Susan Berta has been studying the negative effects of keeping killer whales in marine parks (by the way, there are no positive effects for the whales), and now shares this study that once again points out killer whale belong in the wild, not in amusement parks. Here’s more: Former Trainers Show How Captivity Kills Orcas  Continue Reading

Jody Burns & the Master Gardeners say its time to get planning: Annual Native Plant Sale – Order Now for Best Selection! The Master Gardener/Conservation District annual Native Plant Sale is scheduled for February 26, 2011, but don’t procrastinate! You should order now! Certain popular species sell out quickly! Late winter is a great time  Continue Reading

Over the next few years, different economic models are going to emerge to supplant the current ponzi scheme that we see as inevitable in our present culture (hey, I lost 70% of the value of my retirement savings in the past three years, and some 40% of the value of my house – I’m definitely  Continue Reading

This just in from Kathleen at the Preservation Trust: The San Juan Preservation Trust, a non-profit land trust based in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, announced today that it has successfully purchased Vendovi Island, the third largest island under single private ownership in the entire San Juan archipelago. This acquisition ensures that this 217-acre  Continue Reading

Jody Burns from the Master Gardeners asked me if I thought you’d be interested in good gardening books – I told her, well yeah. So here’s some ideas for gifts: Garden Books for Giving What would the gardener on your holiday gift list want most?  Apart from a load of compost, or an exotic new  Continue Reading

As we look at the direction our island (and our habits & spending) are headed with the problem of garbage & trash & dumping stuff, it might be helpful to consider ways to solve the problem – at the root of a growing mess. Annie Leonard has more:

It’s pretty common to long for the “good old days,” especially when things are funky around the world. This video will help fill in some of that misplaced nostalgia with a dose of reality, and maybe a little hope as well. See what you think!

Art from Argyle House (I love his photos!) went out yesterday with Peggy and Kurt from Naknek Charters; he tells me they are offering tours to see the Stellar Sea Lions.  Here’s the link. Thanks, Art!

The September update for the bluebird project is posted on the San Juan Preservation Trust site…it’s going great! Just heard that we (that would be the bluebirds & their friends) just received a $24K grant – here’s more from Barb Jensen & the Audubon Society: We want to send a big and I mean BIG  Continue Reading

2011 San Juan Island Farm Products Guide: WSU Extension is in now compiling the 2011 Farm Products Guide for San Juan Island. If you are a local farmer or producer using local products (food, fiber, etc.) and would like to be included in this popular marketing and informational guide, please contact Candice Jagel (370-7664 [email protected])  Continue Reading

This is a note I got from my friend Stephanie about what she & her husband Jeff have been finding along the roads….I think it’s a pretty cogent call to clean our act up. Here’s more: Dear Ian, A couple weekends ago my husband and I spent close to six hours cleaning up the litter  Continue Reading

There was a nice size crowd for the Farmers Market‘s inside edition last Saturday at Friday Harbor High…the next Market is set for the 20th, same time (10am-1pm), same place. See ya there!

When folks look at the causes of declining numbers of killer whales, they usually point to three things: decreasing salmon stocks, toxins in the water, and noise in the oceans. The Orca Network’s Howard Garrett has been watching the local orcas for some time now, and offers his observations, conclusions, and recommendations about what’s ahead  Continue Reading

You know, this island has some of the best places around to eat – some of our restaurants have awards, some have big crowds, some have specialties that bring people year round, just to eat here. One of the places I like to get food isn’t a store or cafe, though – since spring, Josie  Continue Reading

Josie sent me over this press release: Pete Walmsley is NW Area Conservation District Supervisor of the Year Pete Walmsley of Orcas Island won the Supervisor of the Year Award at the annual meeting of NW Area Conservation Districts in Bellingham on October 13. Pete is Chair of the San Juan Islands Conservation District. Lynn  Continue Reading