Every November, Native American Heritage Month invites us to honor the histories, modern day cultures, and ongoing leadership of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Here in the San Juan Islands and the greater Salish Sea, this month carries a particularly deep meaning. The islands are the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary homelands of multiple Coast…
San Juan County’s Comprehensive Plan update is in its final stage. Friends of the San Juans highlights key issues, community feedback, and ways residents can participate to help shape the future of the islands’ growth, resources, and resilience.
Follow along as Friends of the San Juans improves conditions for eelgrass! Eelgrass meadows are a cornerstone of the San Juan Islands’ marine ecosystem. But in many local herring spawning areas, eelgrass meadows have declined along with the herring populations that depend on it. Since Chinook salmon rely on herring as a critical food source,…
Meet “Terrific Tony,” a standout Friends of the San Juans volunteer whose energy, dedication, and community spirit have made a lasting impact on local conservation efforts. From helping lead restoration projects to supporting events and education, Tony’s generosity and enthusiasm exemplify the vital role volunteers play in protecting the Salish Sea and strengthening community connections.
Explore how Friends of the San Juans brought together regional land managers for a shoreline restoration boat tour in San Juan County, highlighting successful projects and strategies to reconnect wetlands, restore habitat, and strengthen shoreline resiliency.
Friends of the San Juans’ new Document Archivist has spent months organizing decades of legal and environmental records, uncovering stories of landmark victories and deep community involvement. From land‑use planning wins to legal challenges over sonar permits and habitat protection, this history highlights nearly 50 years of advocacy by members and partners to safeguard the…
Friends of the San Juans highlights why community input matters for the San Juan County Comprehensive Plan update — from protecting shorelines, water, and forests to ensuring resilience, responsible growth, and quality of life for islanders — and offers ways to comment and shape the future of island planning.
Friends of the San Juans welcomes Dr. Kirsten Kane as its new Salish Sea Strategy and Engagement Manager. With a Ph.D. in ocean ecology and marine policy, Kirsten brings deep scientific expertise and community‑focused passion to support coalition building, public engagement, and evidence‑based advocacy to protect the health, biodiversity, and resilience of the Salish Sea. Her global…
Meet Elyse Woodruff, a dedicated Friends of the San Juans volunteer whose passion for environmental education has helped amplify community understanding of eelgrass, forage fish, and shoreline ecology. From leading field programs to engaging neighbors in science and stewardship, Elyse’s commitment highlights the power of volunteer leadership in protecting island ecosystems and inspiring others to…
Friends of the San Juans completed a major shoreline restoration at Neck Point on Shaw Island, removing excess rock and bulkhead remnants to restore natural beach processes and critical spawning habitat for forage fish. This work reconnects sediment transport, supports salmon and marine food webs, and enhances coastal resilience, showcasing the power of science‑based restoration…
