Topic: Nature
Our Own SJI CC Thistle Slayers
Written on September 28, 2016 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
by Theresa Simendinger On two very hot days of July, Friday the 22nd and Tuesday the 26th, the San Juan Island Conservation Corps (SJICC) climbed up Young Hill to take down the thistle. The first crew of four kids with the CC of Middle School looked like the proverbial David against Goliath but as you Continue Reading
Skyline Garden Club Hosted Excursion
Written on September 25, 2016 at 5:31 am, by Tim Dustrude
John Christianson, of Christianson’s Nursery in Mount Vernon, often shares his in depth knowledge of all things garden nursery related. This time he will share his knowledge of alternatives to overused plants/dwarf shrubs and trees. His presentations are always filled with common sense and good humor. This is an opportunity one will not want to Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk
Written on September 20, 2016 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
On this leisurely 2-3 hour interpretive walk up Young Hill, discover how to beneficially relate to Nature in and around you through your senses. Nature’s maverick genius Mike Cohen will teach us as we walk. Meet at the English Camp parking lot at 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 24th.
Praying Mantis
Written on September 13, 2016 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
Local photographer John Miller shares this image he captured this weekend… Tim – My wife, Victoria, called excitedly to me to come the garden and bring my camera. What a surprise to to see the following insect. John PS – for those who are interested: Nikon Df, 105mm manual focus macro, spot meter, f5.6, handheld Continue Reading
Shoreline Workshop
Written on September 10, 2016 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Free Workshop for Shoreline Property Owners and Managers September 24th Interested in learning more about your shoreline property and how it can help feed salmon, seabirds and orca? Join engineering geologist and shoreline erosion management expert Jim Johannessen of Coastal Geologic Services and nearshore habitat biologist Tina Whitman of Friends of the San Juans for Continue Reading
Secrets of Gardening
Written on September 10, 2016 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
All gardeners are invited to this year’s 2016 Annual Gardening Workshop: Secrets of Gardening, presented by the San Juan County Master Gardeners at Friday Harbor Middle School on Saturday, October 1st, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year’s keynote speaker will be author and biologist Thor Hanson (thorhanson.net), speaking about seeds, based on his Continue Reading
Island Rec – Star Party
Written on September 8, 2016 at 1:17 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Join the National Park Service and Island Rec to honor the 50th Anniversary of San Juan Island National Historical Park. 7:00pm Bat Talk ‘n Walk 8:00pm Cake 8:30pm Owl Prowl ‘n Star Walk. Large telescopes will be available for viewing. Rochelle Kelly, (a PhD candidate at the University of Washington studying our local bats), will Continue Reading
Leave No Trace
Written on September 7, 2016 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers will visit September 8-10 The traveling trainers are back and they’re bringing Big Foot along to share their message of sustainable minimum impact practices to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Click here for more information about Leave No Trace and be sure to check out the flyer at right to see what’s Continue Reading
“Antarctic Ice & Climate” Public Lecture
Written on August 31, 2016 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join the UW Program on Climate Change and Friday Harbor Laboratories for this two-part public lecture followed by refreshments and conversation featuring Stephen Warren and Kyle Armour on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Friday Harbor Labs Dining Hall. Climate of the Antarctic Ice Sheet presented by Stephen Warren, UW Most Continue Reading
SJPT’s Island Dispatch
Written on August 27, 2016 at 9:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
Extra, Extra! Read All About It! An e-version of the San Juan Preservation Trust’s August 2016 Island Dispatch newsletter is now live on the web. Click here to view it. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find: Guardians Forever: Monitoring SJPT’s 226 (and counting) conservation easements is a big job that we take very seriously. Plus, What Is a Continue Reading
Sonic Sea at the Whale Museum
Written on August 26, 2016 at 12:21 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The NRDC invites you to The Whale Museum next Tuesday for this screening of Sonic Sea… Please join us at The Whale Museum on August 30 for a special kickoff screening of NRDC’s new documentary film “Sonic Sea.” Once quiet, our seas are now filled with a cacophony of noise unleashed by oil prospectors, freight Continue Reading
J14 Considered Missing, Possibly Deceased
Written on August 26, 2016 at 12:14 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Sad news from the Center for Whale Research… J14, a 42-year old female in J pod, is considered missing. Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research last saw her on July 31. Center for Whale Research staff members have since had three on-the-water encounters with the rest of her matriline but she was not Continue Reading
Food Web Picnic
Written on August 19, 2016 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friends of the San Juans is excited to hold a family-friendly Food Web Picnic on Tuesday, August 30, at Jackson’s Beach on San Juan Island from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. At the event, children will explore the animal habitats at and around Jackson Beach and will earn their Coastal Food Web Investigator badge. Participants can Continue Reading
Orca Friendly Products at Ace!
