latest news

Every summer, the San Juan County Fair brings people together to celebrate the community, farms and agriculture, and island spirit that make this place so unique. For Friends of the San Juans, it’s also an opportunity to connect with supporters and share how each of us can contribute to protecting the San Juan Islands and ... read more

Lori Momchilovich Reflects on Archiving Friends’ Legal and Environmental Advocacy Last spring, Friends welcomed Lori Momchilovich as our Document Archivist, a role focused on organizing and digitizing decades of paper records. With 15 years of experience in public and private libraries, and a background in education, Lori brought both skill and passion to the monumental ... read more

Your input matters! The Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) may sound technical, but it’s really about daily life in the islands. When you comment, you’re helping shape how our community grows while protecting your priorities and the places we all love and depend on. Did you know? Friends of the San Juans helped launch San Juan County’s ... read more

This month, Friends is honored to highlight four inspiring veterans whose time on the water, both in the military and since, has deeply shaped their commitment to protecting the Salish Sea.   These leaders each play a vital role in advancing Friends’ work to Protect this Place. Ken Putney, Friends’ Data & Gifts Administrator, Joe ... read more

Friends of the San Juans is excited to welcome and introduce Kirsten Kane (she/her/hers) as our new Salish Sea Strategy and Engagement Manager. Kirsten joins Friends with extensive experience in ocean ecology and marine policy. Kirsten will help build and support our coalition efforts, work with the press, and enhance community engagement to protect the ... read more

Join Friends of the San Juans for a powerful and moving evening of Indigenous song, ceremony, and teachings with Coast Salish artist, singer, storyteller, author, and environmental protector Chenoa Egawa. Gather in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day and Orca Recovery Month, and for the full experience, begin with a special Seafood Feast before the main ... read more

The European Green Crab is one of the most damaging marine invaders in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s knocking at the door of our island ecosystems. Once established, these aggressive predators threaten eelgrass beds, disrupt food webs, and damage critical habitat for salmon, Dungeness crab, and countless other species. We have a narrow window to ... read more

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