Topic: Nature
Tree City USA
Written on March 30, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Town of Friday Harbor was named a 2018 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to urban forest management. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. “Everyone benefits when Continue Reading
Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
Written on March 30, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Town of Friday Harbor will celebrate Arbor Day on Thursday, April 5th by planting new street trees on Court Street. Four European Hornbeams will be planted to replace the former street trees that needed to be removed earlier in the year. Following the ceremony, Town will be giving away locally cultivated Garry Oak seedlings. Continue Reading
Local Students Celebrate Poetry Month
Written on March 21, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County Land Bank and San Juan Island National Historical Park, along with students from Stillpoint School and Spring Street International School, celebrate the “Year of the Bird” for National Poetry Month. Beginning April 1st, the Land Bank’s Westside Lake trail loop at Limekiln Preserve will feature bird-inspired poems written by students Continue Reading
Equinox
Written on March 20, 2018 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
It’s the Vernal Equinox. At 9:15 AM Pacific time, the sun will cross the equator as it heads back into the northern hemisphere. Daytime and nighttime are equal today, but moving forward, light will conquer darkness and the days will be longer than the nights. Spring time, warmer weather… here it comes!
Crown Jewel Wilderness
Written on March 16, 2018 at 6:36 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Crown Jewel Wilderness: Creating North Cascades National Park by Lauren Danner Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library invite all the park’s aficionados to attend a book talk and slide show with author Lauren Danner at the Library on Wednesday, March 21, 7:00 pm. If you spend time in the park or simply Continue Reading
Got Video?
Written on March 15, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Erin Corra is on the hunt for some video. Do you have any to share? Here’s her request… Hello and happy almost spring, Curious if you have any decent mp4 footage of surface activity of these critters…. We are on the mad hunt to update the video station at Lime Kiln’s Interpretive Center. Credit will Continue Reading
Evolution of Organic: A Film and Discussion
Written on March 14, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
From filmmaker Mark Kitchell (Berkeley in the Sixties, A Fierce Green Fire) comes a new film: Evolution of Organic. Narrated by Frances McDormand, It’s the story of organic agriculture, told by those who built the movement. A motley crew of back-to- the-landers, spiritual seekers and farmers’ sons and daughters reject chemical farming and set out Continue Reading
Comments Sought on Mount Grant Preserve DRAFT Management Plan
Written on March 8, 2018 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Land Bank is inviting public comment on the Mount Grant Preserve DRAFT Management Plan and will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 26th at Brickworks from 5:30 to 6:30pm. We value public input in helping guide the long term care of our County’s conservation areas. This meeting is a great opportunity to learn Continue Reading
Native Plant Sale and Expo
Written on March 1, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale & Conservation District Expo Pre-order your plants now! Orders are due March 12th. Order early for best selection, as quantities are limited and often sell out before the sale date. This year’s selections include 18 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and perennials like the ever-popular Red Flowering Currant Continue Reading
Happy Valentines Day!
Written on February 14, 2018 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to local artist Teri Murray Cooter for this photo…
Mount Grant Preserve Grows to Almost 250 Acres!
Written on February 6, 2018 at 3:21 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
Great news from Tanja at the Land Bank… On the heels of the Zylstra Lake acquisition, the San Juan County Land Bank was able to secure and additional 60+ acres adjacent to Mount Grant Preserve. “Mount Grant is one of the most fascinating projects I have worked on since becoming a land bank commissioner,” said Continue Reading
Signs of Spring
Written on February 5, 2018 at 6:00 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to island farmer and artisan Margaret Thorson for this photo, “The snowdrops are really beautiful this spring.”
