latest news

By Annika Weber, Friends of the San Juans Summer Intern  Hello! My name is Annika. I’m from Seattle, and this summer I’m working with Friends’ Marine Protection and Policy Director, Lovel Pratt, on Salish Sea protection. I’m also helping with summer events and learning how to write grants. I’m a history major, so Lovel suggested ... read more

This summer and fall, Friends of the San Juans is leading a series of shoreline restoration projects across the islands, from Shaw Island to Eastsound on Orcas. These efforts do more than meet the eye—they help revive the ecological function of our shorelines and strengthen the health of our island communities.  Thriving and balanced shoreline ... read more

During our recent Community Beach Walk in Eastsound on Orcas Island, Wolf Schmidt (Wasakalobo) joined local shoreline experts from Friends of the San Juans, Natural Systems Design, and San Juan County to explore coastal ecology, native vegetation, and habitat restoration. The event was part of our ongoing effort to connect community members with the knowledge ... read more

On May 29th, over 150 community members attended Solianna Halabisky’s senior community project—a dance showcase celebrating the beauty and singularity of the Salish Sea and island wildlife. Soli elected to donate all proceeds from the show, which featured Orcas Dance Collective, choreography by Tiffany Loney, and poetry by local high schoolers, to Friends of the ... read more

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

 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