Topic: Nature
A Banner Day for Island Families
Written on June 7, 2017 at 5:23 pm, by Tim Dustrude
by Theresa Simendinger In collaboration; the SJ Trails Committee, and Island Rec sponsored the great idea from the Land Bank and the National Park Service of a family event, hiking out to Briggs Lake, for the Family Nature Club on June 4th. On a bright spring-like day, youth leader Ava Martin, 11, and friends set Continue Reading
Nature Conservancy Photo of the Month
Written on June 7, 2017 at 4:37 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Local photographer extraordinaire Chris Teren is the Nature Conservancy’s Photographer of the Month. Check out Chris’ awesome photo of the Aurora Borealis and read some background on his photography career… “Right after college, I had a rough break up. I was breaking up with the Rocky Mountains. I loved them dearly, and they loved me Continue Reading
Garden Club Hosted Excursion
Written on May 23, 2017 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Christianson’s Rosy Day out and LaConner The first stop on this excursion is LaConner. A beautiful destination with museums, unique shops and fine food for brunch or lunch. Then on to Christianson’s to hear Rebecca Reed, of David Austin Roses, describe characteristics and qualities of varieties. Her talk will instill confidence and inspire you to Continue Reading
Let Wildlife Be Wild
Written on May 23, 2017 at 5:38 am, by Tim Dustrude
Do your part to protect our island wildlife San Juan Island National Historical Park provides habitat for many species of animals. When you visit the park, you are visiting their home. The choices you make have a direct effect on the wild animals that live here. By following the simple steps listed here you can Continue Reading
Exceptional Water Quality
Written on May 23, 2017 at 5:32 am, by Tim Dustrude
County shellfish harvesting areas show exceptional water quality An annual evaluation of water quality found that all eight commercial harvesting areas in San Juan County showed exceptional water quality, resulting in no County closures. In contrast, statewide this year, six of the 105 commercial harvesting areas were closed and 16 additional areas were listed as Continue Reading
High Winds Tuesday
Written on May 22, 2017 at 11:53 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Brendan Cowan, Director of the Department of Emergency Management shares this weather alert… The National Weather Service is forecasting high westerly winds for later on Tuesday in the eastern parts of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This could mean gusts of up to 50mph in some island locations later on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Continue Reading
Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve
Written on May 18, 2017 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies! Thom returns from back East this week and has his eye on invasives removal for this weekend’s work party as well as limbing/piling. There’s the possibility of burning the piles from our previous work parties, but that will depend on the weather. Oddly, a high of 65F is expected! When? Sunday, May 21 Continue Reading
Powder Rule
Written on May 4, 2017 at 9:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
According to a Warren Miller ski film we watched several years ago, it is quite possible when in the Tahoe area to find many businesses closed with signs hanging on their doors saying “Powder Rule” when mother nature dumps beautiful, fluffy powder snow at the local ski resort. Well, it wasn’t beautiful fluffy powder here Continue Reading
Learn How to Make Biochar
Written on May 4, 2017 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Biochar, a charcoal made from woody biomass that stores carbon and improves soil, is an emerging option for forest owners to generate income and remove excess wood from densely stocked forests. Biochar can increase agricultural productivity, improve soil fertility, and help mitigate climate change. This workshop will take you through the steps to turn low-value Continue Reading
An Opportunity to Help the Orcas
Written on April 28, 2017 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Val and Leslie Veirs share this announcement with you… Dear family and friends, Leslie and I are writing to let you know that Scott is taking a big step to try to improve our long-term efforts to help the whales. For 15 years we have installed and maintained a network of hydrophones and streamed, via Continue Reading
Introducing the Master Gardener Interns
Written on April 27, 2017 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
Congratulations to the 19 community members who competed 60 hours of classroom and online training to become WSU San Juan County Master Gardeners. As Master Gardener Interns, these volunteers will contribute 50 hours of service in their community, helping to identify plant problems, insects, and diseases, and provide research-based gardening information at Farmers Markets, Information Booths Continue Reading
Hanging Basket Class
Written on April 27, 2017 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t forget – Reservations are required prior to April 28th – Participants in this class will assemble a 12” hanging container with growing medium, choice starter plants for sun or shade exposure and plenty of free advice. Bring your own gloves, tools, beverage and snack. Though a container and plants are provided you may choose Continue Reading
A Rosy Day Out
Written on April 26, 2017 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
The SJI Garden club is offering another hosted excursion… Christianson’s Rosy Day out and LaConner The first stop on this excursion is LaConner. A beautiful destination with museums, unique shops and fine food for brunch or lunch. Then on to Christianson’s to hear Rebecca Reed, of David Austin Roses, describe characteristics and qualities of varieties. Continue Reading
Sunrise over Mt. Baker
Written on April 21, 2017 at 9:02 am, by Tim Dustrude
Kevin Holmes captured this beautiful sunrise photo from the redeye ferry. A gorgeous beginning to your Friday. Thanks for sharing Kevin!
Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve
Written on April 20, 2017 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Okay Oakies, this Sunday we have our work cut for us – Thom has big plans for Earth Day Weekend, so grab a buddy and lets get chopping! On the docket for Sunday is blackberry removal (bring those RUGGED gloves!) limbing and girdling trees and possibly even burning the piles from our last work party. Continue Reading
Hanging Basket Class
Written on April 18, 2017 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
Plant Now For Summer Glory! Participants in this class will assemble a 12” hanging container with growing medium, choice starter plants for sun or shade exposure and plenty of free advice. Bring your own gloves, tools, beverage and snack. Though a container and plants are provided you may choose to bring a favorite hanging container. Continue Reading
Spring Plant Sale
Written on April 14, 2017 at 8:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hundreds of organic vegetable starts and perennials, all lovingly grown and nurtured by San Juan County Master Gardeners, will be on sale at the Mullis Center, Saturday May 13th at 9am – just in time for Mother’s Day! The Master Gardeners choose vegetables they love. They love them because they grow well in our climate, Continue Reading
FHFF Winter Film Series
Written on April 13, 2017 at 10:06 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Friday Harbor Film Festival Winter Series – Audience Favorites presents Seed: The Untold Story Few things on Earth are as miraculous and vital as seeds — worshipped and treasured since the dawn of humankind. This documentary follows passionate seed keepers who are protecting a 12,000 year-old food legacy. In the last century, 94 seed varieties Continue Reading
FRIENDS’ New Video
Written on April 6, 2017 at 3:34 pm, by Tim Dustrude
New video highlights how healthy shorelines can adjust to rising seas, protecting habitat and property. Sea level rise and climate change: they’re what coastal communities around the globe are increasingly talking about and feeling the impacts of. Forward-thinking individuals and governments are taking steps to prepare. In San Juan County, the most likely impacts associated Continue Reading
Spotted Wing Drosophila Workshop
Written on April 4, 2017 at 5:26 am, by Tim Dustrude
Spotted Wing Drosophila is a new pest threat to Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries and Plumbs in the San Juan Islands. Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as Spotted Wing Drosophila or SWD, is of concern to home gardeners and commercial producers. SWD is unique because it lays eggs inside ripening fruit. The maggots hatch from these eggs and feed inside fruit Continue Reading
Garden Club Excursion to Evergreen Arboretum
Written on April 3, 2017 at 5:22 am, by Tim Dustrude
What is a Nativar? Join us and learn about the latest craze in gardening – Nativars- improved cultivars of native plants. Breeders have taken natives and tweaked them to bloom longer, grow tidier, have more colorful foliage and be more disease resistant. Date: April 15, 2017 Location: Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens Time: Eastbound 8:00AM ferry Westbound 8:20 PM ferry Cost: Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk
Written on March 20, 2017 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
A million-mile walk: Join National Parks Education Specialist, Raena Parsons, on a journey millions of years in the past. We will investigate the geologic forces that shaped San Juan Island, demonstrate plate tectonics (with cookies–yum!), and discuss earthquakes and other geologic hazards in our region. Comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers, and a sense of adventure Continue Reading
A Banner Day for Island Families
Written on June 7, 2017 at 5:23 pm, by Tim Dustrude
by Theresa Simendinger In collaboration; the SJ Trails Committee, and Island Rec sponsored the great idea from the Land Bank and the National Park Service of a family event, hiking out to Briggs Lake, for the Family Nature Club on June 4th. On a bright spring-like day, youth leader Ava Martin, 11, and friends set Continue Reading
Nature Conservancy Photo of the Month
Written on June 7, 2017 at 4:37 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Local photographer extraordinaire Chris Teren is the Nature Conservancy’s Photographer of the Month. Check out Chris’ awesome photo of the Aurora Borealis and read some background on his photography career… “Right after college, I had a rough break up. I was breaking up with the Rocky Mountains. I loved them dearly, and they loved me Continue Reading
Garden Club Hosted Excursion
Written on May 23, 2017 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Christianson’s Rosy Day out and LaConner The first stop on this excursion is LaConner. A beautiful destination with museums, unique shops and fine food for brunch or lunch. Then on to Christianson’s to hear Rebecca Reed, of David Austin Roses, describe characteristics and qualities of varieties. Her talk will instill confidence and inspire you to Continue Reading
