What’s new in Nature?
- Friends of the San Juans Restores Critical Shoreline Habitat at Neck Point, Shaw Island
Friends of the San Juans (Friends) has successfully restored another ecologically important beach in San Juan County. Neck Point, the westernmost point of Shaw Island, is treasured by islanders and marine life alike, and it has now been designated as a vital spawning habitat for forage fish, a cornerstone species … read more - A Super Volunteer Story: Meet Tony Imkamp
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 … read more - Local Leaders Convene for Shoreline ResiliencyRegional Land Managers Join Friends of the San Juans for Shoreline Restoration Tour On July 31, Friends hosted 20 land managers for a shoreline restoration boat tour around San Juan County. The tour highlighted successful restoration projects that reconnect wetlands, enhance beach spawning habitats for forage fish, and safeguard shorelines … read more
- Uncovering Nearly 50 Years of AdvocacyLori Momchilovich Reflects on Archiving Friends’ Legal and Environmental Advocacy Last spring, Friends welcomed Lori Momchilovich as our Document Archivist, a role focused on organizing and digitizing decades of paper records. With 15 years of experience in public and private libraries, and a background in education, Lori brought both skill … read more
- Community priorities for the San Juan County Comprehensive PlanYour input matters! The Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) may sound technical, but it’s really about daily life in the islands. When you comment, you’re helping shape how our community grows while protecting your priorities and the places we all love and depend on. Did you know? Friends of the San Juans … read more
- Honoring Veterans Who Protect the Salish SeaThis month, Friends is honored to highlight four inspiring veterans whose time on the water, both in the military and since, has deeply shaped their commitment to protecting the Salish Sea. These leaders each play a vital role in advancing Friends’ work to Protect this Place. Ken Putney, Friends’ … read more
- Introducing Kirsten Kane, Friends’ New Salish Sea Strategy and Engagement ManagerFriends of the San Juans is excited to welcome and introduce Kirsten Kane (she/her/hers) as our new Salish Sea Strategy and Engagement Manager. Kirsten joins Friends with extensive experience in ocean ecology and marine policy. Kirsten will help build and support our coalition efforts, work with the press, and enhance … read more
- Spirit of Water Event with Chenoa EgawaJoin Friends of the San Juans for a powerful and moving evening of Indigenous song, ceremony, and teachings with Coast Salish artist, singer, storyteller, author, and environmental protector Chenoa Egawa. Gather in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day and Orca Recovery Month, and for the full experience, begin with a special … read more
- Protect San Juan Shorelines from Invasive European Green CrabThe European Green Crab is one of the most damaging marine invaders in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s knocking at the door of our island ecosystems. Once established, these aggressive predators threaten eelgrass beds, disrupt food webs, and damage critical habitat for salmon, Dungeness crab, and countless other species. We … read more
- From Moby Dick to Mega-Terminals: A Young Researcher’s Perspective on Shipping and the Salish SeaBy Annika Weber, Friends of the San Juans Summer Intern Hello! My name is Annika. I’m from Seattle, and this summer I’m working with Friends’ Marine Protection and Policy Director, Lovel Pratt, on Salish Sea protection. I’m also helping with summer events and learning how to write grants. I’m a … read more
- Restoring Shorelines, Reviving Ecosystems: A Look AheadThis summer and fall, Friends of the San Juans is leading a series of shoreline restoration projects across the islands, from Shaw Island to Eastsound on Orcas. These efforts do more than meet the eye—they help revive the ecological function of our shorelines and strengthen the health of our island … read more
- Local Protector Poetry: Driftwood by W. A. Schmidt (Wasakalobo)During our recent Community Beach Walk in Eastsound on Orcas Island, Wolf Schmidt (Wasakalobo) joined local shoreline experts from Friends of the San Juans, Natural Systems Design, and San Juan County to explore coastal ecology, native vegetation, and habitat restoration. The event was part of our ongoing effort to connect … read more
- Soli’s Senior Showcase Engages Community with the Salish SeaOn May 29th, over 150 community members attended Solianna Halabisky’s senior community project—a dance showcase celebrating the beauty and singularity of the Salish Sea and island wildlife. Soli elected to donate all proceeds from the show, which featured Orcas Dance Collective, choreography by Tiffany Loney, and poetry by local high … read more
- Free Community Beach Walks – Enjoy an Afternoon of Fun in the SunAre you looking to better understand the unique features of San Juan Islands’ shorelines? As part of a beautiful, complex, and dynamic marine ecosystem supporting salmon, seabirds, whales, and humans, you can join a community beach walk this July on Orcas or Lopez Island! Learn about the shoreline features that … read more
