Elise Cope

Did you know the future of our islands is being decided right now? The Comprehensive Plans for San Juan County and the Town of Friday Harbor are being updated—and your voice can shape what comes next! Ready to get involved? Together, we can ensure that the San Juan Islands remain where nature thrives, communities flourish, ... read more

This January, 38 contractors—excavators, general contractors, arborists, landscapers, and gardeners—from five different islands came together at the Mullis Center on San Juan Island for a Shore Friendly workshop hosted by Friends of the San Juans in partnership with the Northwest Straits Foundation and the Washington State Shore Friendly Program. The free workshop focused on the ... read more

Pop-Up Events at A Waterworks Gallery in Friday Harbor Every Saturday Afternoon This Winter Alchemy Art Center and Friends of the San Juans are teaming up to bring art and ecology together in “Interconnected,” a collaborative mural project celebrating eelgrass—a vital but often overlooked marine plant in the Salish Sea. With the generous support of ... read more

Marni joined the Friends team in late 2024 to help us dive into phone banking and will continue leading this effort in 2025! A phenomenal volunteer with extensive experience in phone banking and nonprofit fundraising, Marni trained our staff and volunteers to connect directly with supporters. After developing a phone script and providing hands-on guidance, ... read more

Did you know the chemicals used to clean up oil spills can be just as harmful as the oil spills themselves? Take action today to ban the use of discontinued dispersants! The Current Threat Stockpiles of discontinued chemical dispersants that have known health risks are still approved for use during oil spills in Washington waters. ... read more

The Recycling Reform Act (the WRAP Act) is back! After a successful hearing in the House last week, it’s now heading to the Senate—and we need your voice to ensure its passage. Recycling Reform Act (SB 5284 solid waste management / HB 1150): moving responsibility of plastic production to the producers, taking plastic off our ... read more

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 as the leading advocacy organization ... 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 goals to protect our environment, ... 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 were to lose what we ... read more