We are WWUs Students for Ecological Restoration Club. Our goal as a club is to create a community of students who are passionate about land stewardship and ecological restoration. We engage our club members through a combination of hands on restoration work, as well as through educational speeches given by professionals in their field.
Currently, our main project as a club is restoring the Sehome Arboretum on Westerns campus. This involves removing invasive species throughout the Arboretum, as well as planting native species. This project gives students an easily accessible opportunity to come together and get hands on experience in restoration work, as well as learn about plant species within the Arboretum. Our club also partners with other organization involved in land stewardship, including the City of Bellingham, NSEA, and the Whatcom Land Trust. Collaborating with larger organizations gives our club members the chance to form connections not only with other WWU students, but with other like minded individuals within the greater Bellingham community as well. These partnerships also create more learning opportunities for students at work party events, and can help them get their foot in the door if they are interested in interning/working for that particular organization.
Our clubs other main focus is hosting speakers that are involved with restoration/ land stewardship. Our speakers are professionals in their field, and come to speak about what they do, current or past projects they are involved with, and share any other expert knowledge relevant to restoration. We have hosted a number of diverse speakers, who have all shared valuable knowledge and provide firsthand insight to what it's like to have a career focused on restoration work. This gives students a unique learning opportunity and gives them the chance to ask questions and form connections with the speakers.
Donating to our club would allow us to enhance our club members experience, and helps us give back to the community. Funding helps us provide necessities at our regular club events, which include tools, snacks, and transportation if needed. Funding will also allows us to put on large scale educational events that draw in not only students, but community members from all over town. Through the help of your donation, we will be able to restore and enhance local ecosystems as well as educate others on the importance of restoration and land stewardship.
