Category: Latest News
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Introducing New Legal Director, Magali Cota
Friends of the San Juans introduces Magali Cota as its new Legal Director and Staff Attorney. With deep experience in environmental law and community advocacy, Magali will help guide legal strategy on key issues like the San Juan County Comprehensive Plan and protections for the islands’ natural resources.
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From Nurdles to the Capitol: How We’re Turning the Tide on Plastic
Local action matters—especially when it comes to solving the global problem of plastic pollution. Across the San Juan Islands, Friends of the San Juans is helping islanders of all ages become informed, empowered, and active protectors of the Salish Sea. This spring, three community-powered projects highlight how Friends is turning education into advocacy, and awareness…
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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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Call or Email Your Legislators About Our Plastics Problem!
The Recycling Reform Act (SB 5284 / HB 1150), sponsored by Senator Liz Lovelett and Representative Liz Berry, would modernize our recycling system in Washington. It would create a producer responsibility program in which manufacturers and brands collaborate to reduce unnecessary packaging and paper, fund statewide recycling services, and ensure that materials are actually recycled. Specific incentives are built…
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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!
Local artists and community members joined Friends of the San Juans and Alchemy Art Center to create “Interconnected,” a collaborative tile mural honoring eelgrass and raising awareness about its role in the Salish Sea.
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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,…
