Thursday, November 17, 2016

The Barred Owls, Branch Hoppers and Short-tailed Weasels Wrap-up Service at Connelly Creek

Our oldest cage with our most established plants
This was the last service outing of the fall season for the BEC and as such we arrived at the service site this morning with a clear but varied set of tasks.  Our wide focus was to have the site cleaned up and put away so that we could confidently leave it alone until we have our next set of service outings in the spring season. 
Covering the ground with canvas and then mulch around plants
One of our most important missions was to make sure that we had done all we could to give the native plants their best chance of surviving the winter.  Boys on previous service outings this season put in some really great work erecting deer-proof cages, planting native plants in them and then mulching the inside of the cages to prevent other vegetation from growing.  We took some special care today paying attention to each individual plant and making sure that it had a good, thick ring of mulch around its base.  We had to do this carefully to prevent mulching right up the the stem. We learned that mulch or cardboard touching the stem could rub the bark off of the plant and subject it to disease and lessen its chance of survival.
Mulch rings in place
We also took some time to set up smaller stick barriers around some plants that we had planted outside of the cages to try to protect them from being inadvertently stepped on while they are still small.
Mulch ring with stick barrier
We found some large, dead pieces of a willow tree and got to work sawing it into manageable sized pieces that we placed on the stream bank. We did this to help prevent erosion from the anticipated rains and heaver stream flows of the winter months.
Cutting up a large willow branch
We used the spare time that we had after tucking the plants in for winter to liberate a partially fallen willow from reed canary grass and blackberry vines.
Removing blackberry vines from the top of the partially fallen willow
With new room to breathe, we hope this willow can thrive again
After a final sweep of the site for gloves, loppers, clippers, shovels or rakes left behind, we were satisfied that we did enough to feel good about leaving the site until spring.  We had our closing circle as we always do on BEC outings and gave thanks that we had the opportunity to give back to the land that affords us wonderful spaces to play and learn together.

As explorers, what we lack in physical size and strength, we make up for with cooperation and the size of our collective heart.  It was powerful to see how much great restoration work we were able to get done as the BEC this fall season at Connelly Creek.
Some explorers showing us what cooperation looks like

Be sure to check out the rest of the pictures from the day here!

The Alevin, Roosevelt Elk Calves and Pacific Chorus Frogs Plant Plants at Connelly Creek

Fall was in full force as we gathered at the park and ride before walking down to our service site at Connelly Creek in Happy Valley Park.  We could see our breath when we spoke and the trees had mostly lost their green summer foliage.  As we made our way down to the service site, some of us remembered that the falling of the leaves and dropping temperatures marks the return of salmon throughout the Northwest region.  Many of us remembered seeing salmon in Chuckanut Creek at Arroyo park, but none of us had ever seen salmon in Connelly Creek. We knew that in the past Connelly Creek held salmon runs, but due to habitat loss, they no longer run in this stream.  We took this understanding and translated it into motivation for the day as we looked to further the restoration effort at our service site.
Connelly Creek, hopefully full of salmon soon!

At earlier service outings this year, some BEC groups had set up large wire cages in which we were tasked with planting trees.  When we arrived this morning there were various native plants (Ninebark, Blue Spruce, ect) placed inside of the cages so we got to work getting these in the ground.

While we were planting these plants, we put cardboard or canvass material around the base of the plant as an added insurance against reed canary grass sprouting through our mulch and suffocating the plants that we want to grow at this site.
Giving some native plants a permanent home
A baby Spruce
We worked well at getting the plants into the ground and after that it was time to mulch.  We had a big pile supplied by the city that we needed to move into the cages where we had planted the native plants.  We mulched the the inside of each cage to a depth of ~8"!  That seems a bit excessive but we know how tenacious reed canary grass is so we didn't want to take any chances.
Some mulchers a'mulching

The mulch train to the back cage

Gently planting each one

One of the great opportunities that service outings provide is for boys of different ages to get to work together.  Sometimes, the older boys accept their responsibility to lead by example.  Sometimes, the excitement of having so many explorers and so much energy in one space creates a situation where it is difficult, even for older explorers, to remain on task and intentional in thier focus.  There was a mix of both of these situations today. The good news is that upon reflection in our closing circle, the older explorers were able to recognize that they lacked focus at times and were able to articulate why it was important to be good role models for the younger boys.  Of course, we are not asking (or expecting!) perfection, and recognizing where we have room to improve ourselves is the first step toward growth.  As mentors, we are humbled by the commitment that these boys show to themselves and their community by arriving at each outing with curios minds and compassionate hearts and we are honored to help guide them on their personal development paths.