Mission Blue
Written on January 29, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Film Festival’s “Best of the Fest” presents: “Mission Blue” – a film about legendary oceanographer, Sylvia Earle. She is on a personal mission to save our oceans. Mission Blue is part oceanic road trip, part biography, part action adventure story, and part expose of an eco-disaster. The film deftly weaves her unique personal Continue Reading
On An Acre Shy of Eternity
Written on January 26, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Orcas Island author and photographer, Robert Dash, returns to San Juan Island to talk about his his gorgeous book, On An Acre Shy of Eternity, Micro Landscapes at the Edge at the San Juan Island Library on Wednesday, February 7th at 7:00 pm. You’ll get a glimpse of the foray he made into his own Continue Reading
Free Pruning Workshop at Dancing Seeds Farm
Written on January 23, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Do you have fruit trees or an interest in them? Would you like a better understanding of how to prune and care for them? Join the San Juan Island Grange for a field trip to Dancing Seeds Farm Sunday, January 28th, for a hands on pruning workshop lead by Greg Meyer and Keith Keyser. The Continue Reading
Intelligent Trees
Written on January 20, 2018 at 9:19 am, by Tim Dustrude
Did you know that trees talk, know family ties, and care for their young? The San Juan Island Library & The San Juan Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society are presenting the film, Intelligent Trees on Saturday, January 27, 7:00 pm at the Library. Griffin Bay Bookstore will also be on hand to sell Peter Continue Reading
CWR Video Campaign
Written on January 15, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Center For Whale Research is taking action to increase public awareness of the Southern Resident Killer Whales by taking the message onboard Washington State Ferries. Ken Balcomb, Founder and Principal Investigator of the Center For Whale Research launched a video ad campaign January 9th. This 15 second video will play in daily rotation on Continue Reading
Island Women’s March
Written on January 11, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Fired Up! Ready to go! Island Women’s March invites all islands to participate in a sidewalk march on January 20th, 2018 in Friday Harbor. We will meet at the Friday Harbor Courthouse on 1st Street, next to the American Legion. Staging time will be at Noon and the march will start at 12:30. The Saturday Continue Reading
Garden Club Hosted Excursion
Written on January 11, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Northwest Flower & Garden Festival Herald the start of spring with gardening enthusiasts at this annual celebration. Your gardening desires will blossom when you gaze at the spectacular show gardens. The show offers the finest roster of free seminars. Whether you are in need of sensible or seasoned pro advice there will be a seminar Continue Reading
Over 280 acres Secured in San Juan Valley
Written on January 9, 2018 at 2:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
2018 looks like another busy and exciting year for your Land Bank! Almost two years to the day, and a full year before the loan was due, the highly anticipated acquisition of the Zylstra Lake property on San Juan Island came to a fruitful end. The public-private partnership of the San Juan County Land Bank Continue Reading
2018 Master Gardener Native Plant Workshop
Written on January 5, 2018 at 5:49 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 don’t need 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. And Continue Reading
Winter Solstice Fun Facts
Written on December 21, 2017 at 5:57 am, by Tim Dustrude
It’s the Winter Solstice today… the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and officially the first day of Winter… Here are some fun things to know about this special day: Click here And don’t forget – Tomorrow you can say to your friends: “Have you noticed the days are getting longer?”
Tree City USA
Written on March 30, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Town of Friday Harbor was named a 2018 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to urban forest management. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. “Everyone benefits when Continue Reading
Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
Written on March 30, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Town of Friday Harbor will celebrate Arbor Day on Thursday, April 5th by planting new street trees on Court Street. Four European Hornbeams will be planted to replace the former street trees that needed to be removed earlier in the year. Following the ceremony, Town will be giving away locally cultivated Garry Oak seedlings. Continue Reading
Local Students Celebrate Poetry Month
Written on March 21, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County Land Bank and San Juan Island National Historical Park, along with students from Stillpoint School and Spring Street International School, celebrate the “Year of the Bird” for National Poetry Month. Beginning April 1st, the Land Bank’s Westside Lake trail loop at Limekiln Preserve will feature bird-inspired poems written by students Continue Reading
Equinox
Written on March 20, 2018 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
It’s the Vernal Equinox. At 9:15 AM Pacific time, the sun will cross the equator as it heads back into the northern hemisphere. Daytime and nighttime are equal today, but moving forward, light will conquer darkness and the days will be longer than the nights. Spring time, warmer weather… here it comes!
Crown Jewel Wilderness
Written on March 16, 2018 at 6:36 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Crown Jewel Wilderness: Creating North Cascades National Park by Lauren Danner Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library invite all the park’s aficionados to attend a book talk and slide show with author Lauren Danner at the Library on Wednesday, March 21, 7:00 pm. If you spend time in the park or simply Continue Reading
Got Video?
Written on March 15, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Erin Corra is on the hunt for some video. Do you have any to share? Here’s her request… Hello and happy almost spring, Curious if you have any decent mp4 footage of surface activity of these critters…. We are on the mad hunt to update the video station at Lime Kiln’s Interpretive Center. Credit will Continue Reading
Evolution of Organic: A Film and Discussion
Written on March 14, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
From filmmaker Mark Kitchell (Berkeley in the Sixties, A Fierce Green Fire) comes a new film: Evolution of Organic. Narrated by Frances McDormand, It’s the story of organic agriculture, told by those who built the movement. A motley crew of back-to- the-landers, spiritual seekers and farmers’ sons and daughters reject chemical farming and set out Continue Reading
Comments Sought on Mount Grant Preserve DRAFT Management Plan
Written on March 8, 2018 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Land Bank is inviting public comment on the Mount Grant Preserve DRAFT Management Plan and will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 26th at Brickworks from 5:30 to 6:30pm. We value public input in helping guide the long term care of our County’s conservation areas. This meeting is a great opportunity to learn Continue Reading
Native Plant Sale and Expo
Written on March 1, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale & Conservation District Expo Pre-order your plants now! Orders are due March 12th. Order early for best selection, as quantities are limited and often sell out before the sale date. This year’s selections include 18 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and perennials like the ever-popular Red Flowering Currant Continue Reading
Happy Valentines Day!
