latest news

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Thank You, Science Advisors!

November 16, 2023

This year, Friends of the San Juans welcomed a new Council of Scientific Advisors, contributing their incredible expertise to our science-driven approach. We’re so thankful for their time and guidance. We want to especially thank former board member, Michael Riordan, for his help in recruiting this fantastic group of advisors. Drew Harvell (she/her)  Drew earned ... read more

Friends’ Action Ensures Refinery Project Will Not Impact Southern Resident killer whales

September 25, 2023

Friends of the San Juans took action against Whatcom County’s permit decision for a Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery project, involving a new pipe bridge and relocating underground pipelines to above-ground. Phillips 66’s application lacked clarity about the purpose of these pipes, including their potential role in crude oil or refined product transfers at the refinery’s ... read more

Molt Search—Defend Marine Waters Against a Sneaky Invader!

August 18, 2023

Calling all nature enthusiasts, community scientists, volunteers, and beachgoers!  Help combat the growing concern and spread of a destructive menace to the islands and Salish Sea: the European green crab. Labeled one of the world’s worst invasive species by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, this crab is staging an assault on our marine ... read more

Meet + Mingle this Summer!

August 1, 2023

Enjoy complimentary refreshments and delight in the good company of fellow stewards of the islands with our staff and board. Meet our new Executive Director, Eva Schulte, and learn about ongoing research, education, restoration, and advocacy efforts to protect the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea. Try swimming with salmon and eelgrass without getting wet with ... read more

Collaborative Eelgrass Research Underway! 

July 26, 2023

This June, Friends of the San Juans began a new multi-year research project that is examining the health of eelgrass across the county. Eelgrass, a flowering plant that grows in shallow marine waters, supports marine food webs, including Dungeness crabs, spawning habitat for Pacific herring, and is a critical place for out-migrating juvenile salmon to ... read more

United Front Against Roberts Bank Terminal 2

June 20, 2023

Sign up for our action alerts! Be sure to select "Regional Action Alerts" from the list of emails you want to receive! Email us at [email protected] and let us know you are especially interested in taking action against Roberts Bank Terminal 2, and we'll make sure to update you as opportunities arise. For Immediate Release ... read more

Reject Roberts Bank Terminal 2!

June 5, 2023

Help protect Southern Resident killer whales and Chinook salmon!  Your quick action by June 8th is needed to help reduce the impacts of a new off-shore/over-water shipping terminal the size of 202 football fields! This new terminal would decimate critical habitat and increase vessel traffic impacts and oil spill risks in the transboundary Salish Sea. ... read more

Legislative Recap 

May 18, 2023

With the help of supporters like you, we made some progress in protecting and restoring the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea for people and nature! Here’s a recap of bills our Staff was tracking and working on this legislative session.   Successes  More work needed. 

Join us for Orca Action!

May 15, 2023

Orca Action Month Kick-Off Event and Parade1 pm to 5 pm, Sunday, June 4thFriday Harbor, San Juan IslandRSVP via Facebook! Join Friends of the San Juans, Wild Orca, and Orca Network as we kick off Orca Action Month, honoring the Lasting Legacies of the Southern Residents and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species ... read more

We chose to live on the westside of San Juan Island because of its natural beauty, and we want to preserve it for future generations. That’s where the Friends of the San Juans come in. Since their inception, they have been the guardians of the Salish Sea and this place we call home.

Glen and Deb Bruels

members, San Juan Island