Empowering and energizing the next generation of conservation leaders for positive change

Friends of the San Juans has been conducting science and conservation education in local schools for over 20 years, including forage-fish beach surveys, energy-saving projects, plastics-reduction programs, and marine food web explorations using underwater virtual reality.

Whether it’s through direct mentorships or local high school environmental clubs, here are some of the offerings and benefits Friends staff can offer local island youth:

• Learn about critical habitats in the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea and the pressures our local marine ecosystems face.
• Receive guidance and support in advancing environmental projects in your school or community.
• Learn about the legislative process and raise your voice to create the changes you wish to see. Visit Olympia to talk to your state government officials about current issues you care about. 
• Take action in the field through community science and restoration opportunities.
• Join us weekly for discussions with local youth, and meet and collaborate with others who care about the environment and are committed to creating positive change!

Friends staff currently meets with high school students weekly at the following clubs:

• Friday Harbor Eco Club, Tuesdays during lunchtime in the STEM building
• Spring Street International School, Mondays during lunchtime

Ready to join a club or learn more about what youth mentorships might look like for you?
Email friends@sanjuans.org

Bring the Salish Sea into your classroom!

We offer in-person (and remote!) options for youth to learn about the marine food web and its importance in the San Juan Islands. Be transported through a Virtual Reality Experience to witness life below the surface.

For classrooms in San Juan County: Friends of the San Juans offers an Immersive Education Program for high-school students during the school year. During this week-long program, Friends’ staff will come to the classroom to teach students via visual storytelling, virtual reality, hands-on field trips, and more!

For classrooms outside of the San Juan Islands: Check out our self-guided online education platform, complete with lessons, activities and prompts to guide youth through an engagement experience in learning about San Juan Island and Salish Sea ecosystems.

Email friends@sanjuans.org to learn more and stay up to date on the development of our remote online curriculum.

More Youth Education Resources

The following is a list of excellent Salish Sea-focused resources and programs in our region:

• The Salish Sea School — youth and adult place-based education in the Salish Sea. 
• Saving the Southern Resident Killer Whales — A Project-Based Learning Unit for Middle School, NOAA Fisheries

Friends of the San Juans youth education programs operate under C.A.S.E (Communication, Arts, Sciences, and Entrepreneurship) to create learning experiences rooted in creativity, collaboration, and community stewardship of the Salish Sea.