e-news

According to the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, about one million people visit our archipelago each year to immerse themselves in our Pacific Northwest wonderland. That’s a huge impact on people and nature alike. Whether you are a resident looking for tools to share with your guests or are planning a visit yourself, there are ... read more

Contributed by Michel Vekved, Director of Philanthropy As a nonprofit, you know we rely upon the generosity of members like you who care and are engaged in our work to protect what you love. Since 1979, we’ve been working together tirelessly to protect and restore the San Juan Islands’ ecology and ecosystems. Our mission will ... read more

Contributed by Kaia Olson, grandaughter of Friends’ Board member, San Olson. As a young person, I can’t emphasize enough the significance of seeing older activists continue to advocate for environmental action. Your work truly embodies the proverb: “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”  Growing up with both ... read more

Ron’s expertise is vast, including work on climate resiliency, advocacy, cross-cultural environmental projects, and agricultural issues. He’s incredibly thoughtful and smart, and I look forward to learning from him. — R. Brent Lyles, Executive Director, Friends of the San Juans Ron Zee, President & CEO of The Madrona Institute, has worked in the public and ... read more

Check out the March issue of our e-newsletter – Highwater Marks! Learn about our latest victory against Phillips 66; the spring Great Islands Clean-Up; the herring spawn event happening now; a community conversation on housing, vacation rentals, and land use; our new staff; an update on the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project; and more!

Check out the February issue of our e-newsletter – Highwater Marks! Learn about San Juan County’s decision to Fast-Track the Comp Plan Update process, Meet our New Legal Director, Celebrate 20 Years of Tina’s Dedication to Friends, Volunteer Opportunity to Monitor for Invasive Green Crabs, and More!

Check out the January issue of our e-newsletter – Highwater Marks! You can read the results of our 10 year Armor Change Study, Catch up on Environmental Legislative Priorities, and much more!

Check out the December issue of our e-newsletter – Highwater Marks! We share our highlights from 2021, discuss Trust, Truth, and Gratitude, show photos from our Immersive Salish Sea Education with Lopez and Orcas students and our restoration planting at Salmon Point with the Island Conservation Corps, and much more! Read it here. Photo by ... read more