Category: Latest News
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Volunteer Spotlight: Raven Preston
Here at Friends we have what we refer to as “super volunteers”—these are folks who contribute talent and expertise to our growth and strategic priorities, going above and beyond the call of duty. They become an extension of staff, amplifying our values and mission. One such volunteer is Raven Preston of Orcas Island. Raven was…
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Visit with Rep. Rick Larsen
Friends of the San Juans’ met with Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) on San Juan Island to advocate for ongoing funding and support for salmon recovery and habitat restoration efforts, and to discuss the impacts of the recent increase in oil tanker traffic. Eelgrass mapping efforts led by Friends of the San Juans, in partnership with Friday…
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Upright Head Beach Restoration (Lopez) – In Progress
Documented forage fish spawning habitat restoration through removal of shoreline armor and concrete debris from the intertidal beach. Set to be completed in Fall 2026.
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Neck Point Beach Restoration (Shaw) – In Progress
Consisting of 500 feet of a documented forage fish spawning site, this beach will be restored through removal of an unnecessary bulkhead as well as a cleanup of intertidal debris. Set to be completed in Fall 2024.
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Eastsound Waterfront Park Beach Restoration (Orcas) – In Progress
Beach and riparian restoration through removal of a derelict concrete structure, intertidal rock and debris cleanup, and shoreline planting. Set to be completed in Fall 2025.
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Become a Green Boater Today!
Protect Marine Ecosystems and Island Resources Boating season is here, and soon our waters will be buzzing with boats. Our amazing group of islands, where boaters find wonder and relaxation, are also where fish and wildlife find food and shelter. To help our wildlife and boaters thrive during this busy time, Friends of the San…
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Diving into eelgrass health
As the school year ends and summer begins, Friends of the San Juans’ research on eelgrass health will be gathering its second year of data from below the surface. The health of eelgrass meadows is San Juan County has had very concerning trends, prompting Friends and our partners to better understand where it is disappearing…
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Artists on Yellow Island
Friends of the San Juans hosted nearly 40 artists and Lummi council member Karlie Kinley on Yellow Island this April for Friends’ first-ever Artist Expedition. The wildflowers were blooming and there was ample inspiration abound. Prominent floral displays included broadleafed shooting star, hairy paintbrush, chocolate lily, camas and stonecrop. Yellow Island has been stewarded by…
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Gathering of the Eagles
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…
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Ken Carrasco | President
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…