Be sure to check out the rest of the photos from the day here!

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Townsend's Chipmunks Take Care of Business at Connelly Creek



The Townsend’s Chipmunks showed up ready to work on a no-school Friday. Meeting at the park and ride, we assembled the group and hiked off towards our Connelly Creek service site in Happy Valley Park. We had a special service outing in store today. With no other groups scheduled it would fall on this group of Explorers to buckle down and get the job done today. Not only were they going to be the only group, but we had the pleasure of getting to work with Rae and Freya of the Bellingham Parks Department who supplied us with a variety of native species to plant, fencing and posts to put up protective barriers from deer, and a variety of unique tasks for this group to work on. After a brief opening circle to refresh everyone on eachother’s names, we walked through the service site to get our bearings then got right to work. 

Removing small cages from Red Alders to create larger fence.

Carrying posts over to planting sight to create fence perimeter


As our friends from the parks department showed up we jumped right in removing old cages to be repurposed into larger fences for new planting areas. Some of us were pulled away from the rest of the group to help pound posts into the ground laying the foundation for our fencing. Others worked diligently linking together wire fencing to go around the posts. Despite a variety of tasks, we all chipped in and eventually came together to erect three separate fenced areas for planting. Although we didn’t get around to planting everything, we made it our intention to do our best job preparing the rest of the groups for success who would be out on Saturday and Sunday. We finished our fencing and arranging the native plants in the planting areas just in time to say bye to Rae and Freya. With our outing winding down we rallied and re-focused our efforts to plant a few Spruce and Cedar trees before it was time to go. Finishing off with mulch rings around the trees we called it a day and transitioned to closing circle for the gratitude and apple slices.

Prepping the fencing for the planting areas

Getting tape and other non-compostable materials off the cardboard to be used for planting

Working together to drive in posts for the fencing

We were hoping to get in some time to play games, but unfortunately the group just couldn’t get their focus together and manage to get our tasks done in time. Despite some strong efforts by a few group members, others didn’t feel the need to bring a strong work ethic and decided it would be better to goof off and joke around with one another rather than finish up our jobs so we could play. Without enough time to play games, the mentors took some time to reflect on how our day went, what went well, and where we could have brought a stronger effort. A few of us also needed to revisit how to take the initiative on conflict resolution and follow a few basic steps of using our words instead of our bodies to ask others to stop. Additionally we reviewed how we have the power to remove ourselves from a situation, how we can prevent escalating a situation, and if all else fails then we can find an adult to help. This only came up a few times on our outing, but it is important for these boys to learn how to resolve menial conflicts amongst themselves instead of always requiring an adult to intervene. Explorers Club is a perfect opportunity to practice these skills while adults are present to step in if needed, however, the mentors today tried their best to guide Explorers to resolve these little disputes amongst themselves to prepare them for a future where an adult isn’t always there to help. 

Moving fencing into place around planting areas
Cutting open more fencing for back planting area


Planting Spruce and Cedar trees

Overall this outing was a big success. We got three planting areas completely fenced off for planting of native species later that weekend. We were able to practice basic conflict resolution amongst ourselves, and we even got some trees planted and mulched before our outing was over. The Townsend’s Chipmunks set the Saturday and Sunday groups up to succeed and have a strong finish to our last weekend of service outings at our Connelly Creek Service Site. The most important thing that happened, however, was that we took a step forward as a group developing our resiliency around interpersonal conflict, and practiced working through peaceful conflict resolution. The restoration work will get done in time, but it is never too early to continually build and develop individual, as well as group, character and socioemotional resiliency. 

Make sure to check out the rest of our photos from this outing here!

Monday, November 14, 2016

The Cave Dwellers and Gray Wolf Pups Introduce the Sculpin to Service at Connelly Creek

It was the last Sunday in October and a low fog had settled close to the earth. This kept the air cool and wet as we gathered together for a BEC service outing at Connelly Creek.  We warmed our bodies with a walk down to our site at Happy Valley Park and shortly after our arrival the fog lifted and the sun came out. We were grateful to have a dry day that was the perfect temperature for rolling up our sleeves and getting to work healing the land at our service site.

A foggy opening circle

Service outings with the BEC provide a unique opportunity to work alongside other BEC groups of different ages.  The Sculpin are having their first season together in BEC this fall and as such this was their first service outing.  The Cave Dwellers and the Gray Wolf Pups were tasked with introducing the younger Sculpin to our site and leading by example by showing us safe tool usage and a good work ethic.  This is a great way for the younger boys to learn valuable skills from the older ones, but also a great opportunity for the older boys to take on some responsibility and begin to practice some of their own mentoring skills.  

