Julianna Park

WMTP PlanTing Project

Julianna Park Assisted Reforestation

Nudging Degraded Woodlands & Fields Into Native Forest Splendor

Together with Bellingham’s Parks & Recreation Department, we identified several new areas for tree planting in the northeast portion of wonderful Julianna Park. (See purple areas on aerial map.)

The areas were overrun with Himalayan blackberry and other non-native plants. Urban stresses and climate impacts have degrading the landscape. The dense non-natives prevent native tree seedlings from naturally regenerating. With a little help from us, that problem can be overcome!

During 2022, we held several volunteer work parties here to clear non-natives. During early winter, a Washington Conservation Corp crew we obtained assisted, too. In March 2023, with COB Parks and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) we planted 200+ native tree seedlings in the newly-prepped areas.

Each tree seedling was mulched and will be monitored by WMTP for five years, especially after windstorms, severe rains, or extreme heat periods. Some species were caged to protect from deer; others were “blue tubed” to protect from small animals.

During 2024, WMTP will continue to remove Himalayan blackberry and other non-native plants in Julianna Park to open up more tree planting areas.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Do you walk Julianna Park frequently? Want to volunteer to be one of our “eyes” who occasionally checks our tree planting area there? Please let us know!

• Want to volunteer in a future WMTP work party here? Meet other tree-lovers, enjoy fresh air, have fun, and contribute to a cool project and important cause. Please join our work party contact list!

Related Links/Resources

City of Bellingham’s Julianna Park — main webpage

Work Party Photos

2022:

April 30 | May 14 | June 25 | July 23

2023:

March 18 | March 26