Category: Latest News
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Volunteer Spotlight: Raven Preston
Raven Preston is recognized in this volunteer spotlight for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to protecting the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea. Through her service with Friends of the San Juans, she brings passion, collaboration, and a strong voice for conservation, helping advance community-driven environmental stewardship and long-term protection of island ecosystems.
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Visit with Rep. Rick Larsen
Rick Larsen met with Friends of the San Juans on San Juan Island to discuss federal support for salmon recovery, eelgrass restoration, and shoreline protection. The visit highlighted the importance of continued funding for science-based conservation efforts and raised concerns about increased oil tanker traffic in the Salish Sea.
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Upright Head Beach Restoration (Lopez) – In Progress
The Upright Head Beach project on Lopez Island is restoring intertidal habitat by removing concrete debris and shoreline armor. Scheduled for completion in Fall 2026, it aims to improve forage fish spawning grounds and support local marine ecosystems.
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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
Friends of the San Juans is supporting ongoing beach restoration at Eastsound Waterfront Park on Orcas Island, improving natural shoreline processes, enhancing habitat for marine species, and increasing long-term coastal resilience.
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Become a Green Boater Today!
Friends of the San Juans invites boaters to become Green Boaters by taking a simple pledge to protect the Salish Sea. Learn how to give whales space, anchor away from eelgrass, prevent pollution, and reduce your impact on marine life while enjoying the waters of the San Juan Islands.
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Diving into eelgrass health
Friends of the San Juans is diving into eelgrass health through a multi-year research effort mapping underwater meadows across the islands. Using video surveys, data collection, and community science, the project tracks where eelgrass is thriving or declining. This vital habitat supports salmon, forage fish, and orcas, making its protection essential to the health of…
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Artists on Yellow Island
Artists gathered on Yellow Island, a protected nature preserve in the San Juan Islands, to draw inspiration from its vibrant wildflowers, coastal landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Hosted by Friends of the San Juans, the experience connected art and conservation—highlighting how creativity can deepen appreciation for the natural world and support efforts to protect the Salish…
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Gathering of the Eagles
The Gathering of the Eagles is an intertribal canoe journey that brings together Indigenous communities and island residents to celebrate cultural heritage, shared waterways, and stewardship of the Salish Sea through ceremony, learning, and connection.
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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…
