latest news

From Moby Dick to Mega-Terminals: A Young Researcher’s Perspective on Shipping and the Salish Sea 

July 31, 2025

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

Restoring Shorelines, Reviving Ecosystems: A Look Ahead 

July 31, 2025

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

Local Protector Poetry: Driftwood by W. A. Schmidt (Wasakalobo)

July 30, 2025

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

Soli’s Senior Showcase Engages Community with the Salish Sea 

June 30, 2025

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

Free Community Beach Walks – Enjoy an Afternoon of Fun in the Sun

June 30, 2025

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

The Hidden Forests of the San Juans—and the People Fighting to Save Them

June 30, 2025

 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

Community Rallies to Protect San Juan Shorelines from Invasive Green Crab

June 30, 2025

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

Now Hiring: Strategy and Engagement Director/Manager (DO/Q)

May 29, 2025

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
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hiring

Summer Volunteer Opportunity in Communications & Outreach 

May 28, 2025

 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 Education Comes to Life in Clay and Virtual Reality 

May 28, 2025

 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

It’s important to us that any organization we are involved with actually gets things done, and the work that the Friends takes on so capably really does make a difference.

Ken and Mariann Carrasco

members, Orcas Island