Birds and Beasts: Through Saturday, Feb. 29.  Local photographer Camille Hill of Van Zandt presents a selection of her wildlife photographs. Hill recently retired from the U.S. Department of State after 27 years in the Foreign Service. Her photos include a combination of shots from a safari in Botswana and portraits of birds found on her land in Van Zandt. Sponsored by the Friends of the Deming Library. On exhibit during regular library hours. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Celebrate Winter Blooming Hellebores: Saturday, Feb. 1. Come see what’s new in winter and spring blooming Hellebores. New selections from several new growers. Free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Birds of Winter Art Walk: Saturday Feb. 1. The Mount Vernon Downtown Association is pleased to present the annual Birds of Winter Art Walk in conjunction with Birds of Winter: A Skagit Valley Experience. Participating businesses and galleries will feature artists exploring the natural world, including bird-themed art. Mount Vernon. See www.mountvernondowntown.org.

 

Pruning So You Don’t Have to Prune So Often: Saturday, Feb. 1. Author and Northwest Flower & Garden Festival speaker, Christina Pfeiffer, shares pruning tips on the proper timing and place cuts when pruning garden trees and shrubs. Learn how to achieve more moderate growth from pruning and reduce the frequency of the job in order to keep plants healthy and in good form. Class fee $8. 11 a.m. to noon. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Call 360-466-3821 or see www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Permaculture: Introduction and Simple Applications: Saturday, Feb. 1. Discuss the basics of permaculture and learn simple things you can do. Minimum $5 donation, proceeds given to the Chuckanut Center. 11 a.m. Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Drive N., Bellingham.

 

Upcycled Glittens: Fingerless Gloves: Saturday, Feb. 1. Learn how to upcycle a sweater into a warm and beautiful pair of fingerless gloves. 2 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Weaving Table Runners: Saturdays, Feb. 1 and Feb. 8.  Learn Rep Weave technique, making a lovely and unique table runner. Previous weaving experience helpful but not required. Ages 12+, with instructor Aurora Lindquist. 10 a.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Make Your Own Embroidered Patch: Sunday, Feb. 2. Make a one of a kind, hand embroidered patch. 1 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Birchwood Garden Club’s February Meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 5. Green Earth Compost is this month’s speaker. Find out where “green recycling” is done. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to everyone. The BGC provides financial support and/or gardening expertise to community organizations. See www.birchwoodgardenclub.org.

 

Sashiko Style Mending: Wednesday, Feb. 5. Learn Sashiko mending, a Japanese style of visible mending that uses embroidery stitching to create beautiful surface designs. 6 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Winter Gardening and Soil Basics: Wednesday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 8. Discover what can be “wintered over” in your garden, the effects winter has on your soil, and how to best prepare for a healthy summer season. Planting tables will be available to help guide your seed buying. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Organization for Resources and Education). Wednesday at 4 p.m. Saturday at 10 a.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7-8. Presented by WSU San Juan County Extension Office, this year Orcas Island will host the annual summit at Camp Orkila, including more than 150 local farmers, food producers, businesses, and advocates gathered for a weekend of education, inspiration and community. Applications for scholarship or a work-trade are available. Tickets starts at $60. For questions, see www.sji.agsummit@wsu.edu or call (360) 370-7667. To register, see www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-san-juan-islands-agricultural-summit-registration-83063574387.

 

Anacortes Monthly Winter Farmers Market: Saturday, Feb. 8. Produce, food, crafts, and more. Held the second Saturday of each month through March. Inside the Depot building. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more details, see www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Bonsai Class with Chris Glatz: Saturday, Feb. 8. Learn the art of bonsai in this hands on class with Japanese garden expert Chris Glatz. Make your own bonsai planter and get all of the tips to keep it thriving. Class fee of $39 covers all supplies. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Bushells Full of Berries: Saturday, Feb. 8. Learn the steps for growing strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Cover location, varieties, and pruning, plus taste some favorites. Free. 11 a.m. My Garden Nursery, 929 East Bakerview Road, Bellingham, www.mygardennursery.com.

