Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors (SHABOG)

**Meeting Frequency Reform:** The most substantial policy discussion centered on budget-driven proposals to reduce meeting frequency or restructure board operations. City staff cited administrative burden on Kate's time, lack of growth in administrative support despite expanded operations teams, and impending general fund layoffs. Board members explored alternatives including quarterly meetings with on-site visits in intervening months, or having Western take greater administrative responsibility. The discussion revealed tension between maintaining oversight of this unique teaching arboretum versus city-wide budget constraints. Board bylaws currently require at least eight meetings annually, so any changes would require formal bylaw amendments. **Research Policy:** The board's approval of Templeton's research established precedent for ongoing, multi-year academic studies involving infrastructure placement (nest boxes) and wildlife capture techniques (m…

**Chris Templeton (WWU Biology):** Requested permission for long-term chickadee research using nest boxes and mist netting. Emphasized minimal impact methods, existing permits and funding, and willingness to provide annual reports to the board. **Caleb Barville (Ecological Restoration Club):** Presented extensive accomplishments including removal of 35 cubic yards of invasives and planting of 200+ natives. Proposed reviving Arboretum Day celebration and requested board support for herbicide treatment of invasive stumps. Demonstrated sophisticated understanding of restoration challenges and solutions. **City Staff (Nicole, Steve, Kate):** Advocated for reduced meeting frequency due…

**John (Chair), on the arboretum's unique role:** "There's a different nuance to our relationship and what we do there because of the purpose of the arboretum is a teaching arboretum." **Nicole (City Staff), on budget pressures:** "Steve's time is precious, Kate's time is precious, and we're looking at all of our functions right now to try and do less with less. That's been our directive, and we are looking at general fund probably layoffs and planning for those." **Caleb Barville, on restor…

**Research Authorization:** The arboretum now has an approved long-term scientific research project involving infrastructure placement and wildlife capture, representing expanded academic use of the site. **Budget Pressure Acknowledgment:** The board formally began considering operational changes due to fiscal constraints, marking a shift from previous assumption of stable meeting schedules and administrative support. **Restoration Expansion:** Student-led restoration work has dramatically scaled up, with over 60 volunteers and removal of 35 cubic yards of invasives in one quarter, representing t…

## Meeting Overview The Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors met on March 20, 2025, with key discussions focusing on bird research approval, ecological restoration updates, and potential changes to meeting frequency. The board approved a significant bird communication research project and reviewed ongoing restoration work by the Ecological Restoration Club. ## Key Terms and Concepts **Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors (SHABOG):** The governing body that oversees the Sehome Hill Arboretum, a partnership between the City of Bellingham and Western Washington University for research and education. **Mist Netting:** A scientific technique for safely capturing birds using fine mesh nets, allowing researchers to band them for identification and study their behavior and movement patterns. **IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee):** The Western Washington University committee that reviews and approves all research involving animals to ensure ethical treatment and compliance with regulations. **Cherry Laurel:** An invasive plant species that has established itself throughout the arboretum, requiring ongoing removal efforts to protect native vegetation. **Stormwater Vault:** An underground drainage system built as part of the House of Healing construction project that requires revegetation planning on its surface area. **Open Public Meetings Act:** Washington State law requiring government meetings to be publicly noticed and accessible, which influences how the board must conduct its meetings. **House of Healing:** A traditional Lummi longhouse under construction within the arboretum, representing a significant cultural and educational facility. **Anthropogenic Factors:** Human-caused environmental changes, such as road noise pollution, that can affect wildlife behavior and communication. ## Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | John (Chair) | SHABOG Chair, Western faculty | | Chris Templeton | Biology Department faculty, Western | | Caleb Barville | Ecological Restoration Club representative | | Steve Janiszewski | City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation | | Nicole (last name unclear) | City of Bellingham staff | | Kate | City of Bellingham administrative support | | Kendra | City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation | | Wayne | University facilities/maintenance | ## Background Context The Sehome Hill Arboretum operates as a unique partnership between Western Washington University and the City of Bellingham, serving both as a natural area for public recreation and as a living laboratory for student research and education. The board faces ongoing challenges balancing these dual purposes while managing invasive species, infrastructure needs, and budget constr…