latest news

Friends is honored to be the fiscal sponsor for this extraordinary inter-island Tribal canoe journey, “Esqaplh etse Kwelengsen, Gathering of Eagles.” All are welcome at this grassroots journey organized by Sul ka dub Freddie Lane, following the ancestral highways of the Lhaq’temish, Lummi, people, beginning May 19th and running through May 23rd in the Lhaq’temish homelands ... read more

Ken Carrasco PresidentBoard of Directorshe/him/his Ken is a retired biologist and resides on Orcas Island where he lives with his wife Mariann, a retired wildlife biologist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology with an emphasis on marine invertebrates and also has a master’s degree in Dungeness crab ecology from the University of Washington, although ... read more

Last month we sent out an action alert regarding the Washington State Department of Ecology’s rulemaking. This rulemaking will establish financial responsibility requirements for refineries, pipelines, and other large bulk oil handling facilities. Here’s an update on all the progress made! Thanks to everyone that made comments and amplified our action alert. The final rule ... read more

In May 2023, Friends of the San Juans received a concerning anonymous alert regarding changes at the Phillips 66 Refinery in Ferndale, apparently without a permit. These changes could allow the refinery to function as a transshipment facility, receiving diesel for resale in Canada via rail and truck.  Acting swiftly, Friends submitted a Code Enforcement ... read more

In the San Juan Islands, over 90% of waterfront tax parcels are in private, residential ownership. Protecting habitat is the most efficient and effective way to support the marine environment. Partnering with Blue Coast Engineering,  Northwest Straits Foundation, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program, Friends of the San Juans recently ... read more

We’re so grateful to the local businesses, artists, and organizations that donated their time, space, and/or goods over the last year! Thank you! Alchemy Art Center  Alisha Merrick, Fern  Ayn Gailey Consulting  Cin Cin  Climb San Juan  Darvill’s Bookstore  FLOAT (For the Love of All Things)  FOLKS (Friends of Lime Kiln Society)  Friday Harbor House  ... read more

Ensure Accountability from the Oil Industry The specter of a large oil spill looms over our region, casting a shadow of potential devastation. The stakes are high. At risk are our environment, economy, and cultural resources; the vulnerable Southern Resident killer whales and their dwindling food source, chinook salmon; the forage fish that nurture the ... read more

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

As we dive into the new year, I see daily how important our members’ support is to achieve our mission. I wanted to take a moment to thank you and share what your year-end donations have already jumpstarted in this first month of 2024:    Also, I am happy to report that we met our ... read more

We are delighted to welcome a new staff member and 2 new board members to our team!  Isabel Alexander, Executive Administrator — Isabel provides administrative support to the Executive Director and the Board. Isabel will also be integral in communications with our donors, members, and volunteers. Prior to joining Friends, Isabel was the Program Director ... read more