Topic: Environment
Letters
Written on June 1, 2020 at 6:11 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag today we have this letter from Alice Hurd, Former Trustee of the San Juan Preservation Trust… I am writing to share my concern about an initiative petition being circulated in San Juan County for the purpose of putting a measure on the November ballot to close down the San Juan Continue Reading
Residential And Commercial Burning Closed
Written on May 29, 2020 at 5:36 pm, by Tim Dustrude
All permits issued for burning commercial or residential burns are expiring as the burn season has come to a close. Campfires, burning charcoal or firewood, remain allowed in contained campfire bowls, stoves, or rings remain allowed in sizes up to 3 foot in diameter. Please check burning rules frequently for burn risk notifications and burn Continue Reading
Land Bank and OPALCO Collaborate on Turtleback Powerline Improvements
Written on May 29, 2020 at 5:33 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Tailgater Session June 10th – Come Chat OPALCO will soon be undertaking a a project on Turtleback Mountain to remove Douglas fir along the powerline corridor and replace power poles. This project, in collaboration with the San Juan County Land Bank, will serve two purposes: securing the safety and reliability of the power supply to Continue Reading
Spring Black Bears on the Yukon River
Written on May 26, 2020 at 8:14 am, by Tim Dustrude
FREEZER BURNED: Tales of Interior Alaska is a new regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi… After gritting through another sub-arctic winter, there was celebratory pleasure in first plying the roiling, wood-strewn waters of the Yukon River in spring. The boat season followed seven to ten days of heavy running ice. Continue Reading
Protect What You Love: Green Boating in the San Juan Islands
Written on May 21, 2020 at 7:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
The 2020 boating season is officially upon us, and soon our anchorages will begin to fill with local and visiting private boats. Our amazing group of islands, where boaters find wonder and relaxation, are also where fish and wildlife find food and shelter. One of the Salish Sea’s most critical and sensitive marine habitats is Continue Reading
Plans Being Developed For Oil Spill Response Base In Friday Harbor
Written on May 20, 2020 at 3:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In a joint effort between the Port of Friday Harbor, the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA), and San Juan County, plans are underway for construction of an oil spill response operations base in Friday Harbor, Washington. The intent of the project is to provide office space, maintenance bays for upkeep of boats and trailers, storage Continue Reading
Build an Asian Hornet Bottle Trap
Written on May 19, 2020 at 10:22 am, by Tim Dustrude
As you may have heard, asian hornets (a.k.a: Murder Hornets) have found their way to the United States and have been detected in Washington. They are an invasive species and will decimate honey bee hives. If you would like to help the State of Washington, here is a project you can do on your property Continue Reading
Did You Feel It?
Written on May 15, 2020 at 9:59 am, by Tim Dustrude
There was a 3.0 earthquake last night, about 1:15 in the morning, just south east of Roche Harbor. See more info on the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network website.
“Just a Minute”
Written on May 11, 2020 at 12:55 pm, by Tim Dustrude
60-Second Videos from the Preservation Trust The San Juan Preservation Trust has developed a series of quick, easy-to-watch videos featuring the wonder-filled nature in our own backyards as spring unfolds around us. If you could use some vicarious doses of nature’s medicine, click to watch the video above and then look for more of the Continue Reading
Town sponsors another successful Spring Cleanup
Written on May 8, 2020 at 2:34 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The Town of Friday Harbor helped its customers jump start their spring cleaning with free pickup of oversized refuse the week of April 27-May 1. This is the fifth year the Town has offered the Spring Cleanup service to its residential refuse customers. Refuse employees Dave Smith and Jon Munn picked up a total of Continue Reading
Scotch Broom Census Set for May
Written on May 4, 2020 at 9:24 am, by Tim Dustrude
Need an excuse to get outside? (safely and and while maintaining self-distancing, of course…) OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council, state agencies and researchers are calling for a census in May to help determine the location of Scotch broom throughout the state. “We need everyone’s help to size up the problem,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator Continue Reading
Forest and Tree Health Webinar
Written on April 15, 2020 at 6:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
Dead and dying conifers have proliferated throughout the Salish Sea area, especially with cedars and hemlocks, causing concern for many property owners. This webinar will talk about why so many trees are dying right now and how to recognize when there’s a problem on your property. Topics include insects, diseases, and drought, and what property Continue Reading
Great Islands Clean Up becomes Month-long Individual Effort
Written on April 7, 2020 at 9:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
In honor of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary this April, Islanders are encouraged to use the whole month to help tidy our roads and beaches during wellness walks. Due to health concerns, the Spring Great Islands Clean-Up has been cancelled as a group activity, and has pivoted to be an individual or household month-long event. Islanders Continue Reading
Emergency Preparedness for Business
Written on February 26, 2020 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County/Town of Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management is hosting a no-cost, 8 hour training for island businesses to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies and disruption to their business. When: Tuesday March 31st, 8:30am – 5:00pm Where: Friday Harbor (exact location is to be determined) To Register: CLICK HERE Continue Reading
Best Of The Fest in March from FHFF
Written on February 25, 2020 at 8:20 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Film Festival’s annual Best of the Fest series continues during March. Award-winning, impactful feature films and shorts from the 2019 Festival are being shown every first and third Tuesday from January through May at the Grange beginning at 7 pm. These screenings are free, although donations are encouraged. The March line-up includes: March Continue Reading