Let Wildlife Be Wild
Written on May 23, 2017 at 5:38 am, by Tim Dustrude
Do your part to protect our island wildlife San Juan Island National Historical Park provides habitat for many species of animals. When you visit the park, you are visiting their home. The choices you make have a direct effect on the wild animals that live here. By following the simple steps listed here you can Continue Reading
Exceptional Water Quality
Written on May 23, 2017 at 5:32 am, by Tim Dustrude
County shellfish harvesting areas show exceptional water quality An annual evaluation of water quality found that all eight commercial harvesting areas in San Juan County showed exceptional water quality, resulting in no County closures. In contrast, statewide this year, six of the 105 commercial harvesting areas were closed and 16 additional areas were listed as Continue Reading
High Winds Tuesday
Written on May 22, 2017 at 11:53 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Brendan Cowan, Director of the Department of Emergency Management shares this weather alert… The National Weather Service is forecasting high westerly winds for later on Tuesday in the eastern parts of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This could mean gusts of up to 50mph in some island locations later on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Continue Reading
Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve
Written on May 18, 2017 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies! Thom returns from back East this week and has his eye on invasives removal for this weekend’s work party as well as limbing/piling. There’s the possibility of burning the piles from our previous work parties, but that will depend on the weather. Oddly, a high of 65F is expected! When? Sunday, May 21 Continue Reading
Powder Rule
Written on May 4, 2017 at 9:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
According to a Warren Miller ski film we watched several years ago, it is quite possible when in the Tahoe area to find many businesses closed with signs hanging on their doors saying “Powder Rule” when mother nature dumps beautiful, fluffy powder snow at the local ski resort. Well, it wasn’t beautiful fluffy powder here Continue Reading
Learn How to Make Biochar
Written on May 4, 2017 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Biochar, a charcoal made from woody biomass that stores carbon and improves soil, is an emerging option for forest owners to generate income and remove excess wood from densely stocked forests. Biochar can increase agricultural productivity, improve soil fertility, and help mitigate climate change. This workshop will take you through the steps to turn low-value Continue Reading
An Opportunity to Help the Orcas
Written on April 28, 2017 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Val and Leslie Veirs share this announcement with you… Dear family and friends, Leslie and I are writing to let you know that Scott is taking a big step to try to improve our long-term efforts to help the whales. For 15 years we have installed and maintained a network of hydrophones and streamed, via Continue Reading
Introducing the Master Gardener Interns
Written on April 27, 2017 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
Congratulations to the 19 community members who competed 60 hours of classroom and online training to become WSU San Juan County Master Gardeners. As Master Gardener Interns, these volunteers will contribute 50 hours of service in their community, helping to identify plant problems, insects, and diseases, and provide research-based gardening information at Farmers Markets, Information Booths Continue Reading
Hanging Basket Class
Written on April 27, 2017 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t forget – Reservations are required prior to April 28th – Participants in this class will assemble a 12” hanging container with growing medium, choice starter plants for sun or shade exposure and plenty of free advice. Bring your own gloves, tools, beverage and snack. Though a container and plants are provided you may choose Continue Reading
A Rosy Day Out
Written on April 26, 2017 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
The SJI Garden club is offering another hosted excursion… Christianson’s Rosy Day out and LaConner The first stop on this excursion is LaConner. A beautiful destination with museums, unique shops and fine food for brunch or lunch. Then on to Christianson’s to hear Rebecca Reed, of David Austin Roses, describe characteristics and qualities of varieties. Continue Reading
Sunrise over Mt. Baker
Written on April 21, 2017 at 9:02 am, by Tim Dustrude
Kevin Holmes captured this beautiful sunrise photo from the redeye ferry. A gorgeous beginning to your Friday. Thanks for sharing Kevin!
Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve
Written on April 20, 2017 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Okay Oakies, this Sunday we have our work cut for us – Thom has big plans for Earth Day Weekend, so grab a buddy and lets get chopping! On the docket for Sunday is blackberry removal (bring those RUGGED gloves!) limbing and girdling trees and possibly even burning the piles from our last work party. Continue Reading
Hanging Basket Class
Written on April 18, 2017 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
Plant Now For Summer Glory! Participants in this class will assemble a 12” hanging container with growing medium, choice starter plants for sun or shade exposure and plenty of free advice. Bring your own gloves, tools, beverage and snack. Though a container and plants are provided you may choose to bring a favorite hanging container. Continue Reading
Spring Plant Sale
Written on April 14, 2017 at 8:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hundreds of organic vegetable starts and perennials, all lovingly grown and nurtured by San Juan County Master Gardeners, will be on sale at the Mullis Center, Saturday May 13th at 9am – just in time for Mother’s Day! The Master Gardeners choose vegetables they love. They love them because they grow well in our climate, Continue Reading
FHFF Winter Film Series
Written on April 13, 2017 at 10:06 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Friday Harbor Film Festival Winter Series – Audience Favorites presents Seed: The Untold Story Few things on Earth are as miraculous and vital as seeds — worshipped and treasured since the dawn of humankind. This documentary follows passionate seed keepers who are protecting a 12,000 year-old food legacy. In the last century, 94 seed varieties Continue Reading
FRIENDS’ New Video
Written on April 6, 2017 at 3:34 pm, by Tim Dustrude
New video highlights how healthy shorelines can adjust to rising seas, protecting habitat and property. Sea level rise and climate change: they’re what coastal communities around the globe are increasingly talking about and feeling the impacts of. Forward-thinking individuals and governments are taking steps to prepare. In San Juan County, the most likely impacts associated Continue Reading
Spotted Wing Drosophila Workshop
Written on April 4, 2017 at 5:26 am, by Tim Dustrude
Spotted Wing Drosophila is a new pest threat to Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries and Plumbs in the San Juan Islands. Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as Spotted Wing Drosophila or SWD, is of concern to home gardeners and commercial producers. SWD is unique because it lays eggs inside ripening fruit. The maggots hatch from these eggs and feed inside fruit Continue Reading
Garden Club Excursion to Evergreen Arboretum
Written on April 3, 2017 at 5:22 am, by Tim Dustrude
What is a Nativar? Join us and learn about the latest craze in gardening – Nativars- improved cultivars of native plants. Breeders have taken natives and tweaked them to bloom longer, grow tidier, have more colorful foliage and be more disease resistant. Date: April 15, 2017 Location: Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens Time: Eastbound 8:00AM ferry Westbound 8:20 PM ferry Cost: Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk
Written on March 20, 2017 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
A million-mile walk: Join National Parks Education Specialist, Raena Parsons, on a journey millions of years in the past. We will investigate the geologic forces that shaped San Juan Island, demonstrate plate tectonics (with cookies–yum!), and discuss earthquakes and other geologic hazards in our region. Comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers, and a sense of adventure Continue Reading