Category: Latest News
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Student advocacy pays off: Recycling Reform Act signed into law!
Washington’s new Recycling Reform Act is now law, thanks in part to powerful student advocacy from San Juan County. … The bill, years in the making, will help reduce excessive packaging, support reliable curbside recycling programs, and ensure that materials placed in recycling bins are actually recycled. It comes at a critical time: nearly half…
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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
Friends of the San Juans is tackling plastic pollution through student-led nurdle cleanups, community action, and advocacy at the Capitol. Learn how local youth are turning the tide on plastic and inspiring change across the islands.
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Summer Volunteering with Friends
Friends of the San Juans invites you to join a vibrant volunteer community dedicated to protecting and restoring the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea. Whether you’re new to the cause or a longtime supporter, there are meaningful ways to get involved, from helping with events and data tasks to supporting outreach and shoreline…
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A Conversation on Leadership
In this heartfelt conversation, outgoing Board President Ken Carrasco and new President John Pierre van Dongen reflect on leadership at Friends of the San Juans—celebrating past achievements, shared values, and a bold vision for the future of protecting the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea through science, advocacy, and community collaboration.
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Honoring Tina Whitman: A Legacy of Science and Protection
For more than three decades, Tina Whitman has championed marine science and shoreline protection at Friends of the San Juans. From surveying hundreds of beaches for forage fish habitat to leading restoration projects and shaping regional conservation strategy, her work blends rigorous research with practical action. This tribute reflects on her lasting impact—protecting shorelines, advancing…
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Call or Email Your Legislators About Our Plastics Problem!
Friends of the San Juans urges constituents to contact their Washington legislators in support of the Recycling Reform Act (SB 5284/HB 1150), calling for an overhaul of the state’s recycling system to reduce plastic packaging waste, fund accessible recycling, and cut marine‑debris pollution. The post includes a sample message and tips for calling or emailing your representatives…
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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
Friends of the San Juans hosted a Green Boating event at the historic Kirkland Cannery, featuring former Governor Jay Inslee and his wife Trudi in an inspiring afternoon focused on protecting underwater ecosystems like kelp and eelgrass. The gathering brought together partners, funders, and community members to celebrate eco‑friendly boating practices and highlight the importance…
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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.
