On Saturday Reconnect Earth set out on our first weekend day trip of the Fall 2019 season: a hike to beautiful Lost Lake in The Chuckanut Mountains just sought of Bellingham. Our group of seven people started at the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead, following the Hemlock and North Lost Lake Trails which took us gradually uphill higher into the Chuckanuts. Large Douglas-fir and western red cedar trees towered above us, and we paused throughout the trip to identify and talk about local plant species that also included western hemlock, big-leaf and vine maples, Oregon grape, sword ferns, and many others. Bird calls and the occasional long trill of a Douglas squirrel sounded from the forest canopy above us.

As we approached Lost Lake our group also stopped to appreciate one of the most impressive landscape features in this area: the immense Chuckanut Sandstone cliff formations. We looked up at these cliffs composed of compressed marine sediments that accumulated over the course of millions of years. Today the Chuckanut Sandstone shelters a variety of lichens that grow in the open rock face, and are a great place to look for fossils of ancient plant life.

Finally we reached the lake itself, a secluded spot in the heart of the Chuckanuts where water lilies float on the water’s calm surface and dragonflies patrol their territory. Some of us ventured out on fallen logs that took us several yards over the lake itself, while others chose to stay safely on shore. After exploring the lake for a while our group gathered together and had an lively discussion about climate change and its impacts on Washington. We also discussed groups and individuals who are taking the lead on confronting the climate crisis, from local sustainable business owners to the global Climate Strike movement.

On the return trip to the trailhead we had almost reached our destination when we were treated to a last unexpected wildlife encounter: two deer wandering across the trail who we were able to approach within feet of. It was a fitting conclusion to another memorable adventure into Northwest Washington’s wild places with Reconnect Earth.

Want to join one of our next weekend day trips coming up this fall? Find out more about them and sign up here.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

6:00-8:00pm

Bruna Press & Archives, 221 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA

Join Reconnect Earth for this special event on Nov. 9th celebrating and supporting the next generation of environmental leaders. Over the course of the evening you’ll hear readings from winners of a student (ages 16-29) essay and poem contest on re-imagining an inclusive twenty-first century environmental movement, learn how Reconnect Earth’s programs are supporting student activism, have the chance to enter a raffle of items donated by local businesses and artists, and enjoy light refreshments.

This event is a fundraiser that helps make possible Reconnect Earth’s work to foster and grow a network of empowered young leaders to sustain grassroots environmental and social movements for years to come. A donation of $15-$40 (depending on your income level) at the door is suggested. Other opportunities to donate will be available throughout the evening.

RSVP to let us know you’re coming and help us estimate crowd size.

Can’t come to the event but still want to support Reconnect Earth’s work? Donate online here.

Are you a student interested in entering the writing contest? Learn more here.

A new school year is here, and Reconnect Earth is getting ready for another season of weekend trips to beautiful natural areas in and around Bellingham, WA. This fall we’ll be hiking to Lost Lake in the Chuckanut Mountains, exploring the vibrant marine life along Samish Bay, and looking for migrating salmon, among other adventures. Learn more about specific upcoming trips and sign up to join one here!

This August Reconnect Earth concluded our first field season running eight-day backpacking trips for students focused on exploring and learning about environmental issues, social justice, and grassroots activism skills. Fifteen students from three Northwest state participated in our program this summer, joining our trip leaders for an unforgettable experience in the North Cascades. Participants explored and deepened their own relationship with the more-than-human world; engaged in workshops on campaign planning and skills including running a meeting, lobbying, and nonviolent direct action; and explored complex topics like the history of colonialism in the Northwest and how oppressive systems manifest in outdoor spaces.

But while summer may be over for this year, Reconnect Earth’s work to support student activism is not. This fall, winter, and spring we’ll be amplifying issues important to young people through student-driven campaigns, ramping up our school year programming that takes participants outside to engage with wild spaces close to their communities, and providing additional opportunities for training in activist skills. It’s an exciting time to be doing this work: from climate change to gun violence, young people are leading the way on some of the most important issues of our time. Reconnect Earth’s goal is to support the growth of a new wave of student activism in whatever way we can.

Stay tuned for more announcements about upcoming events with Reconnect Earth over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, here are a few photos from some of the many special and inspiring moments on our Summer 2019 trips:

Help Reconnect Earth take this important work forward into the coming school year! Donate to support our programs for students here.