Have you ever wondered how systems really work?
From sustainable food systems to recycling and so much more, join the WWU Sustainability Engagement Institute and the WWU Center for Community Learning—along with some incredible community partners—to explore "How It Works".
How it works: Inside WTA Bus Service
Whatcom Transportation Authority
Tuesday, February 10th, 10am-12:50pm
Meet at the WWU Performing Arts Center (PAC) Plaza
Many of us ride the bus without ever seeing the planning, coordination, and data-driven decisions that make a reliable transit system possible. This event offered a behind-the-scenes look at how public transportation is designed to serve people, places, and the broader wellbeing of Whatcom County.
Description: Join WTA and Western’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and Center for Community Learning for a deep dive into what goes into WTA bus service planning and how this impacts Whatcom County’s health and wellbeing. The event will include a bus ride from Western to WTA’s headquarters, a tour of the headquarters, and chats with WTA’s transportation planners about how they design and manage WTA’s bus service across the county.
This tour is supported by:
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA)
Western’s Sustainability Engagement Institute
If you are interested please contact Laurel Hammond at laurel.hammond@wwu.edu.
Past Events
February 10, 2026
How It Works: Whatcom Transportation Authority
"How does the WTA bus service keep community connected?"
Many of us ride the bus without ever seeing the planning, coordination, and data-driven decisions that make a reliable transit system possible. This event offered a behind-the-scenes look at how public transportation is designed to serve people, places, and the broader wellbeing of Whatcom County.
Participants joined staff from WTA for a guided experience that included a bus ride from Western to WTA’s headquarters, a tour of the facility, and conversations with transportation planners. We learned how bus service is planned, adjusted, and managed across the county, and how these decisions influence access to jobs, education, healthcare, and community connection.
This event was co-sponsored by Western’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and the Center for Community Learning, in partnership with Whatcom Transportation Authority.
April 16, 2025
How It Works: Bellingham's Wastewater Treatment Plant
“Where does water go once it flows down the drain?” Many of us have wondered how Bellingham keeps its wastewater clean and safe before it returns to Bellingham Bay.
Participants joined an insightful tour of the city’s wastewater treatment facility at Post Point. We heard from experts and learned how the treatment plant processes up to 55 million gallons of wastewater per day. This event was co-sponsored by the Center for Community Learning, the Sustainability Engagement Institute, and the City of Bellingham.
January 22, 2025
How It Works: WWU STEAM PLANT
“How are buildings on campus heated, and how can we heat spaces in sustainable ways?”
This event, co-sponsored by Western’s Facilities Development & Operations, the Center for Community Learning, and the Sustainability Engagement Institute, offered a behind-the-scenes look at Western’s steam plant.
Participants toured the steam plant and some of the underground tunnels, learned how Western is transitioning to a more sustainable system, and engaged in conversation with others interested in the topic.
October 7, 2024
How It Works: City Sprouts Farm
“How do sustainable food systems work within urban farms?”
This event explored sustainable food systems at City Sprouts Farm. It was co-sponsored by WWU's Sustainability Engagement Institute, the Center for Community Learning, the WWU Basic Needs Hub, and City Sprouts Farm.