latest news

Are you looking to better understand the unique features of San Juan Islands’ shorelines? As part of a beautiful, complex, and dynamic marine ecosystem supporting salmon, seabirds, whales, and humans, you can join a community beach walk this July on Orcas or Lopez Island! Learn about the shoreline features that make up the over 400 ... read more

 You may have glimpsed something strange and beautiful around the San Juans: a pod of orcas twirling through the kelp, wrapping themselves in long golden fronds like playful dancers.  New research from the Center for Whale Research confirms what many Indigenous knowledge holders, islanders, and kayak guides have observed for years—Southern Resident killer whales use ... read more

Over the past month, Friends of the San Juans has been working diligently to support early detection and response efforts aimed at combating one of the most damaging marine invaders in the Pacific Northwest, the European green crab (EGC). Through a partnership with Washington Sea Grant and Washington State University’s Extension Molt Search program, we’ve ... read more

Position Summary Friends of the San Juans (Friends), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting the San Juan Islands and the surrounding Salish Sea, seeks a collaborative and dynamic staff member to lead Salish Sea strategy and engagement efforts that advance marine protection and policy objectives. Under the leadership of Friends’ Marine Protection and Policy Director, ... read more

 Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support local environmental action this summer? Friends of the San Juans is seeking a Communications & Outreach Volunteer to join our team for a two-hour weekly shift, either in our Friday Harbor office or remotely. To help grow our community presence and impact, you’ll work directly ... read more

 Eelgrass is more than a plant. It’s a quiet, essential force holding our marine ecosystem together. Let’s protect it, together. At our recent Spring Open House, community members engaged with eelgrass in a whole new way through virtual reality, hands-on art, and powerful storytelling. We’re working to bring the power of eelgrass into view, not just ... read more

  San Juan Island Eco Club students and Friends of the San Juans celebrate a major policy victory in Olympia  Washington’s new Recycling Reform Act is now law, thanks in part to powerful student advocacy from San Juan County. Executive Director Eva Schulte of Friends of the San Juans was honored to represent Friends and ... read more

Friends of the San Juans is excited to welcome and introduce Magali Cota as our new Legal Director and Staff Attorney. Magali is an environmental law attorney who has worked closely with communities to protect their natural spaces, informing them of their rights within an evolving legal system and holding corporations and government agencies accountable.    ... read more

Local action matters—especially when it comes to solving the global problem of plastic pollution. Across the San Juan Islands, Friends of the San Juans is helping islanders of all ages become informed, empowered, and active protectors of the Salish Sea. This spring, three community-powered projects highlight how Friends is turning education into advocacy, and awareness ... read more