Little Free Libraries Updates

We are so pleased to announce that we have found our fourth LFL Librarian. Cheryl Greenstreet has joined Barbara Sandarov to help maintain and stock the Cordata Park library box.

This is no small task. I asked for some estimates of how many books, particularly children's books we add to the library box and the results are pretty astounding. Not surprisingly, it's somewhat weather related:

In poor weather, we add an average of 20 books a week or 80 a month.

In good weather, we add an average of 40 books a week or 160 a month.

That means we place over 1700 books in just that Cordata library box in a year. Luckily, we have found partners and donors, including our community members like you, but it's a challenge. If you'd like to help with children books or donations to buy used books, EMAIL LINK.

Thank you.

Greenways

If you enjoy the parks, trails and open spaces in Bellingham and want to ensure that they are protected and expanded, please consider offering your support to next Greenways Levy. The last Levy will expire this year. The Greenways and Parks Department submitted a request to the City Council to include a 10-year levy on the November ballot to continue the work that they do to acquire, develop, and maintain green spaces in our community.

Please offer your support for this Levy to be included in the November ballot by contacting the City Council starting on July 5 through this Website Link. This Link will allow you to register to speak at the Jluy 24th City Council meeting or to submit written testimony.

If you'd like to learn more about Greenways and what they do with tax dollars, use this LINK.

Thank you for Your Support

We were recently contacted by Casey Curtis, the Syre Gallery Manager recently with some interesting news.

The Syre Gallery is changing its name. The new name will be the Cordata Gallery. We approve.

That led to a discussion about where the name "Cordata" come from. Casey shared a Bellingham Herald News article dated June 7, 1984 that discussed the new area of north Bellingham called Cordata. David Syre is quoted in the article sharing that "Cordata" is the name of a small flower that grows well in the rain. How perfect is that? I will bring a copy of the article to the Park Party on July 8 where you can read it in its entirety.

The final bit of news that Casey shared is that there will be an new show at the Cordata Gallery opening on August 5 called Women Painters of Washington. You can get more information about this show at this LINK.

Check it Out!

You know that feeling we get when we go for a hike, ride a bike, take a walk, or just sit in our backyard? We feel better. It turns out that there's a whole field of study to explain why that is.

For example, this STUDY showed that passing time in nature, as little as 15 minutes can already make you feel better. The most efficient time span is 20-30 minutes though. Weekly, the most benefit comes after two total hours, up to 200/300 minutes. At that time you reach a plateau.

Another study on Attention Restoration Theory, or ART, proposes that exposure to nature is not only enjoyable but can also help us improve our focus and ability to concentrate. STUDY LINK

The third study looked at the positive effect on stress and anxiety that comes from spending time in nature. STUDY LINK

So, get outside and reap all these free benefits.

A study LINK shows that the human tendency to help others is universal. Although this may fly in the face of what is reported to us every hour of every day by the media, this study confirms what most of us still believe in ourt hearts. Most people are kind and considerate.

Speaking of good news reading. A book that was recommended to me that asserts this same truth is called Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Berman. I really enjoyed it and think anyone who is feeling a little concern over the future of our species will feel much better after reading this book. This is what the Amazon page says about the book:

The “lively” (The New Yorker), “convincing” (Forbes), and “riveting pick-me-up we all need right now” (People) that proves humanity thrives in a crisis and that our innate kindness and cooperation have been the greatest factors in our long-term success as a species.

Whatcom Million Trees Project

This project was stated by Michael Freerer two years ago. If you're not familiar with the effort, check out the website LINK. They also have a newsletter HERE. Michael will try to join us at our Park Party if he and his work party are done in time.

What to do (or not do) if you see a baby deer and think you should help.

In a nutshell, leave it alone. If you'd like further information, you can use this LINK. (This is a link to NextDoor, so you need to be a member to access. If you're not a member and you are curious, EMAIL me and I'll send you the text.)

Summer is Coming and Bringing the Heat

Greg Hope's recent helpful advice includes precautions to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Read the information HERE.

(Greg will also join us at our Park Party on July 8. Come meet him and ask all the questions you've ever had about crisis preparedness)