Each year, Friends of the San Juans hosts a special gathering just for our members, celebrating the impactful work we’re doing together to protect the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea.
The following recordings offer a window into inspiring discussions, updates on critical initiatives, and insights from experts working on the frontlines of environmental protection in our region. We’d love your feedback! Please take a two-minute survey to help us provide meaningful member content and updates.
Opening remarks with Eva Schulte, Executive Director
EVA SCHULTE, Executive Director, will highlight core values like Reverence for Interconnectedness and Advocacy and Justice. Eva will emphasize the importance of Tribal engagement and partnerships with Sovereign Tribal Nations while sharing progress in community mobilization and policy advocacy, including launching the Protector Platform.
Protect Shoreline Ecosystems with Katherine
KATHERINE DIETZMAN, Shoreline & Mapping Specialist, invites you to dive into 23 years of island science! With a touch of mermaid flair and her loyal dog, Ron, by her side as she maps research, Katherine will guide you through the beaches, habitats, and hidden treasures of the Salish Sea. Enjoy an exclusive look at an interactive map showcasing the beaches, habitats, and hidden treasures protected by Friends of the San Juans.
Deep dive resources from our Mapping Specialist…
- INTERACT — This new interactive science and research map, created by Katherine, showcases the data behind the beaches, habitats, and hidden treasures protected by Friends of the San Juans. As a Friends member, you get an exclusive preview before the map goes public at year-end. We’d love your feedback—email us your thoughts at [email protected].
- EXPLORE — Check out Friends’ Shoreline Science and Mapping page to learn how cutting-edge research supports the protection of critical habitats, including eelgrass, bull kelp, and forage fish. Discover how mapping efforts drive conservation strategies and help mitigate the impacts of harmful shoreline development and sea level rise. You can also journey on a self-guided tour of Friends’ Shoreline Restoration projects.
- PROTECT — If you are a waterfront property owner, protect this place with our Shore Friendly Living resources.
Protect the Salish Sea with Lovel + Ayn
LOVEL PRATT, Marine Protection and Policy Director, and Ayn Gailey will walk you through the intricate and essential work Friends of the San Juans does to protect the Salish Sea from shipping impacts. Lovel, a seasoned expert in monitoring terminal and refinery projects and engaging in permitting processes, will underscore the risks of increased vessel traffic and its threat to our ecosystems. Learn about the recently completed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, how it impacts the endangered Southern Resident killer whales, and how you can play a vital role in safeguarding these waters!
Deep dive resources from our Marine Protection and Policy Director…
- READ — Lovel recently engaged the Seattle Times calling for vigilant protection of the Salish Sea. The article urges Canada to provide an emergency response towing vessel in the San Juans and increase liability for oil spills from $300 million to $1 billion. For a deeper dive, we also recommend reviewing this Vessel Drift Response Analysis for San Juan County and Friends’ online resource, Over Water Oil Transfers in WA State
- WATCH — Lovel and Governor Inslee discussed needing an Emergency Response Towing Vessel (ERTV) in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass.
Member Updates with Ken + Elise
KEN PUTNEY, Data and Gifts Administrator, and ELISE COPE, Communications and Outreach Director, will provide an engaging update on the Friends of the San Juans’ membership front. With insights on membership and new opportunities like the Ambassador program, the duo will celebrate the community’s collective impact and share opportunities for further engagement and action.
Special Thanks
We are grateful to these talented community members for bringing the 2024 Annual Gathering to life with their captivating photography, talent, and expertise!
Ayn, Gray, and Sam Gailey
Alicia & Jonathan McVey
Chris Teren Photography
Robert Dash Photography
Paris Wilson
If you’re not yet a member (or need to renew), it’s easy to join. Donate any amount online, or sign up to volunteer four hours over the next year. Your support protects this place for future generations!
