L.E.A.D. (Learning, Environment, Action, & Discovery)

The L.E.A.D (Learning, Environment, Action, & Discovery) program was founded in 1993 by undergraduate students in the College of the Environment (formerly known as Huxley College of the Environment). L.E.A.D is dedicated to educating students and the community in environmental restoration efforts through weekly work parties, a renowned internship program, and a spring service-learning seminar course on ecological restoration taught by the graduate student co-directors.

Environmental Restoration & Protection​: We host weekly work parties for students at WWU where we remove invasive species, plant native plants​, and spread mulch to protect those native species​. Education​: We teach a 2-credit service-learning seminar (UEPP 499​) every spring, support students' goals through our internship program​, and implement practical restoration curriculum​ throughout our program. Community Engagement​: Not only do we host our own work parties, we also work with a multitude of community partners supporting them in their projects in the broader Bellingham community. Some of our partnerships include but are not limited to: City of Bellingham, Whatcom Million Trees Project, Happy Valley Neighborhood Association, Whatcom Land Trust, and many more. These partnerships allow us to connect our students with the community and encourage inter-generational community engagement.