Topic: Nature

Islands’ Oil Spill Association Offering Spill Response Training This Fall

Written on September 8, 2021 at 4:51 am, by

The Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) is offering free oil spill response training for interested islanders in October. Sessions will be held on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island. This half-day hands-on training is intended to give both new and existing volunteers an introduction to basic response strategies and provide a general overview of the  Continue Reading

Thor Hanson Book Launch

Written on September 7, 2021 at 5:48 am, by

Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change by Thor Hanson There is always reason to celebrate the release of a new book by San Juan Island biologist and author, Thor Hanson. If you’ve read Feathers, Seeds, and Buzz, and sat enthralled at one of Thor Hanson’s lively and informative  Continue Reading

The Salish Seeds Project 2021 Fall Native Wildflower Sale

Written on August 30, 2021 at 9:29 am, by

The Salish Seeds Project’s popular, twice-annual wildflower sale is happening soon. Reserve plants online September 10 – 17, and pick them up on Saturday, October 2 at locations on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands. All plants are produced locally by the Salish Seeds Project, a joint program of the San Juan County Land Bank  Continue Reading

Boaters Play Critical Role in Protecting Endangered Whales

Written on August 24, 2021 at 4:01 pm, by

FRIDAY HARBOR, WA. – Labor Day weekend is approaching, the last hurrah for many summer boaters before buckling down for the fall. As scores of vessels take to local waterways over the holiday, it’s an important time to stay vigilant and keep safe on the water. San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship calls on  Continue Reading

Artist Celebrates San Juan Island Beaches with “The Jeweled Shore” Exhibition at Friday Harbor Atelier

Written on August 23, 2021 at 5:45 am, by

Friday Harbor Artist Shannon Borg – with guest artists Julia Wayne and Wendy Smith – presents an art installation of paintings, fiber art, jewelry and more, with an outdoor reception on Friday, August 27, 4:00 – 7:00pm  “Our island beaches are powerful, mysterious, and beautiful places, where we go to reflect, celebrate, and heal,” says  Shannon.   Continue Reading

San Juan County Land Bank August 2021 Meeting & Agenda

Written on August 19, 2021 at 5:38 am, by

Signs of wildlife were on high display during this month’s easement monitoring. Low tide provided a good look at some gooseneck barnacles that remained healthy despite the recent heat. The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting on August 20, from 8:30am-11:15am via Zoom. The public is invited to attend. Click  Continue Reading

Trail Times: Summer, 2021 – Zylstra Lake Trail

Written on August 18, 2021 at 5:42 am, by

Trail Times is a continuing series of articles introducing the Old Military Road Trail (OMRT), a proposed 18-21 mile cross-island non-motorized multi-use trail linking English Camp and American Camp and honoring the original Old Military Road. As the summer’s heat wanes, here’s a fun easy hike to get you out there. This approximately mile-and-a-half long  Continue Reading

Birdwatching at the Sculpture Park

Written on August 16, 2021 at 9:44 am, by

This Wednesday, August 18th, you’re invited to join Phil Green at the San Juan Island’s Sculpture Park for a morning of birdwatching, from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Dress appropriately and don’t forget your binoculars!

Zylstra Lake Preserve Closed for Maintenance

Written on August 6, 2021 at 5:49 am, by

Please excuse our dust while your Conservation Land Bank completes maintenance on the Zylstra Lake Preserve dam. Friday, August 5th, the Preserve will be closed to public access to complete a siphon installation.

Share Stories about San Juans Fishing for Conservation Project

Written on July 24, 2021 at 8:59 am, by

From San Juan County Environmental Stewardship Department San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship Department wants to hear and share your fishing stories. We are collaborating with an organization called Salmon Nation that recognizes the fight for wild salmon is about much more than fish — it’s about culture, livelihoods and the viability of our natural and  Continue Reading

Join Virtual Seadoc Event to Learn about Organization’s Successes

Written on July 20, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

From SeaDoc Society Bottoms Up will be a virtual one-hour event at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9. Join us for an evening of science, education, storytelling and, most of all, fun. We’ll look back on a unique but incredibly productive year for SeaDoc Society from the seafloor to the surface. Don’t miss the journey! Registration is  Continue Reading

Friday Harbor Labs Presents Marine Heatwave Lecture at Brickworks

Written on July 18, 2021 at 5:00 am, by

From Friday Harbor Labs Friday Harbor Labs is excited to welcome Dr. Gretchen Hofmann from the University of California, Santa Barbara, our 2021 Illg Distinguished Lecturer at Brickworks at 7 p.m. Aug. 4. The title of the lecture is “Marine heatwaves: what are we learning, what we can expect, and some talk about Hot Moms  Continue Reading

Birdwatching at the Sculpture Park

Written on July 17, 2021 at 5:39 am, by

To all bird watchers – Please join us at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park this coming Wednesday, July 21st at 8:00 AM, where Phil Green, will again lead our monthly Bird Walk.  So far over 30 species have been identified.  Bring binoculars and mosquito repellent.  The park is located just past the Welcome Arch  Continue Reading

Zylstra Lake Preserve | Algal Blooms May Prevent Swimming

Written on July 17, 2021 at 5:30 am, by

By Doug McCutchen, Preserve Steward, San Juan County Land Bank This is the first in a series of articles describing the background of Zylstra Lake Preserve and the work that is going on to develop a long-term stewardship and management plan for the property. This article focuses on recreational access to the reservoir. Zylstra Lake  Continue Reading

State Recreation and Conservation Office Seeks Virtual Volunteers

Written on July 16, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

From the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office is recruiting 45 volunteers to fill positions on advisory committees that help determine how the state invests in the outdoors. The 18 committees evaluate grant proposals for parks, trails, boating amenities, firearm and archery ranges and other outdoor recreation facilities.  Continue Reading

Join Virtual Land Bank Meeting Friday

Written on July 14, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

From the San Juan County Land Bank The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting from 8:30-11:15 a.m., July 16 via Zoom. The public is invited to attend. Click here to download the agenda, Zoom link and meeting materials. To learn more about the San Juan County Land Bank, visit sjclandbank.org.  Continue Reading