Friends of the San Juans honors local veterans who protect the Salish Sea — from service members safeguarding freedom to those channeling military skills into conservation and community service. Their dedication reflects deep commitment to environmental stewardship and shared responsibility for healthy waters, thriving wildlife, and resilient island communities.
Friends of the San Juans invites you to Spirit of Water—an evening of Indigenous song, ceremony, and teachings with Coast Salish artist, storyteller, and environmental protector Chenoa Egawa. Held in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day and Orca Recovery Month in Friday Harbor, this gathering centers ancestral wisdom about our shared responsibility to protect water and…
Friends of the San Juans leads efforts to protect San Juan Island shorelines from invasive European green crab, engaging volunteers in monitoring and trapping to safeguard native species and forage fish habitat.
In this thoughtful reflection, a young researcher connects the history of ocean exploration—from Moby-Dick to modern container shipping—to today’s realities in the Salish Sea. The piece explores how global trade, containerization, and proposed mega-terminals like Roberts Bank Terminal 2 shape environmental, political, and community impacts, urging readers to recognize the hidden costs of shipping and…
Friends of the San Juans is advancing shoreline restoration projects across the islands, from Shaw to Orcas, to revive natural coastal processes and strengthen ecosystem health. These science-driven efforts restore habitat for eelgrass, forage fish, salmon, and orcas while improving water quality, reducing hazards, and building climate resilience. Behind each project is years of planning,…
Shared after a community beach walk on Orcas Island, Driftwood by W. A. Schmidt (Wasakalobo) reflects on the beauty and fragility of coastal ecosystems. Through vivid imagery of tide-worn logs and shifting shorelines, the poem reveals the lasting impacts of human activity and invites readers to consider their role in protecting the Salish Sea and…
The SOLIS Senior Showcase brought students and community members together through art, science, and storytelling inspired by the Salish Sea. Through creative expression and performance, students shared their learning about marine ecosystems, highlighting the connections between people, place, and environmental stewardship. The event reflects Friends of the San Juans’ commitment to community-centered education that inspires…
Learn how Friends of the San Juans and community partners are safeguarding the San Juans’ hidden forests — rich habitats that support biodiversity, cultural heritage, and climate resilience across the islands.
Community members across the San Juan Islands are stepping up to protect local shorelines from invasive European green crabs. Through partnerships with state agencies and programs like Molt Search, volunteers are trained to identify and report crab molts, strengthening early detection and response efforts. Recent discoveries in False Bay have heightened urgency, as these aggressive…
Looking for a meaningful summer volunteer role? Friends of the San Juans is seeking a Communications & Outreach Volunteer to support environmental action with flexible, weekly 2‑hour shifts—either in Friday Harbor or remotely. Help organize outreach materials, distribute flyers, assist with digital engagement tools like Canva and Mailchimp, and connect with local leaders while gaining…
