Friends of the San Juans

Are you experiencing travel withdrawal after months of lockdown and cancelled travel plans? Peter Cavanagh – photographer, filmmaker, former NASA researcher, bird expert, and Lopezian – is here to help! Peter will guide you on a virtual photographic journey to see some of the amazing birds he has encountered on his world travels. Click here ... read more

The staff of Friends of the San Juans stands in solidarity with those demanding justice for George Floyd along with countless other Black lives taken too soon and too often. Our mission to protect and restore the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea includes our human communities and we stand for the health, safety, ... read more

Keeping safe and healthy during the COVID-19 global pandemic is removing much of the gains we have made in reducing plastic use and is creating new waste issues. Grocery stores around the country are not allowing re-usable bags (and bans are being put on hold), coffee shops are refusing to refill personal mugs, and as ... read more

Here are two important comment opportunities for the Southern Resident orcas and native salmon species… 1) Protect Southern Resident Orcas Via the Commercial Whale Watch Licensing Program:  In 2019 the Washington Legislature directed the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to develop rules for a new commercial whale-watching licensing program. You have an opportunity to engage in ... read more

The 2020 boating season is officially upon us, and as we saw with Mother’s Day weekend, our anchorages will begin to fill with private boats. Our amazing group of islands, where boaters find wonder and relaxation, are also where fish and wildlife find food and shelter. One of the most critical and sensitive marine habitats ... read more

Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published its final rule in the Federal Register to list the Island Marble Butterfly as an endangered species. For our islands this is a big decision as this beautiful white and green butterfly is found only in the San Juans. This decision comes nearly two decades after a coalition of conservation groups, including ... read more

The Friends of the San Juans, a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, is seeking a new Executive Director. About the Friends of the San Juans The mission of the Friends of the San Juans (“FSJ”) is to protect and restore the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea for people and nature. Accordingly, FSJ’s programs foster ... read more

During these uncertain times, the staff of Friends of the San Juans are looking for ways to lift your spirits. And we thought that sharing some good news might bring you a smile! Good News! New Forage Fish Spawning Beaches Found! This winter, Friends of the San Juans staff and our team of trained citizen ... read more

Over the past month, necessity has called us all to action and challenged us to create new norms. Here at Friends our mission remains unchanged. Taking care of our planet, our family, and our community remain our guiding principles and with that in mind here are a few Earth Day action items for you. EARTH MONTH PLEDGE April 22, ... read more

This month, Friends of the San Juans and the Stewardship Network of the San Juans are partnering to bring you the “San Juan Islands Earth Month Pledge.” Join us to create digital community solidarity for the health of the planet! We are not advocating that you go far from home – we just wanted to ... read more