The May Whatcom Permaculture Meet-up, in partnership with Regenerate Whatcom, will be a special treat indeed! The event will include a bicycle tour of various properties in the neighborhood that practice permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and good ole fashion gardening!
We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming Birchwood Permaculture Bike Tour and Potluck on Saturday, May 30th, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Organized in collaboration with Whatcom Permaculture and Regenerate Whatcom, this neighborhood event features a rolling tour of local permaculture properties. Seven host stops are confirmed, offering real-world examples of intentional land use, ecological design, and food production.
How to RSVP
If you plan to attend, please send an email directly to Julian and David to help us estimate headcount for the potluck.
Please ensure your reply includes both organizers:
* When: Saturday, May 30th, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Please arrive at 2:30 PM to get situated; the tour will start promptly at 3:00 PM. * Where: Starts and terminates at 3116 Pinewood Avenue. * Parking: Because street parking is not permitted in the immediate neighborhood, please park your vehicles at the nearby Birchwood Elementary School parking lot and walk or bike over to the starting point. * The Route: Participants will travel by bicycle between properties within the neighborhood. * The Stops: Each location will host a mini-meetup or short tour focusing on distinct themes, possibly including hemp building, hügelkultur, swales, and biochar. * The Potluck: Our starting location serves as the central hub. You can drop off potluck dishes here before the ride begins. We will return to this site at the end of the tour to eat and socialize. If you’d like to participate just in the potluck, expect it to start circa 5:00pm.
Note: A follow-up email will be sent prior to the event detailing the finalized bike route, specific stop locations, exact times, and the full schedule of discussion topics.
Meet Your Hosts & The Neighborhood History
The tour originates and concludes at the home of Julian Kapoor, Julie Miller, and their family. Julian and Julie are California natives and former evolutionary ecology researchers who relocated to Bellingham in 2022 to focus on climate change mitigation, public health, and to find more intentional community. They chose Birchwood specifically for its unique urban agricultural history.
In the early 20th century, much of the Birchwood neighborhood was intentionally platted into long, deep lots to allow working-class families to sustain themselves with backyard orchards, gardens, and livestock. This design left a legacy of deep backyards and mature fruit trees that makes the area highly suited for modern permaculture integration.
While managing a 6-year-old and a 1-year-old has kept Julian and Julie’s large-scale property adjustments on a gradual timeline, their 0.3-acre site features several active polyculture experiments. It provides a realistic look at the early, foundational stages of planning a food forest. Julian’s recent focus on producing and utilizing biochar will serve as the demonstration theme for this stop.
David MacLeod
miles58@yahoo.com
Birchwood Neighborhood, Bellingham, WA
3116 Pinewood Ave Bellingham,
WA
98225United States+ Google Map
Permaculture in the Neighborhood! Regenerate Whatcom & Vivaculture Institute present:Happy Valley Permaculture Project walkabout
Come join as we visit 3 neighborhood Earth Repair Projects:
The Oasis Collective Home Food Forest Garden
The Back 40” WWU’s living water purification ponds andJeff’s Sequoia Forest
“The Outback Farm” WWU’s Fairhaven Forest garden and permaculture plantings
Outback Farm Plan
Friday July 31st, 2026 5-7pm
Meet behind Buchanan Towers Dorm off of Bill McDonald Parkway and 25th St., South Bellingham
We will begin our tour walking through WWU’s “Regional Ponds” natural treatment project to clean their parking lot run-off stormwater. We can also witness the transformation of these public lands towards a Sequoia giganteum climax forest.
We will then visit the Oasis Food Forest Garden. This small urban yard of a collective living home has been tended by a variety of community permaculturalists and gardeners over 20 years. Come see a productive urban food forest and enjoy a locally harvested snack.
After that we will return to campus and visit the 50+ year old Outback forest garden, a maturing and evolving food forest.
The whole journey will be about a half mile leisurely walk. Meet other interested earth stewards and share ideas about making urban spaces more fertile and diverse.
The Permaculture Meet-up April 24th will be a special gathering to celebrate the land we are on, Spring, and gathering in community to dream a future into being. Join us, between the labor of spring and the blaze of summer, to break together, learn from the land and see what emerges. We will gather at 4, walk the land and then gather around a campfire to share food and talk.
A Hands on Educational Event! On a developing rewilding project.
When- SUNDAY NOV. 23
Time- 11am -3pm
Where- 5351 DINKLE RD. off E Smith rd.*
LAND TOUR
SOIL BUILDING
WILLOW FOREST PREPERATION
The work party will take place at the rewilding project of Hunter Lydon. The project began in 2020 and, in 2022, hosted an Earthworks class led by Brian Kerkvliet.
Come see the value in bringing water onto land and lend a hand with soil preparation for future plantings.