Written on August 18, 2016 at 11:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Pacific Whale Watch Association and Ace Hardware stores in Anacortes and Friday Harbor, WA Launch “Orca Friendly Products” Ace is the place for… saving orcas! In a unique partnership, Ace Hardware is partnering with the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) in helping its customers find “Orca Friendly” products in its stores. The pilot project will Continue Reading
Farm and Habitat Improvements on False Bay Creek Preserve
Written on July 13, 2016 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Summer on San Juan Island isn’t just beach barbeques and whale sightings, it’s also the best time of year for outdoor improvement projects! From July 18 – 29, drivers on Bailer Hill Road may notice crews and machinery at work in the valley on the Land Bank’s False Bay Creek Preserve, located across from the Continue Reading
Don Ehlen’s Insect Safari
Written on July 11, 2016 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Presented by the San Juan Island Library, Come see Don Ehlen’s Insect Safari, held Wednesday, July 13 on the grounds of Friday Harbor Elementary School. Showtime begins at 1:30 PM. Learn about the amazing world of insects. View Don Ehlen’s collection of preserved and living specimens, including millipedes, a stick insect, and giant cockroaches. Please bring Continue Reading
The Islands’ Best-Kept Secret? Mount Grant Preserve
Written on July 1, 2016 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
SJ Preservation Trust shares this update on Mount Grant… Quick: From what publicly accessible high point in the San Juan Islands can you see three of Washington’s five volcanoes? If you guessed Mount Constitution, guess again. The answer is Mount Grant Preserve on San Juan Island. The sweeping 360-degree views from Mount Grant’s summit take Continue Reading
Historical Scavenger Hunt
Written on June 25, 2016 at 9:27 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island Historical Scavenger Hunt Here’s a fun way to explore San Juan Island this summer, and perhaps win a cool prize for your family at the same time! San Juan Historical Society and Museum, in partnership with Ernie’s Café, is sponsoring a Historical Scavenger Hunt, with the prize winners being drawn on October 1, Continue Reading
Adventures in the Origins of Biodiversity
Written on June 24, 2016 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Paul Illg Distinguished Lectureship Public Lecture – Monday, July 11 The Paul Illg Distinguished Lectureship will present another outstanding speaker in 2016. I am pleased to announce the 18th annual Illg Distinguished Lecturer will be Dr. Todd Oakley who is an evolutionary biologist and professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology Continue Reading
Wildfire at Shark Reef Sanctuary, Lopez Island
Written on June 22, 2016 at 4:54 pm, by Tim Dustrude
SJ County Parks share this notice about the recent fire on Lopez… Luck was on our side the morning of June 20th, the start of the Summer Solstice 2016, as an illegal campfire at Shark Reef Sanctuary spread beyond its loose rock ring. Luck in that a citizen across San Juan Channel spotted the smoke Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk
Written on June 22, 2016 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
Trails Committee member Bill Severson will take us on a search for the “Hidden world” quarry. Meet at the Lime Kiln State Park parking lot, remember to bring your Discover Pass. This 3-mile walk has some significant ups and downs. Dogs on leashes okay. Saturday June 25th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm For more information, Continue Reading
IMA Presents “Antarctica: Ross Island and the Future of the McMurdo Sound Region”
Written on June 9, 2016 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
A multimedia presentation by documentary and adventure photographer Alasdair Turner Join photographer Alasdair Turner for an exploration of Antarctica’s McMurdo Sound Region at BRICKWORKS, June 30, at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are available online, at the museum or at the door. TICKETS: Members $12, Non-members $15, Students $8. From vast ice to the historic huts left Continue Reading
Our Own SJI CC Thistle Slayers
Written on September 28, 2016 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
by Theresa Simendinger On two very hot days of July, Friday the 22nd and Tuesday the 26th, the San Juan Island Conservation Corps (SJICC) climbed up Young Hill to take down the thistle. The first crew of four kids with the CC of Middle School looked like the proverbial David against Goliath but as you Continue Reading
Skyline Garden Club Hosted Excursion
Written on September 25, 2016 at 5:31 am, by Tim Dustrude
John Christianson, of Christianson’s Nursery in Mount Vernon, often shares his in depth knowledge of all things garden nursery related. This time he will share his knowledge of alternatives to overused plants/dwarf shrubs and trees. His presentations are always filled with common sense and good humor. This is an opportunity one will not want to Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk
Written on September 20, 2016 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
On this leisurely 2-3 hour interpretive walk up Young Hill, discover how to beneficially relate to Nature in and around you through your senses. Nature’s maverick genius Mike Cohen will teach us as we walk. Meet at the English Camp parking lot at 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 24th.
