news

On August 24, 2024, Friends of the San Juans was honored to host Governor Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, on a tour of the San Juans’ vibrant kelp and eelgrass beds. We explored these crucial marine ecosystems and highlighted the contributions of the Climate Commitment Act, which aims to … read more

In a groundbreaking step towards protecting the future of the San Juan Islands, the Samish Indian Nation and Friends of the San Juans are excited to announce that they have been awarded $499,000 as part of a transformative $73.6 million federal grant from NOAA’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge.   The two … read more

Friends of the San Juans Unanimously Endorses Renewal of Our Land Bank for Clean Water, Healthy Forests, and a Better Quality of Life for All  Friends of the San Juans’ Board of Directors is proud to officially and unanimously endorse the renewal of the 1.5% Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) … read more

Friends of the San Juans does not endorse or oppose candidates for office.  The Salish Sea is like no other place on earth. As election season approaches, we are all reminded of what is at stake if we were to lose what we all love about this place. We also … read more

Stroll along any local beach during low tide, and you’ll find the shore teeming with life! Tide pooling offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant ecosystems that thrive where land meets the Salish Sea. With over 400 miles of shoreline in San Juan County, we have no shortage of nooks … read more

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 … read more

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 … read more

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 … read more

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 … read more

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 … read more

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 … read more

Last month we sent out an action alert regarding the Washington State Department of Ecology’s rulemaking. This rulemaking will establish financial responsibility requirements for refineries, pipelines, and other large bulk oil handling facilities. Here’s an update on all the progress made! Thanks to everyone that made comments and amplified our … read more

In May 2023, Friends of the San Juans received a concerning anonymous alert regarding changes at the Phillips 66 Refinery in Ferndale, apparently without a permit. These changes could allow the refinery to function as a transshipment facility, receiving diesel for resale in Canada via rail and truck.  Acting swiftly, … read more

In the San Juan Islands, over 90% of waterfront tax parcels are in private, residential ownership. Protecting habitat is the most efficient and effective way to support the marine environment. Partnering with Blue Coast Engineering,  Northwest Straits Foundation, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program, Friends … read more

We’re so grateful to the local businesses, artists, and organizations that donated their time, space, and/or goods over the last year! Thank you! Alchemy Art Center  Alisha Merrick, Fern  Ayn Gailey Consulting  Cin Cin  Climb San Juan  Darvill’s Bookstore  FLOAT (For the Love of All Things)  FOLKS (Friends of Lime … read more

Ensure Accountability from the Oil Industry The specter of a large oil spill looms over our region, casting a shadow of potential devastation. The stakes are high. At risk are our environment, economy, and cultural resources; the vulnerable Southern Resident killer whales and their dwindling food source, chinook salmon; the … read more

As we dive into the new year, I see daily how important our members’ support is to achieve our mission. I wanted to take a moment to thank you and share what your year-end donations have already jumpstarted in this first month of 2024:    Also, I am happy to … read more

We are delighted to welcome a new staff member and 2 new board members to our team!  Isabel Alexander, Executive Administrator — Isabel provides administrative support to the Executive Director and the Board. Isabel will also be integral in communications with our donors, members, and volunteers. Prior to joining Friends, … read more

The Washington State Legislative Session begins Monday, January 8th, and will run for 60 days, until March 7, 2024.   Stay informed. Make a difference. Don’t miss our legislative updates on policy issues impacting the San Juans and the Salish Sea! Click the button below to sign up, and select Regional … read more

Update: 2024 is off to a good start! Huge thanks to the incredible response from community members who sent comments on this issue. Whatcom County will likely be issuing a revised MDNS and hopefully it will address the project’s potential vessel traffic impacts. You can view Whatcom County’s memo here. … read more