11 – 12: Land tour
12 – 2:30: Sheet mulching, woodchip spreading,
2:30 – 3: Regenerate Whatcom plans and future events.
Address: 5351 Dinkle(google)/Dinkel (street sign)
It’s a wet set, a seasonal wetland, so please bring rain boots and clothes to get dirty in. Water and snacks are not a bad idea too.
Its a raw site with no structures or bathroom. There is a spot to relieve yourself under the cover of trees, though.
November 1, 2025
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10:00 am
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November 2, 2025
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5:00 pm
Fall is the best time to plant perennials! We are having plant sale in preparation to put our Nursery beds to sleep for the winter.
Here we are at Fall…. oh so fast, Summer has passed! Where did the time go? This season has been so abundant we could hardly keep up with the harvesting of all the fruit that is coming on in our systems.
First were Cherries, honey berries, goumi berry, then plumbs, raspberries, Shipova and Asian pear. Then the finger was out of the dike all the other fruit came ripe, apples, grapes, mulberries, walnuts, filberts, chestnuts and more. We could hardly keep up with the harvesting from our trees. OMG how good! Along with many new apple and pear varieties. Not to mention our annual crops and garlic all did well.
So…. Get ready, Get set, PLANT! The rain is here! In the spirit of fall planting we are having our Permaculture nursery plant sale in hopes that you will find something to add to your perennial food security system.
For this Sale I will donate 10% of sales from $100-$500 to Regenerate Whatcom If you get greater than $500 worth of plants I will donate 20% to Regenerate Whatcom Read more about Regen Whatcom Here
Here in the Pacific Northwest fall is the best time for planting. There are a lot of good reasons to plant now. The soil is still warm so roots will still grow giving you a much larger plant next spring. The soil doesn’t get too cold until about late November. The fall rains have started so you don’t have to water or worry about your new plants getting dried out.
As a small Nursery we really don’t want to over winter lots of plants. At this time of year many of the plants are looking a little tired so less appealing. So why not pass on a few good bargains to your loyal customers? Plants have been in a container all year so have a well developed root system. Once in the ground, just wait until spring and have a beautiful specimen in your own garden. Another reason for fall planting to to add fall interest into your gardening routine.
I like to plant trees and shrubs in the Fall for the most part because it gives the plant all winter to set roots while the top is dormant. During the winter there is lots of water and not a lot of sun so the plants put their energy into setting up a good root system so they head into Summer well established. The second best time to plant perennials is early in the Spring but it gives the plant less time to set roots. With some plants I do prefer to plant in the Spring is if the plant is frost sensitive like a fig, citrus or elderberry. These plants like to have a well established root system before the go through a good freeze.
When planting make sure you leave room for the plant to grow. Add a little compost mulch on top and a stake if needed. I wouldn’t recommend fertilizer in the hole because you don’t want to encourage the plant to start to grow when it should be going dormant. Enjoy the Fall season, get out and put some plants in the ground.
We want to share high density food nutrition abundance with everyone so we have put a lot of energy into our nursery plant propagation and it did well this year. We are well stocked in productive permaculture plants to help get your system kick started with berries, fruit and nut trees, vines, nitrogen fixers and more! What do you need in your system?
We are here to help you with seeds, plants and whole systems design advice. Let us know how we can help and let’s talk.
View this beautiful movie and Join a discussion afterwards with local water expert panelists.
November 14, 2025
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7:00 pm
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9:00 pm
As part of Regenerate Whatcom’s continuing series of events focused on water and its role in our landscapes and how it binds together community and climate, Regenerate Whatcom is hosting a screening this movie.
“Water is Love” shares inspiring stories of regenerative ecosystem design to create water retention in communities and regions, touching on traditional ecological knowledge, how water makes climate and, the importance of restoring complete water cycles. This award-winning movie shows the beauty of the intact water cycle, its widespread degradation and, ultimately, the possibility of regeneration.
$5 – $10 Suggested donation. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
RSVP below!
“Water is Love: Ripples of Regeneration” follows a group of young people grappling with the climate crisis while we journey around the world to share inspiring stories of regenerative ecosystem design to create water retention in communities, villages, and regions.
Click to download the poster
Local sponsors
“How Water Makes Climate” is tailored for children and youth, making this essential content easily accessible and engaging for young and older audiences alike.
We touch upon traditional ecological knowledge, how water makes climate, and the importance of restoring complete water cycles.
Through inspiring stories from successful projects in India, Kenya, and Portugal, we aim to spark conversations and actions that contribute to a regenerative and resilient world. As we’re facing both the growing devastating impacts of climate disruption and the failure of governments to act, this film points to an often overlooked need and possibility: community-driven decentralized water management as a critical key for surviving – and thriving in — this century.
