About
Who We Are
Loving the environment is not enough. We must protect it too.
Standing up for the islands isn’t always easy.
When the environment is at risk, Friends never backs down. Our multifaceted approach to environmental protection ensures the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea remain a sanctuary for biodiversity and sustainability for generations to come.
Since 1979, our members have turned local action into lasting regional impact.
Core Values
Reverence for Interconnectedness
Honoring all that binds us. We respect the intricate web that binds us to nature and community, and we value the rich tapestry of cultures across our bioregion. Our actions are guided by a reverence for the stewardship of sovereign Tribal Nations and a shared responsibility for wildlife, plants, people and the environment now and for generations to come. We honor collaboration, inclusivity, and gratitude for the work we do together.
Advocacy and Justice
Amplifying the rights of our natural world. We recognize the pivotal role of science, educational outreach, and community-driven initiatives in shaping environmental protections and policies. We equip our community to make systemic change and advance environmental restorative justice. We do so advocating for all voices to be heard and respected, and when needed, we stand as a voice for the voiceless.
Integrity Beyond Reproach
An unwavering pledge to our communities. This guiding principle informs every facet of our work, including our interactions with members, donors, supporters, and partners, strengthening our credibility and deepening our connections within the communities we serve. Our dedication to doing what is right, in both word and action, is a testament to our resolve to protect the environment from harm.
Courage and Steadfastness
Boldly protecting what we love. Our work is powered by the understanding that protection sometimes requires us to advocate for causes that others shy away from due to their complexity and magnitude. It is in these moments that we shine brightest, but we don’t do this work alone. We invest in deep relationships that inform our convictions and drive our understanding of the high stakes for both people and nature.
Vigilant Protection
Safeguarding the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea. We are proactive in protecting the beauty and wonder of our bioregion. Our watchful efforts are built upon the work of those before us and made possible by collaboration with Tribal Nations, science experts, public leaders, government agencies, community organizations, civic change-makers, and other allies for the environment.
Science expertise in action.
With more than two decades of marine science and field research experience, Senior Science Director Tina Whitman advances Friends’ science-based approach to protecting the islands’ shorelines and nearshore ecosystems through rigorous study and on-the-ground action.
As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2029, the actions we take today will shape a resilient future and long-term environmental protection.
Meet the people behind our unique cross-disciplinary approach to environmentalism—combining advocacy, research, and community engagement.
We deeply respect and value the leadership of Sovereign Nations connected to the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea.
Friends’ staff and board members at a strategic planning workshop in 2025 on Orcas Island.
A future of vigilant protection.
As a leader in advancing long-term resilience and environmental protection, our expert staff, board, and advisors are building towards five decades of science and advocacy with our members to ensure lasting protection for the islands.
Join Friends for Community-Centered Action
Whether you live in the San Juan Islands, visit often, or help care for the Salish Sea from afar, your actions make a difference. Together, we can protect what makes this place extraordinary—shorelines, wildlife, and community.
