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Celebrate the Sehome Hill Arboretum – lovingly known as “the Arb” – with the �������� Ecological Restoration Club and �������� Outback Farm on Saturday, May 31, noon - 5 p.m. All events are hosted at the Outback Farm’s Outdoor Classroom, with activities extending into the Arb. Free and open to the public. 

Caleb Barville, a junior in the Environmental Sciences department was looking through Western Front archives, came across a mention of Arboretum Day from 2010, and was inspired to bring it back. 

“I spend a good portion of my day-to-day life in the Arboretum, and it brings me a lot of joy, plus teaches me many things,” says Barville, who is co-director of ��������’s Ecological Restoration Club. “Arboretum Day is the opportunity for our community to come together and learn from each other, and from this place that holds memories for so many.”

With interpretive hikes focused on geology, ecology, and birdwatching, a restoration work party, plant-based t-shirt printing, live music, and more, Arboretum Day promises to be a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.

A walk in the woods

What better way to appreciate the Arboretum, than to get to know it better with an interpretive hike? Join a �������� faculty member for a 45–60-minute jaunt that will engage your mind as well as your body. 

Love rocks? At 12:30 p.m., Senior Geology Instructor Paul Thomas will lead a tour of the Arboretum’s unique geological past. 

Interested in native plants, forest ecosystems, and restoration efforts? Join on one or more of these faculty-led hikes: Biology Senior Instructor Elizabeth Binney at 12:30 p.m., Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies Associate Professor John Tuxill at 1:30 p.m., and/or College of the Environment Senior Instructor T. Abe Lloyd at 2:30 p.m. 

Maybe you’re more into birds? Join in for a birdwatching hike with senior instructor and wildlife ecologist Greg Green at 12:30 p.m. and/or �������� student Milo Nikolic at 1:30 p.m.

To join in any of these hikes, show up and sign up at the check-in table at the north end of the Outback Farm before the specified time.

Restoration work party

Feeling inspired to action? In that case you can grab some gloves and tools (provided) and pitch in to help remove invasive plants in and around the Outback Farm. Drop in anytime from noon to 3:30 p.m. No experience or equipment needed.

Block-printing workshop & plant-powered art

Nurture your creative side with Arb-inspired art projects. Bring your own t-shirt, tote bag or whatever medium you’d like, and embellish it with a one-of-a-kind print. There will be art supplies, pre-designed blocks for printing, and a few extra tees and totes available purchase.

Music & story sharing

To round out the day, enjoy some live bluegrass from Mount Baker String Band from 3 – 4:30 p.m., and stories from the hill – reflections from club and community members about what the arboretum means to them ‑ from 4:30-5 p.m.

Snacks all day

Thanks to the event sponsors, there will be baked goods Great Harvest Bread and bagels from The Bagelry. Plus, granola bars, fruit snacks, and fresh fruit.

Visit the  for the most up-to-date information and schedule. Register your interest on the website or just show up!

Arboretum Day is hosted by �������� Ecological Restoration Club and �������� Outback Farm. Event sponsors include the Outback Farm, Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, City of Bellingham, Great Harvest Bread Company, the Bagelry, and the Community Food Coop. 

Questions about Arboretum Day? Contact wwuecologicalrestoration@wwu.edu.

Get more information about Sehome Hill Arboretum, including history and maps in the .