Praying Mantis
Written on September 13, 2016 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
Local photographer John Miller shares this image he captured this weekend… Tim – My wife, Victoria, called excitedly to me to come the garden and bring my camera. What a surprise to to see the following insect. John PS – for those who are interested: Nikon Df, 105mm manual focus macro, spot meter, f5.6, handheld Continue Reading
Shoreline Workshop
Written on September 10, 2016 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Free Workshop for Shoreline Property Owners and Managers September 24th Interested in learning more about your shoreline property and how it can help feed salmon, seabirds and orca? Join engineering geologist and shoreline erosion management expert Jim Johannessen of Coastal Geologic Services and nearshore habitat biologist Tina Whitman of Friends of the San Juans for Continue Reading
Secrets of Gardening
Written on September 10, 2016 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
All gardeners are invited to this year’s 2016 Annual Gardening Workshop: Secrets of Gardening, presented by the San Juan County Master Gardeners at Friday Harbor Middle School on Saturday, October 1st, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year’s keynote speaker will be author and biologist Thor Hanson (thorhanson.net), speaking about seeds, based on his Continue Reading
Island Rec – Star Party
Written on September 8, 2016 at 1:17 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Join the National Park Service and Island Rec to honor the 50th Anniversary of San Juan Island National Historical Park. 7:00pm Bat Talk ‘n Walk 8:00pm Cake 8:30pm Owl Prowl ‘n Star Walk. Large telescopes will be available for viewing. Rochelle Kelly, (a PhD candidate at the University of Washington studying our local bats), will Continue Reading
Leave No Trace
Written on September 7, 2016 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers will visit September 8-10 The traveling trainers are back and they’re bringing Big Foot along to share their message of sustainable minimum impact practices to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Click here for more information about Leave No Trace and be sure to check out the flyer at right to see what’s Continue Reading
“Antarctic Ice & Climate” Public Lecture
Written on August 31, 2016 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join the UW Program on Climate Change and Friday Harbor Laboratories for this two-part public lecture followed by refreshments and conversation featuring Stephen Warren and Kyle Armour on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Friday Harbor Labs Dining Hall. Climate of the Antarctic Ice Sheet presented by Stephen Warren, UW Most Continue Reading
SJPT’s Island Dispatch
Written on August 27, 2016 at 9:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
Extra, Extra! Read All About It! An e-version of the San Juan Preservation Trust’s August 2016 Island Dispatch newsletter is now live on the web. Click here to view it. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find: Guardians Forever: Monitoring SJPT’s 226 (and counting) conservation easements is a big job that we take very seriously. Plus, What Is a Continue Reading
Sonic Sea at the Whale Museum
Written on August 26, 2016 at 12:21 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The NRDC invites you to The Whale Museum next Tuesday for this screening of Sonic Sea… Please join us at The Whale Museum on August 30 for a special kickoff screening of NRDC’s new documentary film “Sonic Sea.” Once quiet, our seas are now filled with a cacophony of noise unleashed by oil prospectors, freight Continue Reading
J14 Considered Missing, Possibly Deceased
Written on August 26, 2016 at 12:14 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Sad news from the Center for Whale Research… J14, a 42-year old female in J pod, is considered missing. Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research last saw her on July 31. Center for Whale Research staff members have since had three on-the-water encounters with the rest of her matriline but she was not Continue Reading
Food Web Picnic
Written on August 19, 2016 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friends of the San Juans is excited to hold a family-friendly Food Web Picnic on Tuesday, August 30, at Jackson’s Beach on San Juan Island from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. At the event, children will explore the animal habitats at and around Jackson Beach and will earn their Coastal Food Web Investigator badge. Participants can Continue Reading
Orca Friendly Products at Ace!