Younger and older boys sharing a circle

With so many hands available, we were able to get some good work done on a number of different fronts at the site.  As always, there were blackberries that needed to be cleared and their roots dug up. We also began to free a willow tree from the hold of tall reed canary grass, along with tenacious blackberry vines and ivy. 

Getting those big blackberry roots up and out!

The never ending blackberry battle

Working to liberate a willow tree that was being suffocated by grasses and vines


Creating a new blackberry-free zone

Many hands make light work

A mentor takes a lesson on root removal from some of the Sculpin
In order to give our minds and hands a break from the sometimes tedious and sometimes frustrating work of habitat restoration, we moved into the field to play a couple of rounds of Fire in the Forest, a favorite BEC game.  It was fun to get to play this game with such a large group!
Enjoying a break

Taking a break from work for some play

Much of our work today was in preparation for the installation of large 'cages' where we would later lay down mulch and plant some native plants.  The wire fence that encloses this area keeps deer and other animals from disturbing the growth of the young native plants that we plant at the site.  

While the service outings are certainly different in structure from our exploration outings, we still end every outing in BEC with a circle of thanks where we strive to maintain an Attitude of Gratitude.  It was great to share and listen to what we were each thankful for.  Many of us expressed gratitude for the wild places that we have here in Bellingham and the opportunities for play and exploration that these places provide.  In that spirit of thanks, it felt good to have an opportunity to give back to the land through the restoration of our service site.

Be sure to look at the rest of the pictures from the day in our photo album here!








Friday, November 4, 2016

Jumping Mice, Storm Wolves and GEC Swallowtails advance the restoration of Connelly Creek service site - 10/29/16

“What happens when we’re finished?” Great question from an Explorer during a service outing last weekend. There is a “Groundhog Day” element to this work. Each fall and spring, we uproot blackberry bushes and stomp down and cover the tall grasses. It was very prescient of that Explorer to pick his head up from the work to look at the big picture. The answer, which we do well to keep in mind, is that the work is finished when the ecology of the site is restored to balance, at which time it can manage its flora and fauna without our help. When that happens, there will be other important projects for the Explorers of tomorrow to tackle.

That’s a long way off, however. As noted in the BEC motto, "It's about the journey, not the destination". Fortunately, we have a plan, thanks to the leadership of Bellingham Parks, that involves removing invasive, non-native Himalayan Blackberries and shading out the sun loving invasive, non-native Reed Canary Grass. This fall, we’re continuing to wrestle the blackberries into submission (motto - Grasp the Nettle...err, blackberry) and covering the Canary Grass with bark mulch. We’re also planting native alders and plants such as Ninebark to provide the aforementioned shade. Thanks to the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Assoc. for the use of their tools in this work.


Getting down to work.

A first for the Connelly Creek service project - the Swallowtails, a Girls Explorer's Club group, were one of three groups working last Saturday

Himalayan Blackberries produce delicious fruit....AND grow deep roots that are tough to dig out.

Gotta move that bark to cover the Reed Canary Grass

Last year, we planted native species and put a wire fence around them to keep out the deer. Unfortunately, it doesn't deter the blackberries. Two of the GEC Swallowtails spent most of the day cleaning up this important patch.
Here's that patch all cleaned up....nice work, girls.

Hard work and rain can't dampen their spirits...


New life

I don't think that's what we had in mind.

Just as important as restoring the habitat along the creek is Wild Whatcom’s interest in providing the space for your Explorers to practice, as David Brooks put it in The Road to Character, “…the virtues of people who are inclined to be useful but don’t need to prove anything to the world: humility, restraint, reticence, temperance, respect and soft self-discipline.” Given that both endeavors are bigger than any of us, the scene has undoubtedly been set; your Explorer’s mentors are ever grateful for the opportunity to work with these wonderful kids in this meaningful undertaking.

A thousand thanks to mentors Hannah and Lauren and all the Swallowtails for pitching in with grace and ardor. Let's see if we can do that some more!
Photos of wet kids doing good work! The Storm Wolves next gather on Sunday, November 20th, for an exploration at Racehorse Falls. Details here. Next up for the Jumping Mice is an exploration of Arroyo Park via North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead on Sunday, December 4th. Their schedule page here. The Swallowtails' schedule shows that they continue with service on Saturday, November 19 at the GEC Service Site. 

Thursday, November 3, 2016

The Red Tailed Eyas and Black Tailed Deer Spread Mulch!

For the second service outing of the Fall BEC season, the Red Tailed Eyas and the Black Tailed deer pooled their efforts to help heal Connelly Creek on what was likely the last warm, sunny day of 2016.

