news

As we reflect on this year, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for what we’ve accomplished together. 2024 marked a defining chapter in the story of Friends of the San Juans—a time shaped by intentional reflection, bold action, and powerful community engagement. With your support, we celebrate 45 years … read more

On December 2nd, twelve members of the Mullis Community Senior Center donned virtual reality headsets and embarked on an incredible underwater journey through the Salish Sea. They swam among swaying bull kelp forests, vast schools of herring, spawning salmon, and more! This unique event was part of Friends of the … read more

Position Summary Friends of the San Juans (Friends), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is seeking a Legal Director to help us protect San Juan County’s shorelines, communities and island resources, and the Salish Sea marine ecosystem. The role will involve strategic legal counsel, overseeing litigation efforts, representing the organization in diverse … read more

Are you new to “Comp Plan land”?We’ve got you covered! What is the Comp Plan, and Why Does It Matter? The San Juan County Comprehensive Plan is like a roadmap for our community’s future. It’s designed to manage growth and keep the islands a healthy place to live by setting long-term … read more

Friends of the San Juans — Protecting the San Juans and Salish Sea The San Juan Islands and Salish Sea are like no other place on Earth. That’s why we must protect them! As election season is upon us, we are all reminded of what is at stake if we … read more

Raven Preston, Orcas Island — Raven is a seasoned user experience researcher and communication strategist with a passion for leveraging data-driven insights to drive impactful change. Her work focuses on improving user engagement and developing strategies within the SAFe Agile framework. With a background in integrating Black and Indigenous methodologies, … read more

Dr. Manny Eusebio models exceptional Green Boater practices and does so proudly and with the health of our larger community in mind! Manny and his wife, Chris, moved their family’s sailboat to Bellingham from Seattle, where he continues to support the health of children as a pediatrician with Peace Health. … read more

Panel Discussion + Lummi Blackhawk Dancers Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Boldt Decision During Native American Heritage Month  On Saturday, November 9th at 6:30 PM, Friends of the San Juans, in collaboration with the Stewardship Network of the San Juans and Friday Harbor Film Festival, will host a special … read more

Friends of the San Juans has long been a vigilant protector of the Salish Sea, with a steady focus on safeguarding the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. This spring and summer, we entered important talks with Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery about their project to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Their … read more

On August 24, 2024, Friends of the San Juans was honored to host Governor Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, on a tour of the San Juans’ vibrant kelp and eelgrass beds. We explored these crucial marine ecosystems and highlighted the contributions of the Climate Commitment Act, which aims to … read more

In a groundbreaking step towards protecting the future of the San Juan Islands, the Samish Indian Nation and Friends of the San Juans are excited to announce that they have been awarded $499,000 as part of a transformative $73.6 million federal grant from NOAA’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge.   The two … read more

Friends of the San Juans Unanimously Endorses Renewal of Our Land Bank for Clean Water, Healthy Forests, and a Better Quality of Life for All  Friends of the San Juans’ Board of Directors is proud to officially and unanimously endorse the renewal of the 1.5% Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) … read more

Friends of the San Juans does not endorse or oppose candidates for office.  The Salish Sea is like no other place on earth. As election season approaches, we are all reminded of what is at stake if we were to lose what we all love about this place. We also … read more

Stroll along any local beach during low tide, and you’ll find the shore teeming with life! Tide pooling offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant ecosystems that thrive where land meets the Salish Sea. With over 400 miles of shoreline in San Juan County, we have no shortage of nooks … read more

Here at Friends we have what we refer to as “super volunteers”—these are folks who contribute talent and expertise to our growth and strategic priorities, going above and beyond the call of duty. They become an extension of staff, amplifying our values and mission.  One such volunteer is Raven Preston … read more

Friends of the San Juans’ met with Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) on San Juan Island to advocate for ongoing funding and support for salmon recovery and habitat restoration efforts, and to discuss the impacts of the recent increase in oil tanker traffic. Eelgrass mapping efforts led by Friends of the San … read more

Protect Marine Ecosystems and Island Resources Boating season is here, and soon our waters will be buzzing with boats. Our amazing group of islands, where boaters find wonder and relaxation, are also where fish and wildlife find food and shelter.   To help our wildlife and boaters thrive during this busy … read more

As the school year ends and summer begins, Friends of the San Juans’ research on eelgrass health will be gathering its second year of data from below the surface. The health of eelgrass meadows is San Juan County has had very concerning trends, prompting Friends and our partners to better … read more

Friends of the San Juans hosted nearly 40 artists and Lummi council member Karlie Kinley on Yellow Island this April for Friends’ first-ever Artist Expedition. The wildflowers were blooming and there was ample inspiration abound. Prominent floral displays included broadleafed shooting star, hairy paintbrush, chocolate lily, camas and stonecrop. Yellow … read more

Friends is honored to be the fiscal sponsor for this extraordinary inter-island Tribal canoe journey, “Esqaplh etse Kwelengsen, Gathering of Eagles.” All are welcome at this grassroots journey organized by Sul ka dub Freddie Lane, following the ancestral highways of the Lhaq’temish, Lummi, people, beginning May 19th and running through May … read more