Lake Whatcom

Ecosystem Overview

The Lake Whatcom ecosystem supports 5 documented wildlife species across 5 taxonomic genera. Located in Whatcom County, Washington, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 2 frequently observed species and 0 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Bellingham nearby has 95% more documented species, Lake Whatcom offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #13 for species diversity among 24 Whatcom County County natural areas, placing it in the 46th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

#13

Regional Rank

Out of 24 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common2 species

Common1 species

Occasional2 species

Rare0 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#13 of 24 locations

46th percentile for diversity

vs. Bellingham

-95% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 5 total documented species.

Plethodon vehiculum

Western Red-backed Salamander

Very Common1 obs.

Vallisneria americana

American eelgrass

Very Common1 obs.

Holodiscus discolor

hillside oceanspray

Very Common1 obs.

Isoetes echinospora

spring quillwort

Very Common1 obs.

Potamogeton richardsonii

Richardson's pondweed

Very Common1 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Want the Complete Field Guide?

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Lake Whatcom. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

$6.99

Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Lake Whatcom. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-89%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Whatcom County County, Washington

Nearby Natural Areas

Bellingham

Importance: 0.48

100 species

-95% vs. current

Whatcom County

Importance: 0.42

100 species

-95% vs. current

Lynden

Importance: 0.40

4 species

+25% vs. current

Lummi Island

Importance: 0.38

64 species

-92% vs. current

Blaine

Importance: 0.36

75 species

-93% vs. current

Silver Lake

Importance: 0.35

11 species

-55% vs. current

Picture Lake

Importance: 0.35

6 species

-17% vs. current

Lost Lake

Importance: 0.35

6 species

-17% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Whatcom County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-89%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Whatcom County County, Washington

Nearby Natural Areas

Bellingham

Importance: 0.48

100 species

-95% vs. current

Whatcom County

Importance: 0.42

100 species

-95% vs. current

Lynden

Importance: 0.40

4 species

+25% vs. current

Lummi Island

Importance: 0.38

64 species

-92% vs. current

Blaine

Importance: 0.36

75 species

-93% vs. current

Silver Lake

Importance: 0.35

11 species

-55% vs. current

Picture Lake

Importance: 0.35

6 species

-17% vs. current

Lost Lake

Importance: 0.35

6 species

-17% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

#13

Regional Rank

Out of 24 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common2 species

Common1 species

Occasional2 species

Rare0 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#13 of 24 locations

46th percentile for diversity

vs. Bellingham

-95% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 5 total documented species.

Plethodon vehiculum

Western Red-backed Salamander

Very Common1 obs.

Vallisneria americana

American eelgrass

Very Common1 obs.

Holodiscus discolor

hillside oceanspray

Very Common1 obs.

Isoetes echinospora

spring quillwort

Very Common1 obs.

Potamogeton richardsonii

Richardson's pondweed

Very Common1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 5 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.