Written on February 14, 2018 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to local artist Teri Murray Cooter for this photo…
Mount Grant Preserve Grows to Almost 250 Acres!
Written on February 6, 2018 at 3:21 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
Great news from Tanja at the Land Bank… On the heels of the Zylstra Lake acquisition, the San Juan County Land Bank was able to secure and additional 60+ acres adjacent to Mount Grant Preserve. “Mount Grant is one of the most fascinating projects I have worked on since becoming a land bank commissioner,” said Continue Reading
Signs of Spring
Written on February 5, 2018 at 6:00 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to island farmer and artisan Margaret Thorson for this photo, “The snowdrops are really beautiful this spring.”
Mission Blue
Written on January 29, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Film Festival’s “Best of the Fest” presents: “Mission Blue” – a film about legendary oceanographer, Sylvia Earle. She is on a personal mission to save our oceans. Mission Blue is part oceanic road trip, part biography, part action adventure story, and part expose of an eco-disaster. The film deftly weaves her unique personal Continue Reading
On An Acre Shy of Eternity
Written on January 26, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Orcas Island author and photographer, Robert Dash, returns to San Juan Island to talk about his his gorgeous book, On An Acre Shy of Eternity, Micro Landscapes at the Edge at the San Juan Island Library on Wednesday, February 7th at 7:00 pm. You’ll get a glimpse of the foray he made into his own Continue Reading
Free Pruning Workshop at Dancing Seeds Farm
Written on January 23, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Do you have fruit trees or an interest in them? Would you like a better understanding of how to prune and care for them? Join the San Juan Island Grange for a field trip to Dancing Seeds Farm Sunday, January 28th, for a hands on pruning workshop lead by Greg Meyer and Keith Keyser. The Continue Reading
Intelligent Trees
Written on January 20, 2018 at 9:19 am, by Tim Dustrude
Did you know that trees talk, know family ties, and care for their young? The San Juan Island Library & The San Juan Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society are presenting the film, Intelligent Trees on Saturday, January 27, 7:00 pm at the Library. Griffin Bay Bookstore will also be on hand to sell Peter Continue Reading
CWR Video Campaign
Written on January 15, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Center For Whale Research is taking action to increase public awareness of the Southern Resident Killer Whales by taking the message onboard Washington State Ferries. Ken Balcomb, Founder and Principal Investigator of the Center For Whale Research launched a video ad campaign January 9th. This 15 second video will play in daily rotation on Continue Reading
Island Women’s March
Written on January 11, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Fired Up! Ready to go! Island Women’s March invites all islands to participate in a sidewalk march on January 20th, 2018 in Friday Harbor. We will meet at the Friday Harbor Courthouse on 1st Street, next to the American Legion. Staging time will be at Noon and the march will start at 12:30. The Saturday Continue Reading
Garden Club Hosted Excursion
Written on January 11, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Northwest Flower & Garden Festival Herald the start of spring with gardening enthusiasts at this annual celebration. Your gardening desires will blossom when you gaze at the spectacular show gardens. The show offers the finest roster of free seminars. Whether you are in need of sensible or seasoned pro advice there will be a seminar Continue Reading
Over 280 acres Secured in San Juan Valley
Written on January 9, 2018 at 2:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
2018 looks like another busy and exciting year for your Land Bank! Almost two years to the day, and a full year before the loan was due, the highly anticipated acquisition of the Zylstra Lake property on San Juan Island came to a fruitful end. The public-private partnership of the San Juan County Land Bank Continue Reading
2018 Master Gardener Native Plant Workshop
Written on January 5, 2018 at 5:49 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 don’t need 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. And Continue Reading
Winter Solstice Fun Facts
Written on December 21, 2017 at 5:57 am, by Tim Dustrude
It’s the Winter Solstice today… the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and officially the first day of Winter… Here are some fun things to know about this special day: Click here And don’t forget – Tomorrow you can say to your friends: “Have you noticed the days are getting longer?”