 

All About the Hummingbird: Saturday, Feb. 8. Learn about interesting species around the world, including Washington hummingbirds. Find out how to support them during winter, and create a hummingbird-happy backyard environment. Program presented by Chris Brewer from North Cascades Audubon. 2 p.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

No-Sew Braided Rugs: Wednesday, Feb. 12. Learn how to craft a no-sew braided rug from old sheets. 6 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See www.ragfinery.com.

 

Pruning Small Trees and Shrubs: Thursday, Feb. 13. Master Gardener Lecture series will cover rehabilitating an overgrown garden and advice on the best time to prune. Lecture will be taught by Erin Moore, Master Gardener and certified Plant Amnesty Pruner.  Erin lives and gardens in Bellingham. Free. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Community Food Co-op Healthy Connections Classroom, 405 E Holly St, Ste 103, Bellingham.

 

The Great Junk Hunt: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15. Two huge buildings full of hand-picked vendors selling their best junkin’ goods. Farmhouse, industrial, vintage, re-purposed, handmade and much more. Friday admission is $20 for early bird hours 6-9 p.m. Saturday admission is $8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids under 12 free. Evergreen State Fair, 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe. See www.thegreatjunkhunt.com.

 

Upcycle Sewing: Saturdays, Feb. 15 and Feb. 22. This workshop is held on two consecutive Saturdays, with instructor Brigitte. Start with the basics, learning about the care and use of a sewing machine, then jump right into sewing. 10 a.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See www.ragfinery.com.

 

Loving Austin Roses: Saturday, Feb. 15. Join Rebecca Reed, Horticulturist for Austin roses, who will share stories on the history of Austin Roses. Plus, she will discuss pruning techniques and rose care, and her favorite Austin varieties and companion plants. Free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Bellingham Winter Saturday Farmers Market: Saturday, Feb. 15. Produce, crafts, foods, plants, and more. Held the third Saturday of each month through March. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Square, with over 100 vendors. See www.bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

Learn to Grow Fruit Trees: Saturday, Feb. 15. If you’re thinking about planting fruit trees, but don’t know where to start, this is the workshop for you. Learn about the easiest varieties to grow, how to decide which rootstock to plant, where and how to plant, and what initial pruning and training are needed. Leave knowing how to give your trees the best start in the first three years. Be prepared to be outside. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $15 per person. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register through www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org or call 360 966-5859.

 

Fruit Trees & Berries: Saturday, Feb. 15. Larry Clark, owner of Bakerview Nursery, will share tips and advice for choosing fruit trees, planting, and pruning for fruit production. Free. My Garden Nursery, 929 East Bakerview Road, Bellingham, www.mygardennursery.com.

 

Seattle Rose Society Workshop: Saturday, Feb. 15. Several rose workshops are available at Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Rose Pruning starts at 10 a.m. Learn specific cuts to remove dead or broken stems, open up the center of the rose bush, and thin weak growth. Rose Selection follows at 11 a.m. Seattle Rose Society will review which varieties of roses are easy to care for, disease-resistant, and suitable for growing in the Pacific Northwest. Rose Planting & Feeding starts at 1 p.m. Rosarians shed light on the amount of sun required for healthy rose plants and their need for regular feeding with fertilizers that are balanced for roses, region, and soil.  Insect and Disease Control will be at 2 p.m. Discover both organic and safe soap spray remedies to keep your roses free from pests. Reservations required for each or all sections:  Class fee is $8 each, or all four classes for $30.  Please check into the Garden Store before the workshop. To inquire, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821 or 800-585-8200  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Beginning Spinning: Drop Spindle to Wheel: Sunday, Feb. 16. Participants will explore the use of the top whorl drop spindle and hear the stories of this old-world essential textile process. 1 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See www.ragfinery.com.

 

Know and Grow: Tuesday, Feb. 18. Join the Master Gardeners for a presentation. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC Auditorium, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon.

 

Manure Nutrient Management Training: Thursday, Feb. 20. This event was rescheduled from mid-January due to weather. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and manure games. The training runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes Irrigation Water Management, WCD Dairy Program Updates, Conservation Awards, lunch, Advanced Nutrient Management, Manure Updates and Year in Review, and Farmer Panel of Successful Conservation (Galen Smith, Larry Stap, Suzzi Snydar).  Lynden Dutch Bakery sandwiches, cookies, and Darigold milk will be provided. Mount Baker Rotary Building, 1751 Front Street, Lynden. RSVP to kpencke@whatcomcd.org or call 360-526-2381 x105.