Letters
Written on February 24, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from Steve Ulvi… The Future on the Rocks The life of a conservationist in America has always been a hard paddle against the current. Win some skirmishes, a few big battles and refight ‘em again and again, while losing the war. We learn to Continue Reading
San Juan Preservation Trust Announces New Scholarship Opportunity for Graduating Seniors
Written on February 21, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Deadline is April 1 for $2,000 Climate Leadership Scholarships The San Juan Preservation Trust sponsors new scholarships for high school seniors. The San Juan Preservation Trust is offering two $2,000 scholarships this spring to graduating high school seniors who are San Juan Island County residents and attend high school in the San Juan Islands. The Continue Reading
Friday Harbor Green Drinks
Written on February 17, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Come join us for February Green Drinks at Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar, February 20th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Friday Harbor Green Drinks is an informal monthly social meet-up open to anyone with an interest in the environment and all things green! Conservation, agriculture, marine science, and other fields. Green Drinks provides time to Continue Reading
San Juan County Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Interested in using native plants in your landscape? There are many wonderful reasons to use PNW natives: they are often long lived and need little maintenance, they provide year-round color and garden interest, they can be used to stabilize hillsides and prevent erosion, and some are drought and heat tolerant, helpful in a warming climate. Continue Reading
Calling all tree-loving, bunny-hugging, dirt worshipers!
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t forget — it’s award season here in the San Juans! The Oscars have nothing on the Finnies. Know someone who deserves to walk the stewardship red carpet? Nominate them for a Good Steward Award! Since 2008, the Good Steward Awards, affectionately known as “Finnies,” have been sponsored by the Stewardship Network of the San Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island
Written on February 3, 2020 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mission Statement: Creating conditions for community resilience and regeneration in a rapidly changing world We have set the next meeting of Transition San Juan Island for Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 3-6 PM at the Mullis Center. The purpose is for each action group to complete their Vision Statement. So when you arrive at 3, Continue Reading
A Beautiful Yard with Half the Effort: How Biodiversity Can Work for You
Written on January 29, 2020 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
Neil Stawski checks in again with another guest article… According to the American Time Use Survey, the average citizen in the United States spends about 70 hours a year on yard work. Considering that number takes into account all the renters, city dwellers, and non-yard owning people as well as homeowners, it is actually quite Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 1, 2020 at 6:11 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag today we have this letter from Alice Hurd, Former Trustee of the San Juan Preservation Trust… I am writing to share my concern about an initiative petition being circulated in San Juan County for the purpose of putting a measure on the November ballot to close down the San Juan Continue Reading
Residential And Commercial Burning Closed
Written on May 29, 2020 at 5:36 pm, by Tim Dustrude
All permits issued for burning commercial or residential burns are expiring as the burn season has come to a close. Campfires, burning charcoal or firewood, remain allowed in contained campfire bowls, stoves, or rings remain allowed in sizes up to 3 foot in diameter. Please check burning rules frequently for burn risk notifications and burn Continue Reading
Land Bank and OPALCO Collaborate on Turtleback Powerline Improvements
Written on May 29, 2020 at 5:33 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Tailgater Session June 10th – Come Chat OPALCO will soon be undertaking a a project on Turtleback Mountain to remove Douglas fir along the powerline corridor and replace power poles. This project, in collaboration with the San Juan County Land Bank, will serve two purposes: securing the safety and reliability of the power supply to Continue Reading
Spring Black Bears on the Yukon River
Written on May 26, 2020 at 8:14 am, by Tim Dustrude
FREEZER BURNED: Tales of Interior Alaska is a new regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi… After gritting through another sub-arctic winter, there was celebratory pleasure in first plying the roiling, wood-strewn waters of the Yukon River in spring. The boat season followed seven to ten days of heavy running ice. Continue Reading
Protect What You Love: Green Boating in the San Juan Islands
Written on May 21, 2020 at 7:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
The 2020 boating season is officially upon us, and soon our anchorages will begin to fill with local and visiting private boats. Our amazing group of islands, where boaters find wonder and relaxation, are also where fish and wildlife find food and shelter. One of the Salish Sea’s most critical and sensitive marine habitats is Continue Reading
Plans Being Developed For Oil Spill Response Base In Friday Harbor
Written on May 20, 2020 at 3:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In a joint effort between the Port of Friday Harbor, the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA), and San Juan County, plans are underway for construction of an oil spill response operations base in Friday Harbor, Washington. The intent of the project is to provide office space, maintenance bays for upkeep of boats and trailers, storage Continue Reading
Build an Asian Hornet Bottle Trap
Written on May 19, 2020 at 10:22 am, by Tim Dustrude
As you may have heard, asian hornets (a.k.a: Murder Hornets) have found their way to the United States and have been detected in Washington. They are an invasive species and will decimate honey bee hives. If you would like to help the State of Washington, here is a project you can do on your property Continue Reading
Did You Feel It?