Moving mulch
We started the day as all service outings do with an opening circle and tool safety demonstration by the older group, in this case the Red Tailed Eyas.  We then took a tour of the site and got to see all the good work that the Pine Martens and Salamander Efts did the day before pulling up reed canary grass.  Our job for the day was clear; mulch, mulch, and more mulch! We set out to cover the newly exposed dirt with mulch in order to prevent the grass from sprouting again.


The warm sun that had broken through the fog earlier that morning warmed our bodies and gave us a focused energy.  Right off the bat both groups were working together well and we were moving mulch at a great pace.  After about an hour of some seriously good work, the tediousness of the task began to slowly chip away at our work ethic. As a group, we decided to take a break and play a huge game of squirrel tag with both groups out in the field.  

Sunshine and squirrel tag.
As the game wound down, we gathered around the backpacks for a quick snack and sip of water.  Suddenly, sauntering down the trail was a big buck! He certainly was not intimidated by us and we gave him the right of way as he made his way through the park.  We noticed his big set of antlers and thick, muscular neck and knew that these were signs that he was likely looking for a mate. 

Just before the buck appeared.
As we refocused our intention on the mulch, some of us (including some from the Black Tailed Deer, the younger group!) came into leadership roles and helped us to maintain intention in our work by leading by example and encouraging fellow explorers to give their best.  

Somehow, one of us got partially buried in the mulch pile!
While we were spreading mulch we came across a salamander that had made the mulch pile his home during the last few days.  This was a Northwestern Salamander and we all got to look at it up close.  We were glad that we got to move him to a safe area closer to the creek and away from all of the shovels and boots!

A Northwestern Salamander
We noticed our energy waning toward the end of the outing, but we still had a good bit of the mulch pile left to move.  So we challenged ourselves and set a goal of moving the rest of the mulch in the remaining time that we had together.  It was all hands on deck in an effort to meet our goal and, just before we had to leave, we ended up getting all of the mulch spread! Today the Black Tailed Deer and the Red Tailed Eyas put in some great work, played some fun games and got to have some cool animal encounters as well. 

Be sure to check out the rest of the pictures from this outing here.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Salamander Efts introduce the Pine Martens to Service with BEC

Bright fall colors are not just for leaves; slime molds too!

Exploring is what we do in BEC, and we are constantly grateful for the wild spaces that we get to play, romp, grow and learn in.  We are all earth keepers and we work hard to Leave No Trace while we are out in the woods.  But, try as we might, it is impossible for us to explore in these places without leaving some sort of an impact. So, through our service outings, we can give something back to these woods that we need so much and take so much from.  

Putting in some good work on the Reed Canary grass.

Last Saturday the Salamander Efts and the Pine Martens met at our BEC service site in Happy Valley Park on Connelly Creek.  Once per season, each BEC group gets to spend one of their outings working to further the restoration of our service site at Connelly Creek.  This gave the older group of the day, the Salamander Efts, a chance to share their knowledge of service work and this site with the younger group, the Pine Martens, who were having their first service outing ever.

Older boys get a chance to be leaders to some of the Pine Martens

Being that this was the first BEC service outing of the season, we had some "cleaning up" to do, namely removing the reed canary grass.  We have been battling this invasive grass at the site for a while now and it consistently proves itself to be a worthy adversary.  In light of this, we took extra care to remove the roots of each stalk of grass.

Connor (mentor) clearly approves of the work getting done today!

As we were working diligently to remove the grass, we were excited to find a couple different types of slime molds! These organisms were once thought to be in the Fungi kingdom, but it has since been discovered that these are not true fungi. Their bright colors were striking to behold and we appreciated seeing them active at our service site.
More slime mold colors!

Along with good work, our day also allowed us with some time for play in the form of a few games of Fire in the Forest out in the field in the middle of the park.  We got to stretch our legs and move our bodies during this welcome break from the relatively tedious work of pulling grass roots.
The boys enjoy a well earned break to rehydrate and nourish their bodies.

By the end of the day, we were able to get a lot done. In addition to pulling up reed canary grass, we freed some of the young native plants that we planted previously on the site from strangling vines including ivy and blackberry.  It was encouraging to see the Salamander Efts come into a leadership role not only by teaching the boys about tool safety and technique, but also by modeling teamwork and a good work ethic.  The progress that these boys made pulling grass laid the foundation for the rest of the service outings this season where other BEC groups will work to spread mulch over the areas where we pulled out the grass in an effort to eliminate it once and for all!
Freeing the cages from vines.

Lots of grass removed; look at all those bags of grass and roots!


Make sure to check out ALL of the photos from this outing by clicking here.