 

Farm Speaker Series: Annual Grazing Plan Development: Thursday, Feb. 20. Featuring years worth of research from WSU and OSU staff and other regional experts, WCD staff will revisit the Westside Pasture Calendar and forage calculator to help plan a 2020 grazing plan. Hear from a local agronomist about services they offer and pasture management case studies. WCD planners will share the latest research in regenerative agriculture, and a local farrier and beef producer will share how they plan and implement their own grazing plans. 6-8 p.m. Everson location. Presented by the Whatcom Conservation District. RSVP to Katie Pencke at kpencke@whatcomcd.org or call 360-526-2381 x105.

 

Solar Power for Home & Business: Investing in Your Energy Future: Thursday, Feb. 20. Learn the benefits and  financial feasibility of solar, along with emergency backup power options, with Fire Mountain Solar, one of the oldest solar companies in Washington. 6:30 p.m. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Suite 309, Mount Vernon. Pre-register at skagitfoodcoop.com/event or call Nicole at 360-336-5087×136.

 

Fruit Tree Care: An Introduction to Winter Pruning: Saturday, Feb. 22. Jane Campbell will share information about winter fruit tree pruning. This class will be the first in a three-part tree care series at the Chuckanut Center: Winter Pruning, Spring pruning, and Summer Pruning. Participants will do 3+ hours of hands-on practice working with the Chuckanut Center’s apple, pear, quince and fig trees. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $45. Come prepared to learn outside rain or shine. Bring a brown bag lunch Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Drive N., Bellingham. RSVP to chuckanutcenter@gmail.com.

 

Tree Pruning & Dormant Spray class: Saturday, Feb. 22. Travis Dickson of Raindance Landscaping will show you how to use environmentally appropriate dormant spraying practices when spraying your orchard. Learn pruning techniques for best fruit production. Free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Garden Design: Saturday, Feb. 22. What’s the best placement of fruit-bearing trees, bushes, and vines, and vegetable gardens? Review how to assess the overall yard including hardscape assessments, best materials, integration with the home and/or views, sunlight observations, airflow, and other major landscaping considerations. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Organization for Resources and Education). 10 a.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

Native Plants and Birds: Creating a Bird-Friendly Backyard:  Saturday, Feb. 22. Join North Cascades Audubon Society as they provide information and resources needed to create your own backyard bird haven. 2 p.m. Lynden Library, 216 4th Street, (360) 354-4883.

 

Growing Apples and Pears- Working with Larger Rootstock Trees: Saturday, Feb. 22. Are you interested in growing apples and pears? This class will cover growing techniques and pruning methods for apple and pear trees. In this session, the focus will be on managing semi-dwarf and standard trees. 10:30 a.m. $15 per person. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register at www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org or call 360 966-5859.

 

Make and Take Sweet Pea Planter Class: Sunday, Feb. 23. Make and Take sweet pea planter with pussy willow trellising. Join Marcy to learn her creative tricks in your planter filled with dwarf sweet pea seeds, pansies and primroses. Enjoy blooms from February to July. Class fee of $39 covers all supplies. 11 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Indigo Explorations  Gallery: Sunday, Feb. 23. History and chemistry of indigo will be brought to class in an easy to understand system so you can take your skills home. Noon. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See www.ragfinery.com.

 

Edison’s Chicken Parade: Saturday, Feb. 23. Hosted by Edison Bird Festival. Not to be missed! Enjoy the parade of chickens, costumes, and more. Noon to 1 p.m. Downtown Edison. See the Facebook event page for more information.