Written on August 18, 2016 at 11:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Pacific Whale Watch Association and Ace Hardware stores in Anacortes and Friday Harbor, WA Launch “Orca Friendly Products” Ace is the place for… saving orcas! In a unique partnership, Ace Hardware is partnering with the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) in helping its customers find “Orca Friendly” products in its stores. The pilot project will Continue Reading
Farm and Habitat Improvements on False Bay Creek Preserve
Written on July 13, 2016 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Summer on San Juan Island isn’t just beach barbeques and whale sightings, it’s also the best time of year for outdoor improvement projects! From July 18 – 29, drivers on Bailer Hill Road may notice crews and machinery at work in the valley on the Land Bank’s False Bay Creek Preserve, located across from the Continue Reading
Don Ehlen’s Insect Safari
Written on July 11, 2016 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Presented by the San Juan Island Library, Come see Don Ehlen’s Insect Safari, held Wednesday, July 13 on the grounds of Friday Harbor Elementary School. Showtime begins at 1:30 PM. Learn about the amazing world of insects. View Don Ehlen’s collection of preserved and living specimens, including millipedes, a stick insect, and giant cockroaches. Please bring Continue Reading
The Islands’ Best-Kept Secret? Mount Grant Preserve
Written on July 1, 2016 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
SJ Preservation Trust shares this update on Mount Grant… Quick: From what publicly accessible high point in the San Juan Islands can you see three of Washington’s five volcanoes? If you guessed Mount Constitution, guess again. The answer is Mount Grant Preserve on San Juan Island. The sweeping 360-degree views from Mount Grant’s summit take Continue Reading
Historical Scavenger Hunt
Written on June 25, 2016 at 9:27 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island Historical Scavenger Hunt Here’s a fun way to explore San Juan Island this summer, and perhaps win a cool prize for your family at the same time! San Juan Historical Society and Museum, in partnership with Ernie’s Café, is sponsoring a Historical Scavenger Hunt, with the prize winners being drawn on October 1, Continue Reading
Adventures in the Origins of Biodiversity
Written on June 24, 2016 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Paul Illg Distinguished Lectureship Public Lecture – Monday, July 11 The Paul Illg Distinguished Lectureship will present another outstanding speaker in 2016. I am pleased to announce the 18th annual Illg Distinguished Lecturer will be Dr. Todd Oakley who is an evolutionary biologist and professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology Continue Reading
Wildfire at Shark Reef Sanctuary, Lopez Island
Written on June 22, 2016 at 4:54 pm, by Tim Dustrude
SJ County Parks share this notice about the recent fire on Lopez… Luck was on our side the morning of June 20th, the start of the Summer Solstice 2016, as an illegal campfire at Shark Reef Sanctuary spread beyond its loose rock ring. Luck in that a citizen across San Juan Channel spotted the smoke Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk
Written on June 22, 2016 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
Trails Committee member Bill Severson will take us on a search for the “Hidden world” quarry. Meet at the Lime Kiln State Park parking lot, remember to bring your Discover Pass. This 3-mile walk has some significant ups and downs. Dogs on leashes okay. Saturday June 25th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm For more information, Continue Reading
IMA Presents “Antarctica: Ross Island and the Future of the McMurdo Sound Region”
Written on June 9, 2016 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
A multimedia presentation by documentary and adventure photographer Alasdair Turner Join photographer Alasdair Turner for an exploration of Antarctica’s McMurdo Sound Region at BRICKWORKS, June 30, at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are available online, at the museum or at the door. TICKETS: Members $12, Non-members $15, Students $8. From vast ice to the historic huts left Continue Reading