Topic: Environment

Return of the River

Written on August 12, 2019 at 5:49 am, by

It’s time for Monday Movie Night again at the Orca Survey Outreach and Education Center (185 S. First Street). The next installment of the series will be a showing of “Return of the River”. This film beautifully documents the story of the removal of the dams on the Elwha River and how the restoration of  Continue Reading

Lecture on Evidence-Based Conservation

Written on July 24, 2019 at 5:45 am, by

Friday Harbor Labs is excited to welcome, Dr. Anna Metaxas, our 2019 Illg Lecturer on August 7 at the Community Theater at 7 PM. Dr. Metaxas is from Dalhousie University and her topic will be “Evidence-based conservation: designing well-connected Marine Protected Areas.” Please join us for this amazing free public lecture followed by refreshments.

Thank You Party for Deepwater Divers

Written on July 22, 2019 at 5:50 am, by

Thank You Party for US Army Deepwater Derelict Net Removal Project Thursday July 25, 4:00-5:30 p.m., San Juan Island Brewing Co. (410 A St.) Project helps keep our waters safe for wildlife and boaters Join Friends of the San Juans in thanking 20 soldiers from the US Army’s 569th Engineering Dive Detachment who have been  Continue Reading

DEEP DIVE: the Documentaries

Written on July 10, 2019 at 5:49 am, by

They Don’t Live on Words Alone-Voices of Our Salish Sea Don’t miss the opportunity to experience legendary speakers on our ocean life in one room on one day.   Be the first to preview new films by marine experts on orcas, salmon and the Salish Sea sponsored by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art  Continue Reading

Summer Activities at Zylstra Lake

Written on July 1, 2019 at 5:49 am, by

There’s a lot going on at the Land Bank’s Zylstra Lake Preserve this summer and beyond. This 285-acre preserve was acquired in 2017 with goals of providing public access to the land and water, supporting wildlife conservation, and enabling compatible farming activities. Although not yet open to the public, the months ahead hold a number  Continue Reading

Summer 2019 Update from the SJC Land Bank

Written on June 29, 2019 at 5:50 am, by

The Land Bank would like to share some of the things we’ve been doing for the community recently. At Mount Grant Preserve on San Juan there are now three trails open with more on the way! Instead of hiking up the road, two new trails (one multi-use, one pedestrian) now make their way through the  Continue Reading

Container, Cargo, and Tanker Ships from 24 Projects in the Salish Sea Threaten Southern Resident Orcas

Written on June 24, 2019 at 5:49 am, by

Friends of the San Juans identifies an additional 2,044 ocean going vessels making 4,088 transits to and from ports in British Columbia and Washington State from 24 new or expanding proposals. Vessel traffic from ocean-going oil tankers, container ships, bulk cargo carriers, and liquefied natural gas carriers could increase 34% according to new information which  Continue Reading

Lions Support Beach Plastic Clean Up

Written on June 24, 2019 at 5:47 am, by

The San Juan Island Lions Club presents a $1,000 check to Lion Stacey Smith to produce multiple weather resistant photo boards to be placed at the new Interpretive Center opening at Jackson Beach this summer.   The boards will present information relating to the plastic pick up on beaches and how land animals and marine  Continue Reading

Fire Danger Status: MODERATE

Written on June 20, 2019 at 5:41 am, by

Fire Danger Rating has been upgraded to MODERATE within San Juan County. Campfires remain allowed. All other burning is closed for the season. Campfires must be monitored at all times and a charged hose or buckets of water must be on hand to extinguish the fire. 

A Definitive Fork in the Road

Written on June 4, 2019 at 9:16 am, by

In the mailbag this morning, we have this letter from Steve Ulvi… I have been unusually fortunate to have spent a lifetime finding deep fulfillment and direction for my troubled mind in expansive forests, on mountain slopes and coursing wild rivers. My youthful day dreaming, fueled by adventure stories before sleep, culminated in finding a  Continue Reading

Coffelt Farm Update

Written on May 26, 2019 at 5:45 am, by

The Land Bank is proceeding with its efforts to take the next step in managing the farm and we wanted to keep you apprised of where things stand. Coffelt Farm Stewards has wound down operations and all animals have been relocated to other farms. We do want to take this opportunity to thank the Board  Continue Reading

From the Mailbag

Written on May 17, 2019 at 5:43 am, by

Dear Editor, Friends of the San Juans has been committed to protecting our environment since 1979. Throughout those forty years, Friends’ dedication to that mission has never wavered. This is why I support the Friends and serve on the board. A major issue still facing the San Juans is the seven-fold increase in tanker traffic  Continue Reading

BLM Seeks Nominations to Monument Advisory Committee

Written on May 13, 2019 at 5:41 am, by

Lopez Island, Wash. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it is seeking public nominations for four open positions on the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC). The nomination period is open until June 13, 2019. The BLM’s Resource Advisory Councils (RACs), of which the MAC is one, help the Bureau carry  Continue Reading

Youth Heritage Project

Written on May 9, 2019 at 5:35 am, by

Here’s an educational and recreational opportunity for high school aged youth and teachers… It’s the Youth Heritage Project (YHP) – an annual multi-day heritage field school that engages participants by connecting them to historic, cultural, and natural resources in Washington. YHP engages students hands-on as they expand their knowledge about historic preservation and develop an  Continue Reading

Island Steward

Written on May 7, 2019 at 5:48 am, by

After the San Juan Preservation Trust’s 40th annual meeting on Saturday members and friends went down to the Friday Harbor marina and formally christened their new boat “Island Steward” which will enable the Trust stewardship staff to visit their different protected properties among the San Juan Islands.  The christening included the breaking of a bottle  Continue Reading

Turn Point Site Temporarily Closed for CERCLA Action

Written on May 6, 2019 at 5:46 am, by

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be conducting a time-critical removal action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) at the Turn Point Light Station on Stuart Island. A contractor will be removing lead-contaminated soil at the site for the protection of human health. The contamination is the result of decades  Continue Reading