About L.E.A.D.

Learning, Environment, Action, and Discovery (L.E.A.D.) was founded in 1993 by and for students at Western Washington University. Our program ambitiously strives to make a positive impact on the WWU and Bellingham community through ecological restoration and environmental education. Our projects foster engagement with our local ecosystems through invasive plant removal, native flora planting, site maintenance, and more! We hope to continue making a positive impact on our community with your generous help.

Our Team

Every year, L.E.A.D. is directed by two graduate students within the College of Environment at WWU. We employ a number of undergraduate interns who gain experience through specialized roles such as, native plant specialist, environmental education coordinator, social media relations manager, and more! We believe in supplying every intern with the tools they need to study and act upon their academic interests. Some of our past interns have worked specifically on water toxicology, terrestrial invertebrates biology, and wetland ecology. Additionally, our volunteers are our greatest strength. We could not achieve anything if it weren't for the lovely people who generously give their time to help in our mission to foster healthy, sustaining ecosystems that everyone can enjoy!

Projects

L.E.A.D. hosts work parties every week, where our team sets out to achieve project goals. Currently, we are working on a trail extension project at our Miyawaki Mini-Forest site, located in North Campus. Where there once was an unused lot full of trash and graffiti, now lays a beautiful mix of broad-leafed trees and native understory vegetation. Our dreams for this site are big, and with your help, we can continue our efforts to maintain and expand this beautiful habitat.