 

Beginning Hobbyist Beekeeper Course: Starts Monday, Feb. 24. WSU Snohomish County Extension is sponsoring a 5-week session of the Beginning Hobbyist Beekeeper course in the Washington State Beekeepers Association’s Master Beekeeper Program. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium in McCollum Park, 600 – 128th St SE, Everett. The five-week course is perfect for anyone with no previous experience with beekeeping as well as anyone wanting more information about beekeeping before making the decision to acquire a hive. Designed to build basic beekeeping skills, topics covered include bee biology, equipment, seasonal management requirements, identification and management of pests, as well as honey removal and processing. Overall focus will home in on the unique challenges and benefits to beekeeping in the Pacific Northwest. Participants completing and passing the Washington State Beginning Beekeeper level exam (open book test) will receive a certificate as the first step towards the Apprentice, Journey, and Master Beekeeper levels. Each session is taught by local Journeyman Beekeeper and  retired WSU Snohomish County Extension zoologist Dave Pehling. Cost for the five-week series is $125 per person. To register, visit BeeBeginner.eventbrite.com. Visit snohomish.wsu.edu/beebeginner/ or contact Kate Ryan, kate.ryan@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6024.

NW Washington Farm to Table Trade Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 25. Presented by Sustainable Connections, this day-long conference is for farmers, buyers, producers, distributors and others to meet and connect. Includes workshops, one-on-one producer-buyer consultations, expo, and lunch prepared by Bellingham Technical College’s Culinary Arts Program and chefs from the Northwest Washington Chefs Collective. Keynote speaker is Gigi Berardi, a long-time resident and professor at Western Washington University, and author of FoodWISE: A Whole Systems Guide to Sustainable and Delicious Food Choices. The event will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Settlemyer Hall, Bellingham Technical College. Registration is open now, $55 (member) and $70 (general). For more information, contact Sara Southerland at Sara@sconnect.org or call (360) 647-7093 x 114.

 

Recycling Right & Going Zero(ish) Waste: Tuesday, Feb. 25. Confused about what’s recyclable? Bring items you have questions about. Learn with Skagit Master Recyclers and explore ways to achieve a zero(ish) waste life. 6:30 p.m. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Suite 309, Mount Vernon. Register at skagitfoodcoop.com/event or call Nicole at 360-336-5087×136.

Darning & Other Hand Mending Gallery: Wednesday, Feb. 26. Bring socks, and learn a good technique for darning them. If you have other items in need of mending, like a sweater with holes, bring those as well. 6 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See www.ragfinery.com.

 

Northwest Flower and Garden Show: Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 26 through March 1. Participants can enjoy 20 fully landscaped display gardens, 100 free world-class seminars, and thousands of treasures in the garden and vintage marketplaces. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Washington State Convention Center, Seattle. For tickets and more information, see www.gardenshow.com.

 

Celebrating FoodWISE with Gigi Berardi: Thursday, Feb. 27. Gigi Berardi, a long-time resident and professor at Western Washington University, has released a new book, titled FoodWISE: A Whole Systems Guide to Sustainable and Delicious Food Choices. Published by North Atlantic Books, Berardi’s book outlines approaches to informed food choices, agriculture, and more. She will discuss her book and experiences, with local food and farm friends at 6 p.m. at The Restaurant at Twin Sisters Brewing Company, Bellingham. Live music and appetizers. All welcome, donations appreciated.

 

Learn about Mason Bees: Saturday, Feb. 29. Doug Banner will explain the life cycle of these friendly pollinators and how to encourage them to nest in your garden, providing much needed pollination of your fruits. Mason bees and supplies available for purchase. Two times: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Growing Small Fruits: Saturday, Feb. 29. Did you know that Northwest gardeners can grow an incredible variety of fruits and berries? This workshop will focus on techniques for growing small fruiting plants, like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and kiwis. 1:30 p.m. $15 per person. Registration recommended. Be prepared to be outside. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register through www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org or call 360 966-5859.

 

Zippers 101: Pouches: Saturday, Feb. 29. This class will demystify the installation of zippers and in the process, you will sew a lovely travel zip pouch. 1 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See www.ragfinery.com.

 

Eagles Here and Around the Globe: Saturday, Feb. 29. Can you guess how many different species of eagles there are around the world? Find out about these intriguing eagles and learn about our resident Bald Eagles as well as those that migrate here from late November through January to feast on spawning salmon. Featuring photography by local photographers and from the National Audubon Photo Archives. Presented by North Cascades Audubon Society which also offers eagle-watching field trips. 3 p.m. South Whatcom Library, 10 Barn View Ct., Sudden Valley, Gate 2, Bellingham, (360) 305-3632.

 

 

 

See www.grownorthwest.com for more events.