Category: Latest News
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Summer Volunteering with Friends
Friends of the San Juans is powered by people who care deeply about protecting the islands we all love. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just getting to know our work, volunteering is a powerful way to take action and connect with your community. There are many opportunities to get involved behind the scenes and…
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A Conversation on Leadership
Friends’ Past, Present, and Future As we welcome a new chapter at Friends of the San Juans, we extend our deepest gratitude to Ken Carrasco for his leadership and dedication as Board President. His passion and commitment have strengthened our work protecting the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea. Now, we’re thrilled to introduce…
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Honoring Tina Whitman: A Legacy of Science and Protection
In 2025, Tina Whitman was awarded the Local Hero Award at the Friday Harbor Film Festival in recognition of her long-standing leadership in shoreline research, protection and restoration. For over three decades, Tina Whitman has been a steadfast leader in marine science, shoreline restoration, and protection. Friends of the San Juans is lucky that she…
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Welcoming our newest Board member
Stephanie Solien lives on Orcas Island and loves spending time on and near the water, beaches, wetlands and forests of the Salish Sea. She is passionate about working with diverse communities and the political process to drive positive change. She co-chaired Governor Inslee’s Southern Resident Orca Whale Task Force and was Vice Chair of the…
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Green Boating and Inslee at Kirkland Cannery Event
We were thrilled to host a successful Green Boating event at the historic Kirkland Cannery on January 23rd! It was an honor to have former Governor Jay Inslee and his wife Trudi join us for an inspiring afternoon focused on protecting our underwater ecosystems. We are grateful to our host, Carl Bradley and friends, plus…
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Community Mural with Alchemy Art Center and Friends!
Alchemy Art Center and Friends of the San Juans are teaming up to bring art and ecology together in “Interconnected,” a collaborative mural project celebrating eelgrass—a vital but often overlooked marine plant in the Salish Sea. With the generous support of A Waterworks Gallery, this community-driven project invites locals to craft ceramic tiles for a…
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Volunteer Spotlight: Marni Zimlin
Marni joined the Friends team in late 2024 to help us dive into phone banking and will continue leading this effort in 2025! A phenomenal volunteer with extensive experience in phone banking and nonprofit fundraising, Marni trained our staff and volunteers to connect directly with supporters. After developing a phone script and providing hands-on guidance,…
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New Boating Rules Now in Effect Protecting Southern Resident Killer Whales
Southern Resident killer whales are teetering on the brink of extinction. As of July 1, 2024, the Southern Resident killer whale population was recorded at 73 individuals. These iconic whales depend on the waters of the Salish Sea to forage, rest, and raise their young. However, vessel noise and close approaches disrupt these vital activities,…
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Win for wild salmon and orca!
In January, Washington permanently banned commercial finfish net-pen aquaculture on state aquatic lands — a historic victory for wild salmon, Southern Resident orcas, and clean waters in the Salish Sea, achieved through years of science, advocacy, and community action.
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Director’s Update – 2024 Impact
As we reflect on this year, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for what we’ve accomplished together. 2024 marked a defining chapter in the story of Friends of the San Juans—a time shaped by intentional reflection, bold action, and powerful community engagement. With your support, we celebrate 45 years as the leading advocacy organization…
