, but interact with older girls.  Some of the older girls stepped up to lead and work alongside the younger gals.

The Dragonflies are such a hard working bunch and it is joyful to watch.  There was also a definite pull to waving at cars as they zoomed past on Chuckanut Drive.  Many would honk and this gave the girls a burst of energy.  I think we should have posted a sign declaring that we were all there doing volunteer trail work...then the honks would have been in true encouragement of that service.   Maybe that's what people sensed.

Thank you for the strong sense of connection and commitment to GEC and to doing service that you have instilled in your girls.

I have no more photos to share unfortunately.  I love service days because I love physical work...so I had a hori hori in my hand the entire time!  - Rebecca 

Shelter Building in the 100 Acre Wood: 11-18-16

Welcome to "The Magpie Motel"! Around the corner you'll find "Fort Sticky Stick," "Pile O' Leaves" and down yonder lies "The Fox Den". an unnamed but well-constructed dwelling.  A new subdivision has been developed in Fairhaven, using sustainable "green" construction methods and materials. No, these state of the art residences are not for sale, BUT! they are open for viewing in the Hundred Acre Woods. The talented architects and construction crew? The Dragonflies!

We began our day in opening circle discussing the realities of wilderness survival, reviewing the Survival Rule of Fours (ask your daughter what the four survival priorities are and in what order... and ask her why deep breathing is so important in a survival situation). On this day we focused on the survival priority of shelter, learning how imperative a properly insulating shelter is for surviving even a single night in the woods. We discussed the many ways and reasons one can become cold: conduction, evaporation, convection, and radiation (see if your gal remembers and can explain these four types of heat transfer). 

Our first focus was to put on shelter eyes, traveling up the trail and seeking nooks and crannies that could be or become a shelter for different sizes and types of animals. After a snack and shelter story from Tom Brown, we took a cue from the squirrels, who build nests with sticks and insulate them with leaves, and let their designs inspire our own natural shelters, which were built in the classic "debris hut" style. Our community dwellings sprung up from the forest floor, and within a few hours we had four deluxe shelters! On this super cold day, building shelters kept us warm, and that was a big bonus.  With the bit of time remaining, we took a home tour of each shelter, assessing each on their ability to withstand wind and rain, retain body heat, and remain safe from any nearby blowdowns. 

Finally, we engaged in a group challenge activity that utilized teamwork and a "We, Not Just Me" attitude. It was lovely to see the Dragonflies really work together, letting all voices be heard (and they came up with a way to solve this puzzle that no group before them had thought of!). 

Next time you take a walk through the Hundred Acre Woods, see if your own "shelter-seeking eyes" can detect these artfully constructed debris huts- they are truly impressive, and almost invite one in to spend the night...

Our words of the day? Go Ask the Squirrels!

You may view the slideshow from our day here. 

EC MOTTOS that came into play today: Many Hands Make Light Work, All Things Are Connected, LIBK, Be Prepared, Get Dirty! Leave No Trace