🐹 Rhythm in Nature 🐞🐞

Good morning, Bellingham. This is your Monday update from The Hamster Wheel.

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Or, hit reply to send me photos via email. 📧

Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to include several breathtaking photographs submitted to The Wheel by biologist and photographer Greg Green. If you scroll down, I’ve included a few that stood out to me. I think you’ll agree they are mind-bogglingly gorgeous.

In early June, Greg is partnering with the Whatcom Land Trust for a two-day workshop exploring “how to see patterns in nature and capture compelling, story-driven images in the field.” This would be an amazing opportunity to learn from a master of his craft, and since these kind of classes sometimes fill up fast, I thought I’d drop a link to the registration page now so some you fabulous shutterbugs could take a look.

Trail Closure: The section of the South Bay trail that dips below a row of condominiums just before terminating at the Fairhaven Green will be closed for the foreseeable future according to the city. The section runs through private property, and the landowner is moving forward with a new development. Construction is expected to take up to two years.

A detour is in place along 11th Street. 👆 While the alternate route is not equivalent to the original trail, the city notes that if possible, the developer plans to reopen a new trail segment before the broader project is complete.

Traffic Alert: Permanent speed limit reductions are now in place along a nearly 9-mile stretch of Chuckanut Drive, south of Bellingham. On April 17, Washington State Department of Transportation crews installed 35 mph signs from south of Blanchard Road in Skagit County to south of Spokane Street in Whatcom County. This new segment connects with an existing 35 mph zone near the Fairhaven Park entrance.

A short section just south of the new zone remains at 40 mph to provide a transition from higher speeds further south. The updated limit took effect as soon as signs were installed and follows a WSDOT review of traffic data and recreational use in the corridor.

LOCAL READS

Troubled Waters
By Grace Weller · The Planet
Longfin smelt in the Nooksack River remain difficult to track, with researchers using environmental DNA to detect a species that appears widely present but rarely abundant. Grace reports that shifting river conditions and an expanding delta may be altering spawning patterns and habitat use. Read more →

· · · · · · · · · · · · ·

WWU to make a big showing on the global boomerang stage
By Jennifer Nerad · WWU News
Three Western Washington University affiliates will represent the United States at the 2026 World Boomerang Championships after forming a campus club that meets weekly on the Comm Lawn. Jennifer reports that one student advanced from beginner to national competitor in under two years. Read more →

CIVIC CORNER

Monday
Blaine City Council, 6:00 pm, Council Chambers
Bellingham City Council, 10:00 am with regular meeting at 7:00 pm, City Hall

Tuesday
Everson City Council, 7:00 pm, City Hall
Whatcom County Council, 8:45 am with regular meeting at 6:00 pm, Council Chambers
Port of Bellingham Board of Commissioners, 4:00 pm, Harbor Center
Bellingham Tourism Commission Meeting, 5:00 pm, Mayor’s Boardroom
Bellingham Historic Preservation Commission Meeting, 9:00 pm, City Hall
Learn about new rental regulations and protections, 3:30 pm, B’ham City Council Chambers

Thursday
Mark Stremler town hall, 6:30 pm, Lynden library

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Wednesday
Galbraith Mountain - Oly Spur: The only thing better than being on a beautiful trail is knowing you helped build and maintain it. Join WMBC in maintaining Galbraith trails. Register

Friday
Elk Flats: Hike through the forest to complete an annual site visit while removing invasive species to support native habitat along the South Fork of the Nooksack River. Register

Saturday
Big Rock Garden Park: Join the city for spring cleanup on National Garden Meditation Day! They will be cleaning sculptures, removing invasive plants, and mulching. Register
Maple Creek Reach: Join Whatcom Land Trust and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association for a day removing invasive Scotch broom. Register

Uisce Irish Pub
Guffawingham (comedy) | Mon 8:30 pm

Blaine High School Theatre
Legally Blonde The Musical (theatre) | Thurs-Sun

WWU Performing Arts Center
Dance in Concert (dance) | Thurs-Sat

WWU Performing Arts Center
An Introduction to Devised Theater with the coldharts (theatre) | Fri

BAAY
Seussical JR (theatre) | Fri-Sun

New Prospect Theatre
Veil of Secrets (burlesque) | Fri, Sat

WWU Performing Arts Center
The coldharts present: Edgar Allan (theatre) | Sat

FireHouse Arts & Events Center
An Evening of Improv (improv) | Sat

iDiOM Theatre
All Our Tragic (theatre) | Sat, Sun

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

Salsa & Bachata - Viking Union - Mon 7 pm
Bellingham Embodiment Collective - Majestic Ballroom - Mon 6:30 pm
Contact Improv - Aikido Peace Education Center - Mon, class 5:30, jam 7 pm
Cuban Salsa - Cof& - Tues 6 pm
B’ham Hop - Crystal Ballroom - Tues 8 pm
Taster Tuesdays (hip hop) - Lost Giants Cider Co - Tues 6 pm
Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
Revolution Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 7 pm
Foundations: Hip Hop, House, Shuffle - Lost Giants Cider Co. - Fri 6 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 7:30 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm
Belly Dance - Karate Church - Sun 1 pm
Open Floor Conscious Dance - Bellingham Fitness - Sunday 10:30 am

North Cascades Institute is the featured partner for Good Neighbor Night at Stones Throw Brewery tonight, April 27 from 5 to 9 pm. Founded in 1986, the institute provides environmental education programs throughout the region. The evening includes North Cascades themed trivia and a raffle, with staff available to talk about their work and answer questions.

It’s Game Night at Stemma West tomorrow, April 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, hosted by LAW Advocates. It’s a monthly gathering, with this month featuring a Family Feud-style format.

Monday Trivia, Fountain Brewing and Zeeks Pizza – A 7 to 9 pm weekly trivia night with two rounds of multi category questions, team play for one to six people, and cash payouts to top teams.

Meridian Student Art Show, Meridian High School – A 6 to 7:30 pm exhibition featuring student artwork from across Meridian schools, along with live student music performances in a community showcase.

Monday Music & Trivia →

David Mason – Cold Fire, Village Books in Fairhaven – A 6 pm author reading and discussion centered on Mason’s new poetry collection, exploring themes of memory, place, and the natural world across global and Pacific Northwest settings. Tickets

Lucas Warford, The Admiralty Lounge – A 7 to 9 pm performance featuring Lucas Warford, a Bellingham-based musician whose work spans multiple styles and incorporates a range of one-of-a-kind instruments.

Tuesday Music & Trivia →

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