Stream Stewards Program
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
Since 1999, NSEA's Stream Stewards Program has engaged citizens in improving the health of their watersheds by participating in hands on salmon recovery work parties throughout Whatcom County. Each work party event offers stewardship opportunities based on the culture of shared responsibility and resulting in shared benefits. Volunteers learn how to properly plant trees and remove invasive vegetation, while learning about native vegetation. By working together towards a common goal, community members identify how their actions impact riparian ecosystems both individually and as a community.
As Whatcom County residents remove invasive plants and install native trees and shrubs, they help NSEA increase biodiversity, accelerate forest succession, and rebuild riparian habitats. Increasing the area and quality of riparian buffers improves flood control, increases stormwater runoff filtration, decreases erosion, and helps to shade streams for native fish.
Volunteer Restoration Events
Watch this video to learn what our Community Work Parties are all about!
Every spring and fall NSEA hosts volunteer events at salmon habitat restoration sites around Whatcom County. Most events take place on Saturdays from 9 am to noon. No previous experience necessary to participate. All ages are welcome! Come to three or more in a calendar year and be recognized by our Stewardship Appreciation Program. See below for the full schedule and links to register. Reach out to our Stewardship Program Manager, Sarah Brown at sbrown@n-sea.org or call 360-715-0283 for assistance.
2025 Schedule
Event times vary and some require RSVP due to limited space. Event details including parking are listed in our volunteer portal - nsea.volunteerhub.com
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites and save trees from restricting cages and blue tubes.
8am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Requires registration! Click here for details.
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites and save trees from restricting cages and blue tubes.
8am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Requires registration! Click here for details.
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites and save trees from restricting cages and blue tubes.
8am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Requires registration! Click here for details.
Join NSEA, Whatcom Conservation District, and Whatcom Land Trust in restoring habitat along Kenney Creek!
9am-12pm - Deming, WA | Click here for more information.
Help NSEA and the City of Lynden finish up planting in a newly restored section of Fishtrap Creek.
9am-12pm - Lynden, WA | Click here for more information.
Convert a portion of Kendall Creek from lawn to riparian forest at the Kendall Creek Hatchery!
9am-12pm - Deming, WA | Click here for more information.
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites and save trees from restricting cages and blue tubes.
8am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Requires registration! Click here for details.
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites and save trees from restricting cages and blue tubes.
8am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Requires registration! Click here for details.
Improve wetlands with NSEA and the City of Bellingham in the Connelly Creek Nature Area.
10am-1pm - Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites and save trees from restricting cages and blue tubes.
8am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Requires registration! Click here for details.
Support the continued conservation at Whatcom Fall Park with NSEA and the City of Bellingham.
9am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites and save trees from restricting cages and blue tubes.
8am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Requires registration! Click here for details.
Support riparian and wetland restoration with NSEA and the City of Bellingham at one of Bellingham’s most loved parks.
9am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
Join NSEA, Whatcom Conservation District, and Whatcom Land Trust to improve habitat near Drayton Harbor!
9am-12pm - Blaine, WA | More information coming soon!
Support coho salmon by improving riparian habitat along Deer Creek and planting trees and shrubs!
9am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites and save trees from restricting cages and blue tubes.
8am-12pm - Bellingham, WA | Requires registration! Click here for details.
More events coming For January!
Things for you to remember
Registration is recommended
NSEA brings all needed tools, gloves (sizes XS - XL), and instructions for each event
Masks are optional for shuttle rides to/from the restoration side
Sturdy shoes and long pants that you don't mind getting dirty are recommended
Weather appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry that can be cleaned easily
Any volunteers under 18 years old must bring a completed NSEA Youth Liability Form to each work party. Minors under 14 years old must also be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a COB/NSEA Youth Liability Form to work parties with the City of Bellingham Parks Department.
Stay home if you are feeling sick!
Previous Events:
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS
Waste Action Project