Visit the Water Is Love website to view the trailer and learn more.
Inspired by screenings, communities have fortified connections and coalitions that have already existed in their regions by coming together to watch the documentary.
This speaks to our intention of creating community and movement building. The documentary was never meant to just be consumed as a piece of media, but to be a tool to bring people together and care for our surroundings.
Water is Love: Ripples of Regeneration won awards:
It is a huge gift to share climate content that opens people’s hearts and moves them into action, to see tears in people’s eyes when the lights come on after a screening, to see children’s faces light up with understanding and awe about how water moves and how it has a soul.
An invitation to gather, celebrate, connect with each other and share vision for the future.
If you have joined us in Permaculture Meet-ups or Walking Whatcom Water events or are new, please join us for a social informational round table gathering!
A fun filled Practical Permaculture Immersion Weekend. We will illustrate practical ways to design an integrated thriving living system that that partners with nature. Designed to be self regulating, diverse, abundant and resilient. Whether you are on an urban lot or a farm homestead, energy, water, soil building, animal systems, food production and preservation systems, with diverse income streams. Join us if these are important to you.
An extended site tour of the established systems at Inspiration Farm will augment this experiential weekend. A detailed presentation over viewing Permaculture ethics, principals and strategies will be covered on the first day. On the second day an in depth dive into systems relationships and design mapping process and strategies will be covered.
Class format includes lectures, discussions, extensive tours of an established site and hands-on activities.
Presentations and discussion in the AM, site tour, hands on projects with plant guilds, soil creation, Nursery establishment and other integrated systems in the PM.
Installing a guild
one of the designs
Discounts for couples, $250- Pot luck lunch for both days. Camping is available. Limited to 15 Participants.
Feel free to call if you have any questions. 360-319-2029
There are a lot of exciting events this year. Meet ups, Plant and Seed swaps and some excellent classes. Hopefully you see something that interests you or a friend.
Permaculture Meet-Up at Inspiration Farm February 23 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
A Free gathering time for People interested in Permaculture from Whatcom county to come together and discuss ideas. Come bring your idea to share! Please RSVP here.
The Whatcom Permaculture events bring together like-minded individuals who are interested in sustainability, agriculture, and community building. It’s a chance to meet others with similar interests, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects.
From permaculture meet-ups to grafting workshops, there are a wealth of learning experiences available. Events like the grafting workshop offer hands-on experience that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. The International Permaculture Day event not only celebrates the global impact of permaculture but also facilitates people from various backgrounds come together to share their unique approaches and experiences.
For those looking to start or get involved in permaculture projects, these events are a perfect place to find potential collaborators or mentors. Networking can lead to new opportunities and initiatives. Seeing permaculture principles in action and hearing from those who have successfully implemented them can serve as a powerful source of inspiration and creativity.
Overall, the excitement surrounding the Whatcom Permaculture events stems from the dynamic combination of education, practical application, and community development centered around a sustainable and ecologically mindful way of living.
Join us for an Information Packed Zoom Circle. February 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
A space to share an overview of what a PDC is and how we have organized one here in whatcom county. We will answer your questions about what a Permaculture Design Certificate course is all about.
Why is the Whatcom Hands on PDC unique
What you can hope to get out of it
How it can influence your life and career for the better
How it can help build a better relationship with yourself, your food, community and the environment.
We look forward to sharing with you during this session. Please RSVP here. We will send you a Zoom link.
Permaculture Meet-up at Queen Mountain Homestead March 29 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Queen Mountain Homestead (QHM) is an 8-acre intergenerational family home and educational demonstration site nestled on the western flank of Bellingham’s Queen Mountain. In the spring of 2016, after a decade+ of designing, building and maintaining permaculture landscapes across Washington (and internationally), we became the designer-stewards of our forever home. Please RSVP here
Grafting and Plant Propagation
March 10 th 11am – 2:00 pm
Learn to Create your own Fruit Nursery Stock. Fruit Tree Grafting and Plant Propagation from Cuttings Read more
Scythes the Cutting Edge! April 28th 10am – 3pm
Sell the Weed Eater and use a Scythe! Maintain your body, not your machines. Learn the sharper points of this elegant tool. Thought to be old school, but better blades and an ergonomic set up makes them one of the most efficient tools out there. Learn what makes a good scythe, how to select a scythe for your needs and … Read more
International Permaculture Day Tour & Plant Swap May 4th, 2-5pm – Free! –
We will celebrate International Permaculture Day May 4th 2024! A day to showcase permaculture around the world. Throughout the year we have a variety of permaculture Events, Tours and Workshops at Inspiration farm. This year we will have a tour and Plant Swap for International Permaculture Day on Saturday May 4th, 2-5pm. An opportunity to experience permaculture and meet its practitioners. Visitors can see … Read more
