volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight: Elyse Woodruff

September 24, 2025

Friends is honored to have Elyse Woodruff join the Friends team as a new member of our Legal Review Committee! Elyse was first introduced to Friends through one of our European Green Crab community science trainings on Orcas Island this summer. Inspired by the presentation, she invited Friends to bring the program to her neighbors ... read more

A Super Volunteer Story: Meet Tony Imkamp

August 29, 2025

Every summer, the San Juan County Fair brings people together to celebrate the community, farms and agriculture, and island spirit that make this place so unique. For Friends of the San Juans, it’s also an opportunity to connect with supporters and share how each of us can contribute to protecting the San Juan Islands and ... read more

Summer Volunteer Opportunity in Communications & Outreach 

May 28, 2025

 Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support local environmental action this summer? Friends of the San Juans is seeking a Communications & Outreach Volunteer to join our team for a two-hour weekly shift, either in our Friday Harbor office or remotely. To help grow our community presence and impact, you’ll work directly ... read more

Summer Volunteering with Friends 

April 29, 2025

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 ... read more

Thank you Bruce Rylander

February 27, 2025

We’re honoring Bruce Rylander for his years of dedicated service as Treasurer of Friends’ Board. His leadership helped strengthen our organization and our work to protect the San Juans. At Friends of the San Juans, protecting this place requires not only passion and advocacy but also strong leadership behind the scenes. Bruce Rylander played a ... read more

Volunteer Spotlight: Raven Preston

July 12, 2024

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 ... read more

Current Volunteer Opportunities

February 5, 2024

Do you love the islands and Salish Sea and want to connect with like-minded people? Are you interested in serving on our Board or a committee? There are many ways to get involved, and we would love your support! Bonus: volunteer 4 hours or more per year, and you’ll receive an automatic membership with Friends. ... read more

Thank You, Science Advisors!

November 16, 2023

This year, Friends of the San Juans welcomed a new Council of Scientific Advisors, contributing their incredible expertise to our science-driven approach. We’re so thankful for their time and guidance. We want to especially thank former board member, Michael Riordan, for his help in recruiting this fantastic group of advisors. Drew Harvell (she/her)  Drew earned ... read more

Fall into Great Islands Clean Up

September 25, 2023

Keep our roads and beaches litter-free during this biannual event! Saturday, September 30thLocations and times to meet up: See the Full Details, Per Island → Join Zero Waste WA at the Fall Great Islands Cleanup Event at Jackson Beach, San Juan Island Friends of the San Juans and Plastic Free Salish Sea are thrilled to announce ... read more

Molt Search—Defend Marine Waters Against a Sneaky Invader!

August 18, 2023

Calling all nature enthusiasts, community scientists, volunteers, and beachgoers!  Help combat the growing concern and spread of a destructive menace to the islands and Salish Sea: the European green crab. Labeled one of the world’s worst invasive species by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, this crab is staging an assault on our marine ... read more

It wasn’t until 1979 that San Juan County got a comprehensive growth plan and that was largely due to the Friends of the San Juan’s being there to advocate for the shoreline and the ecosystem. Since then, there have been constant waves of pressure by developers. Friends have risen each time, fighting to protect this fragile and precious place.

Liza Michaelson

member, San Juan Island