Eagles, Estuaries, and Oysters

• Bike along Birch Bay and through rural agricultural landscapes
• Visit a raptor center and meet bald eagles, hawks, and owls while enjoying a locally-sourced lunch
• Learn first-hand about conservation easements, land acquisition, and the restoration of critical ecosystems
• Ride through the BP Cherry Point Reserve and gaze over the straight of Georgia
• Meet Whatcom Land Trust staff and volunteers while visiting their projects on California Creek & Drayton Harbor to restore coastal wetlands
• Learn about the cultural history of the most northwestern corner of the United States
• End the day with a happy hour event hosted by Drayton Harbor Oysters

• An experienced guide
• One happy hour cocktail included at Drayton Harbor Oysters
• Snacks, water, and a locally sourced picnic lunch from Holly’s Meat Pies (or other local establishment)
• Entrance to raptor center
• Guided experiential activities at the California Creek Estuary with local experts in land trusts and conservation easements
• Estimated price range: $100-$150, depending on custom requests

You will need a bicycle, jacket in case of rain, and a water bottle

Need a bike? Bicycle rentals can be arranged through a local provider for an additional fee. Email bikeNW@expint.org or call 360-472-3749 for details.

Our trip departs from Blaine and begins with a cruise to the mouth of the California Creek Estuary on Drayton Harbor. Here, the Whatcom Land Trust will share a behind-the-scenes view into the salmon and shellfish habitats critical to this region.

From there, we will hope back on our bikes and continue our journey south along Birch Bay and into the BP Cherry Point Reserve. At our next visit, we’ll enjoy a locally sourced lunch from Holly’s Meat Pies (veggie options available) while observing the surrounding rescued bald eagles. After eating, we’ll head to Sardis Raptor Center.

From Sardis, we’ll follow California Creek back downstream through agricultural lands and scenic back roads and stop for a visit at the Loomis Trail Golf Course. We then return to Blaine via a short ride along the eastern edge of Drayton Harbor.  At the end of the ride, we’ll discover how all those partnerships converge “within an oyster” as we enjoy a happy hour event hosted by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company.

We are committed to supporting our local community – food for our programs is always sourced from local providers and sustainable producers.