livable communities

The 2022 Washington State Legislative Session began on January 10th and runs for 60 days. This is the second year of the biennial session, which usually results in only small changes to the budget. However, the positive revenue forecast plus the passage of the federal bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides an unprecedented opportunity to increase ... read more

At this time of year, we reflect on our community’s trust in Friends of the San Juans, a trust that has continued to grow and evolve over our 42 years of service. While we connect the dots between Friends’ decades of work and the still-awe-inspiring beauty of our islands, we acknowledge the truth that there ... read more

Dear members and supporters, I have accepted the Solid Waste Coordinator position in San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship. I love Friends of the San Juans and have greatly enjoyed interacting with all of you in my role as Community Engagement Director over the past 9.5 years – you have inspired me in so ... read more

2021 has been a tremendous year for Friends of the San Juans. As you’ve read in our newsletters and as you heard at our Annual Meeting last month, we’ve matured as an organization this year, and we’ve had terrific programmatic successes. In every case, the financial support of our members and donors made those accomplishments ... read more

Check out the September issue of our e-newsletter – Highwater Marks! You’ll learn about: registering for our 2021 Annual Meeting with special guest Lynda Mapes, how to engage with the San Juan County Council this week about important issues for our environment and community, the latest shoreline restoration project at Salmon Point on Lopez Island, our ... read more

As humans, we can manipulate and change our environment. In the last few centuries, we have abused this power, killing thousands of species, destroying entire ecosystems, and bringing the planet to the brink of irreversible, catastrophic climate change, and all that comes with it (such as widespread fires, extreme heat events, and increasingly powerful storms). ... read more

What life can and will look like in the San Juan Islands is up to all of us. How will you help protect the island environment? We live, visit, work, and play in the San Juan Islands, a magical place that many claim as one of the most magnificent in their worldly travels. A place ... read more

It’s time to spring into action! On the morning of Tuesday, September 14th, the County Council will hold a hearing on the 2021 docket. This year’s docket includes proposals for new tree-protection standards, stormwater-management standards, and doing an important “build-out analysis” for our County. These all deserve our community’s attention and support. The purpose of ... read more

The fact that you’re reading this shows you care about the future of the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea. Friends of the San Juans’ philanthropic donors share your values, and they are aligning their philanthropy with their passion for the serenity, health, and natural beauty of our Islands. For these supporters, a plan ... read more

For many, summer is a time for gatherings with family and friends, now more than ever after a year of isolation. However, parties can become synonymous with plastic—food, utensils, cups, plates, even decorations all comprised of the everlasting polymer. To help you participate in Plastic Free July, this articleexplores alternatives to the conventional plastic-based party. A meal is often at the center of a get-together, but ... read more