e-news

San Juan County’s Comprehensive Plan Demystified

November 14, 2024

Are you new to “Comp Plan land”?We’ve got you covered! What is the Comp Plan, and Why Does It Matter? The San Juan County Comprehensive Plan is like a roadmap for our community’s future. It’s designed to manage growth and keep the islands a healthy place to live by setting long-term goals to protect our environment, ... read more

Governor Inslee with Friends

September 7, 2024

On August 24, 2024, Friends of the San Juans was honored to host Governor Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, on a tour of the San Juans’ vibrant kelp and eelgrass beds. We explored these crucial marine ecosystems and highlighted the contributions of the Climate Commitment Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ... read more

Resiliency Planning for the San Juan Islands Included in Transformational $73.6M-Federal Climate Award

August 29, 2024

In a groundbreaking step towards protecting the future of the San Juan Islands, the Samish Indian Nation and Friends of the San Juans are excited to announce that they have been awarded $499,000 as part of a transformative $73.6 million federal grant from NOAA’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge.   The two entities will be a part ... read more

Current Volunteer Opportunities

February 5, 2024

Do you love the islands and Salish Sea and want to connect with like-minded people? Are you interested in serving on our Board or a committee? There are many ways to get involved, and we would love your support! Bonus: volunteer 4 hours or more per year, and you’ll receive an automatic membership with Friends. ... read more

Big win for Southern Resident killer whales!

April 19, 2023

Legislation to safeguard critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales is headed to the Governor’s desk! Senate Bill 5371 requires recreational boaters to stay 1,000 yards away from Southern Residents beginning in 2025.  Lovel Pratt, Marine Protection and Policy Director at Friends shares, “While the 1,000-yard distance requirement won’t be mandatory until 2025, Friends encourages recreational ... read more

Movie Night! Right-sizing the fight for the Right Whale

April 19, 2023

  Free Film Premier Event with two viewing options on Orcas and San Juan Islands! Right Over the Edge: The Search for the North Pacific Right Whale, followed by an in-person Q&A with filmmaker Kevin Campion.  Thursday, May 18, 7:00 pm SeaView Theatre 234 A St, Eastsound, Orcas Island In partnership with The SeaDoc Society Saturday, May 20, ... read more

Green Crab Community Science Opportunity

April 19, 2023

Calling all community scientists, volunteers, shoreline landowners, and beachgoers!    The European green crab is a hardy and voracious predator native to Western Europe and Northwestern Africa. This species has invaded intertidal zones around the globe and, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, it is considered one of the world’s worst invasive species.  ... read more

Inspiration & Friendship

April 19, 2023

Reflections on Irmgard Conley, by Janet Alderton I met my dear friend, Irmgard Conley, when I joined the Friends of the San Juans board of directors in 2006. Irmgard’s commitment to “Keep the San Juans Green!” inspired me to use my background in scientific research to help inform our County’s decision-makers during updates to our ... read more

Introducing Eva Schulte, Executive Director!

March 24, 2023

The Board of Directors of Friends of the San Juans is delighted to announce the appointment ofEva Schulte as Executive Director. Eva brings her passion for the Salish Sea and extensiveexecutive leadership experience across the social sector to Friends. She begins the first week ofApril. Ken Carrasco, President of the Board of Friends of the ... read more

Friday Harbor Youth Storm the Capitol!  

February 24, 2023

This month, Friends’ Community Science and Education Director, Jess Newley, hopped in a van with six students from the Friday Harbor Eco Club and Katie Fleming, San Juan County’s Solid Waste Coordinator. This enthusiastic crew then went to Olympia for a full day of action, fun, and information in the State’s capital!   Representative Alex Ramel, ... read more

We live in such a pivotal time. Future generations are depending on us to protect and restore what will be their environment. We support the Friends because they tackle the issues that really make a big difference in our local environment, while also squeezing maximum value out of every dollar in their budget.

Ken and Mariann Carrasco

members, Orcas Island