Year: 2022

page: 2

Pride Month Solidarity at Friends

June 7, 2022

What does Pride month have to do with environmental justice? Here at Friends, we are taking time during Pride month to examine our internal culture and how LGBTQ+ liberation intersects with environmentalism. If you would like to learn along with us, here are some resources: Recommended Readings: Pride Month, LGBTQ+ And The Environmental Movement Why ... read more

Cryptocurrency—A New Kind of Gift?

May 19, 2022

Contributed by Michel Vekved, Director of Philanthropy As a nonprofit, you know we rely upon the generosity of members like you who care and are engaged in our work to protect what you love. Since 1979, we’ve been working together tirelessly to protect and restore the San Juan Islands’ ecology and ecosystems. Our mission will ... read more

Kaia Olson, Passing the Torch of Environmental Activism

May 19, 2022

Contributed by Kaia Olson, grandaughter of Friends’ Board member, San Olson. As a young person, I can’t emphasize enough the significance of seeing older activists continue to advocate for environmental action. Your work truly embodies the proverb: “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”  Growing up with both ... read more

Friends’ Science Director Wins Salish Sea Science Prize

May 19, 2022

On April 28th, Tina Whitman, Science Director at Friends of the San Juans, was awarded the prestigious Salish Sea Science Prize, given biennially by the SeaDoc Society to prominent scientists whose work significantly contributes to the conservation of marine wildlife and the health of Salish Sea ecosystems. “The Salish Sea Science Prize is designed to ... read more

Friends Partners With Youth at Sucia Island Restoration Site

April 21, 2022

We had productive and fun days at our Mud Bay restoration site on Sucia Island this month, learning with island youth and furthering ecological improvements to the site. Throughout 2020, restoration efforts at Mud Bay included the removal of nearly 300 feet of coastal road, the removal of rock armor and a culvert, as well ... read more

Read our March Highwater Marks E-Newsletter

March 18, 2022

Check out the March issue of our e-newsletter – Highwater Marks! Learn about our latest victory against Phillips 66; the spring Great Islands Clean-Up; the herring spawn event happening now; a community conversation on housing, vacation rentals, and land use; our new staff; an update on the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project; and more!

Friends scores a win for orca protection

March 17, 2022

Friends of the San Juans recently scored a decisive legal victory against fossil-fuel giant Phillips 66, representing an important win for critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales. On February 28th, the Washington State Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Friends in a lawsuit regarding Phillips 66’s expansion of its Ferndale, WA, refinery. In 2019 ... read more

David and Geri Turnoy

February 28, 2022

From the first time we visited the islands, we were awestruck by the natural beauty of this majestic setting: towering conifers, green meadows, beautiful lakes, forested mountains, all surrounded by the sound! Like any beautiful location, this magical environment could be “loved to death”, which is why it is so important that Friends of the ... read more

Read our February Highwater Marks E-Newsletter

February 19, 2022

Check out the February issue of our e-newsletter – Highwater Marks! Learn about San Juan County’s decision to Fast-Track the Comp Plan Update process, Meet our New Legal Director, Celebrate 20 Years of Tina’s Dedication to Friends, Volunteer Opportunity to Monitor for Invasive Green Crabs, and More!

Voices of the Next Generation: Redefining Exploration by Kaia Olson

February 17, 2022

I recently read an article from a Canadian news organization titled “The Future of Exploration.” In it, author Kate Harris examines how traditional exploration’s complicated past makes it difficult to reconcile with modern values of justice and sustainability. From Marco Polo to Lewis and Clark, most famous expeditions have been glorified in western culture while ... read more

Joan and I love this tiny corner of paradise and know that Mother Nature needs all the help she can get. We are solidly friends of the Friends of the San Juans.

Jon and Joan Christoffersen

members, Shaw Island