- The Hidden Forests of the San Juans—and the People Fighting to Save ThemYou may have glimpsed something strange and beautiful around the San Juans: a pod of orcas twirling through the kelp, wrapping themselves in long golden fronds like playful dancers. New research from the Center for Whale Research confirms what many Indigenous knowledge holders, islanders, and kayak guides have observed for … read more
- Community Rallies to Protect San Juan Shorelines from Invasive Green CrabOver the past month, Friends of the San Juans has been working diligently to support early detection and response efforts aimed at combating one of the most damaging marine invaders in the Pacific Northwest, the European green crab (EGC). Through a partnership with Washington Sea Grant and Washington State University’s … read more
- Summer Volunteer Opportunity in Communications & OutreachAre 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 … read more
- Eelgrass Education Comes to Life in Clay and Virtual RealityEelgrass is more than a plant. It’s a quiet, essential force holding our marine ecosystem together. Let’s protect it, together. At our recent Spring Open House, community members engaged with eelgrass in a whole new way through virtual reality, hands-on art, and powerful storytelling. We’re working to bring the power of … read more
- Student advocacy pays off: Recycling Reform Act signed into law!San Juan Island Eco Club students and Friends of the San Juans celebrate a major policy victory in Olympia Washington’s new Recycling Reform Act is now law, thanks in part to powerful student advocacy from San Juan County. Executive Director Eva Schulte of Friends of the San Juans was … read more
- Introducing New Legal Director, Magali CotaFriends of the San Juans is excited to welcome and introduce Magali Cota as our new Legal Director and Staff Attorney. Magali is an environmental law attorney who has worked closely with communities to protect their natural spaces, informing them of their rights within an evolving legal system and holding … read more
- From Nurdles to the Capitol: How We’re Turning the Tide on PlasticLocal action matters—especially when it comes to solving the global problem of plastic pollution. Across the San Juan Islands, Friends of the San Juans is helping islanders of all ages become informed, empowered, and active protectors of the Salish Sea. This spring, three community-powered projects highlight how Friends is turning … read more
- Summer Volunteering with FriendsFriends 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 … read more
- A Conversation on LeadershipFriends’ Past, Present, and Future As we welcome a new chapter at Friends of the San Juans, we extend our deepest gratitude to Ken Carrasco for his leadership and dedication as Board President. His passion and commitment have strengthened our work protecting the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea. … read more
- Honoring Tina Whitman: A Legacy of Science and ProtectionFor over three decades, Tina Whitman has been a steadfast leader in marine science, shoreline restoration, and protection. Friends of the San Juans is lucky that she has dedicated most of her career to the protection and restoration of the San Juan Islands’ shorelines. Her recent promotion to Senior Science … read more
- Welcoming our newest Board memberStephanie Solien lives on Orcas Island and loves spending time on and near the water, beaches, wetlands and forests of the Salish Sea. She is passionate about working with diverse communities and the political process to drive positive change. She co-chaired Governor Inslee’s Southern Resident Orca Whale Task Force and … read more
- Green Boating and Inslee at Kirkland Cannery EventWe were thrilled to host a successful Green Boating event at the historic Kirkland Cannery on January 23rd! It was an honor to have former Governor Jay Inslee and his wife Trudi join us for an inspiring afternoon focused on protecting our underwater ecosystems. We are grateful to our host, … read more
- Community Mural with Alchemy Art Center and Friends!Alchemy Art Center and Friends of the San Juans are teaming up to bring art and ecology together in “Interconnected,” a collaborative mural project celebrating eelgrass—a vital but often overlooked marine plant in the Salish Sea. With the generous support of A Waterworks Gallery, this community-driven project invites locals to … read more
- Volunteer Spotlight: Marni ZimlinMarni joined the Friends team in late 2024 to help us dive into phone banking and will continue leading this effort in 2025! A phenomenal volunteer with extensive experience in phone banking and nonprofit fundraising, Marni trained our staff and volunteers to connect directly with supporters. After developing a phone … read more
- New Boating Rules Now in Effect Protecting Southern Resident Killer WhalesSouthern Resident killer whales are teetering on the brink of extinction. As of July 1, 2024, the Southern Resident killer whale population was recorded at 73 individuals. These iconic whales depend on the waters of the Salish Sea to forage, rest, and raise their young. However, vessel noise and close … read more
- Win for wild salmon and orca!Commercial finfish net pens banned from Washington State aquatic lands This January marked a monumental victory for Southern Resident killer whales and wild salmon: the Washington State Board of Natural Resources voted to permanently ban commercial finfish net-pen aquaculture on state-owned aquatic lands! Hear directly from our Science Director, Tina … read more