Written on May 15, 2020 at 9:59 am, by Tim Dustrude
There was a 3.0 earthquake last night, about 1:15 in the morning, just south east of Roche Harbor. See more info on the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network website.
“Just a Minute”
Written on May 11, 2020 at 12:55 pm, by Tim Dustrude
60-Second Videos from the Preservation Trust The San Juan Preservation Trust has developed a series of quick, easy-to-watch videos featuring the wonder-filled nature in our own backyards as spring unfolds around us. If you could use some vicarious doses of nature’s medicine, click to watch the video above and then look for more of the Continue Reading
Town sponsors another successful Spring Cleanup
Written on May 8, 2020 at 2:34 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The Town of Friday Harbor helped its customers jump start their spring cleaning with free pickup of oversized refuse the week of April 27-May 1. This is the fifth year the Town has offered the Spring Cleanup service to its residential refuse customers. Refuse employees Dave Smith and Jon Munn picked up a total of Continue Reading
Scotch Broom Census Set for May
Written on May 4, 2020 at 9:24 am, by Tim Dustrude
Need an excuse to get outside? (safely and and while maintaining self-distancing, of course…) OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council, state agencies and researchers are calling for a census in May to help determine the location of Scotch broom throughout the state. “We need everyone’s help to size up the problem,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator Continue Reading
Forest and Tree Health Webinar
Written on April 15, 2020 at 6:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
Dead and dying conifers have proliferated throughout the Salish Sea area, especially with cedars and hemlocks, causing concern for many property owners. This webinar will talk about why so many trees are dying right now and how to recognize when there’s a problem on your property. Topics include insects, diseases, and drought, and what property Continue Reading
Great Islands Clean Up becomes Month-long Individual Effort
Written on April 7, 2020 at 9:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
In honor of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary this April, Islanders are encouraged to use the whole month to help tidy our roads and beaches during wellness walks. Due to health concerns, the Spring Great Islands Clean-Up has been cancelled as a group activity, and has pivoted to be an individual or household month-long event. Islanders Continue Reading
Emergency Preparedness for Business
Written on February 26, 2020 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County/Town of Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management is hosting a no-cost, 8 hour training for island businesses to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies and disruption to their business. When: Tuesday March 31st, 8:30am – 5:00pm Where: Friday Harbor (exact location is to be determined) To Register: CLICK HERE Continue Reading
Best Of The Fest in March from FHFF
Written on February 25, 2020 at 8:20 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Film Festival’s annual Best of the Fest series continues during March. Award-winning, impactful feature films and shorts from the 2019 Festival are being shown every first and third Tuesday from January through May at the Grange beginning at 7 pm. These screenings are free, although donations are encouraged. The March line-up includes: March Continue Reading
Letters
Written on February 24, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from Steve Ulvi… The Future on the Rocks The life of a conservationist in America has always been a hard paddle against the current. Win some skirmishes, a few big battles and refight ‘em again and again, while losing the war. We learn to Continue Reading
San Juan Preservation Trust Announces New Scholarship Opportunity for Graduating Seniors
Written on February 21, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Deadline is April 1 for $2,000 Climate Leadership Scholarships The San Juan Preservation Trust sponsors new scholarships for high school seniors. The San Juan Preservation Trust is offering two $2,000 scholarships this spring to graduating high school seniors who are San Juan Island County residents and attend high school in the San Juan Islands. The Continue Reading
Friday Harbor Green Drinks
Written on February 17, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Come join us for February Green Drinks at Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar, February 20th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Friday Harbor Green Drinks is an informal monthly social meet-up open to anyone with an interest in the environment and all things green! Conservation, agriculture, marine science, and other fields. Green Drinks provides time to Continue Reading
San Juan County Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Interested in using native plants in your landscape? There are many wonderful reasons to use PNW natives: they are often long lived and need little maintenance, they provide year-round color and garden interest, they can be used to stabilize hillsides and prevent erosion, and some are drought and heat tolerant, helpful in a warming climate. Continue Reading
Calling all tree-loving, bunny-hugging, dirt worshipers!
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t forget — it’s award season here in the San Juans! The Oscars have nothing on the Finnies. Know someone who deserves to walk the stewardship red carpet? Nominate them for a Good Steward Award! Since 2008, the Good Steward Awards, affectionately known as “Finnies,” have been sponsored by the Stewardship Network of the San Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island
Written on February 3, 2020 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mission Statement: Creating conditions for community resilience and regeneration in a rapidly changing world We have set the next meeting of Transition San Juan Island for Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 3-6 PM at the Mullis Center. The purpose is for each action group to complete their Vision Statement. So when you arrive at 3, Continue Reading
A Beautiful Yard with Half the Effort: How Biodiversity Can Work for You
Written on January 29, 2020 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
Neil Stawski checks in again with another guest article… According to the American Time Use Survey, the average citizen in the United States spends about 70 hours a year on yard work. Considering that number takes into account all the renters, city dwellers, and non-yard owning people as well as homeowners, it is actually quite Continue Reading