Elise Cope

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 and crannies to explore! But ... 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 of Orcas Island. Raven was ... 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 Juans, in partnership with Friday ... 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 time, Friends of the San ... read more

George Lawson

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 Island has been stewarded by ... read more

Eva Schulte Executive Directorshe/her/hers During her career, Eva has driven lasting and systemic change throughout the social sector for the health and dignity of people and our planet. Prior to Friends, Eva was the Executive Director for Whatcom Community College Foundation, leading community support for students and strategic educational initiatives across our bioregion. Eva is ... read more

Jan Knudson TreasurerBoard of Directorsshe/her/hers Jan decided to join the Friends board after touring our Sucia Island restoration project. She recently retired from a long career in construction management. Jan brings experience in forest management, environmental impact analysis, land use, and environmental policy development, affordable housing, water treatment facilities, and habitat restoration.

Joseph Cohen Board of Directorshe/him/his Joe and his wife Martha reside in Eastsound on Orcas Island. Joe’s passion is in empowering donors to increase their current and future legacy giving and enjoy the pleasure of meaningful contributions in their communities of interest. Joe’s undergraduate education was at the US Naval Academy, after which he served ... read more

Natalie Baloy Board of Directorsshe/her/hers Natalie Baloy, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Western Washington University. Dr. Baloy’s work is informed by scholarship in critical Indigenous studies, settler colonial studies, and interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary collaborations toward transformation in context and community. She collaborates with colleagues across disciplines and institutions to design interdisciplinary courses ... read more