Topic: Nature
Orca Sing 2018
Written on June 16, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
Orca Sing is an annual event where people gather for an evening of music at Lime Kiln Point State Park to honor the Southern Resident orcas. This year’s event is the 19th annual and will take place on Saturday, June 23, beginning at 7 p.m. This year, Fred West and Seattle’s City Cantabile Choir will Continue Reading
Orpha’s Lilacs Before the Bulldozer
Written on June 11, 2018 at 5:54 am, by Tim Dustrude
Those who have been reading the SJ Update for a while may recall a story from 4 years ago this month, “Before the Bulldozer“, describing how Friday Harbor resident Chinmayo saved a cherry tree that was growing on some land that was about to be bulldozed and developed for new construction. Well, she is at Continue Reading
Goldenback Trail
Written on May 27, 2018 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
National Trails Day Hike: Goldenback Trail Opens Saturday, June 2 at Westside Scenic Preserve, San Juan Island Thanks to the efforts of San Juan County Land Bank volunteers and staff, there is a new hiking trail at the Westside Scenic Preserve on San Juan Island. Join San Juan Island Preserve Steward, Doug McCutchen, and Field Continue Reading
Friends Challenges Army Corps of Engineers
Written on May 25, 2018 at 7:14 am, by Tim Dustrude
Groups Challenge Army Corps of Engineers’ Refusal to Protect Puget Sound Shorelines Corps’ Seattle District violates Clean Water Act, endangers Sound recovery SEATTLE – A lawsuit filed today against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) charges that the agency has refused to assert its Clean Water Act jurisdiction over most shoreline armoring in Puget Continue Reading
Improvements to Local Spill Response Capacity
Written on May 22, 2018 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance local capacity to respond to oil and hazardous materials spills, three San Juan County organizations participated in the 2018 Washington State Department of Ecology Spill Response Grant Program. This program helps local communities that are at risk for oil and hazardous materials spills secure equipment and training to Continue Reading
Vegetation Workshops for Waterfront Property Owners
Written on April 28, 2018 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
The shorelines of San Juan County are part of a beautiful, complex and increasingly fragile marine ecosystem. Healthy coastal trees and shrubs help stabilize banks, provide for views, and support fish and wildlife. Attend a free workshop hosted by Friends of the San Juans to learn about cost effective and natural approaches to protecting waterfront Continue Reading
Year of the Bird Celebration
Written on April 27, 2018 at 9:28 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join the Land Bank, Wolf Hollow, The San Juan Preservation Trust, San Juan Island National Historical Park, and San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation as they celebrate the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act at Red Mill Farm on San Juan Island. Sunday, May 6th from 10:30am to 3:00pm at Red Mill Farm, San Juan Island. There Continue Reading
New Biggs Calf Video
Written on April 24, 2018 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
The babies are back! Bigg’s killer whales abound in the Salish Sea this spring. Ocean EcoVentures, member of Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) recently captured video footage (video credit Ocean EcoVentures and videographer – Tasli Shaw) of one of the newest members of the population, T065A6, a young calf probably less than one month old. Continue Reading
Procession of the Species
Written on April 22, 2018 at 9:30 am, by Tim Dustrude
An Earth Day gift for you – Liza Michaelson shares this video from Saturday’s 9th annual Lopez Island Procession of the Species. This year the focus was on native species. The organizers borrowed dorsal fins representing every JK and L pod member from San Juan Islanders for Safe Shipping, and Lopez islanders turned out in Continue Reading
Great Islands Clean-up
Written on April 21, 2018 at 9:57 am, by Tim Dustrude
Earth Day is this Sunday and it is also the day for the 2018 Great Islands Clean-up. People are encouraged to clean-up around their own homes and neighborhoods to help our islands be “Litter Free by the Sea”. Visitors and locals alike are asked to watch out for cleaners along the roads this day to Continue Reading
Hanging Basket Class
Written on April 21, 2018 at 9:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a heads up from the SJI Garden Club… 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 Continue Reading
BLM Seeks Nominations to Monument Advisory Committee
Written on April 21, 2018 at 9:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Lopez Island, Wash. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced it is seeking public nominations for eight open positions on the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC). The nomination period is open until June 4, 2018. Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) provide advice and recommendations for the BLM to consider on a Continue Reading
Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale
Written on April 16, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t Miss the Annual Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale! 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 12th at 9am – just in time for Mother’s Day! Please arrive early as favorites sell out quickly. Continue Reading
Play with Words – Tips on Writing Nature Inspired Poetry
Written on April 6, 2018 at 2:19 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Our natural world provides kids with everyday explorations that spark the senses, insight wonder, and give them tangible experiences to share through writing. Join Tanja Williamson from the Land Bank, and Raena Parsons from San Juan Island National Historical Park, at the Westside Lake Bird Blind for tips on writing nature inspired poetry. Saturday, April Continue Reading
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
Orca Sing 2018
Written on June 16, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
Orca Sing is an annual event where people gather for an evening of music at Lime Kiln Point State Park to honor the Southern Resident orcas. This year’s event is the 19th annual and will take place on Saturday, June 23, beginning at 7 p.m. This year, Fred West and Seattle’s City Cantabile Choir will Continue Reading
Orpha’s Lilacs Before the Bulldozer
Written on June 11, 2018 at 5:54 am, by Tim Dustrude
Those who have been reading the SJ Update for a while may recall a story from 4 years ago this month, “Before the Bulldozer“, describing how Friday Harbor resident Chinmayo saved a cherry tree that was growing on some land that was about to be bulldozed and developed for new construction. Well, she is at Continue Reading
Goldenback Trail
Written on May 27, 2018 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
National Trails Day Hike: Goldenback Trail Opens Saturday, June 2 at Westside Scenic Preserve, San Juan Island Thanks to the efforts of San Juan County Land Bank volunteers and staff, there is a new hiking trail at the Westside Scenic Preserve on San Juan Island. Join San Juan Island Preserve Steward, Doug McCutchen, and Field Continue Reading
Friends Challenges Army Corps of Engineers
Written on May 25, 2018 at 7:14 am, by Tim Dustrude
Groups Challenge Army Corps of Engineers’ Refusal to Protect Puget Sound Shorelines Corps’ Seattle District violates Clean Water Act, endangers Sound recovery SEATTLE – A lawsuit filed today against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) charges that the agency has refused to assert its Clean Water Act jurisdiction over most shoreline armoring in Puget Continue Reading
Improvements to Local Spill Response Capacity
Written on May 22, 2018 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance local capacity to respond to oil and hazardous materials spills, three San Juan County organizations participated in the 2018 Washington State Department of Ecology Spill Response Grant Program. This program helps local communities that are at risk for oil and hazardous materials spills secure equipment and training to Continue Reading
Vegetation Workshops for Waterfront Property Owners
Written on April 28, 2018 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
The shorelines of San Juan County are part of a beautiful, complex and increasingly fragile marine ecosystem. Healthy coastal trees and shrubs help stabilize banks, provide for views, and support fish and wildlife. Attend a free workshop hosted by Friends of the San Juans to learn about cost effective and natural approaches to protecting waterfront Continue Reading
Year of the Bird Celebration
Written on April 27, 2018 at 9:28 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join the Land Bank, Wolf Hollow, The San Juan Preservation Trust, San Juan Island National Historical Park, and San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation as they celebrate the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act at Red Mill Farm on San Juan Island. Sunday, May 6th from 10:30am to 3:00pm at Red Mill Farm, San Juan Island. There Continue Reading
New Biggs Calf Video
Written on April 24, 2018 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
The babies are back! Bigg’s killer whales abound in the Salish Sea this spring. Ocean EcoVentures, member of Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) recently captured video footage (video credit Ocean EcoVentures and videographer – Tasli Shaw) of one of the newest members of the population, T065A6, a young calf probably less than one month old. Continue Reading
Procession of the Species
Written on April 22, 2018 at 9:30 am, by Tim Dustrude
An Earth Day gift for you – Liza Michaelson shares this video from Saturday’s 9th annual Lopez Island Procession of the Species. This year the focus was on native species. The organizers borrowed dorsal fins representing every JK and L pod member from San Juan Islanders for Safe Shipping, and Lopez islanders turned out in Continue Reading
Great Islands Clean-up
Written on April 21, 2018 at 9:57 am, by Tim Dustrude
Earth Day is this Sunday and it is also the day for the 2018 Great Islands Clean-up. People are encouraged to clean-up around their own homes and neighborhoods to help our islands be “Litter Free by the Sea”. Visitors and locals alike are asked to watch out for cleaners along the roads this day to Continue Reading
Hanging Basket Class
Written on April 21, 2018 at 9:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a heads up from the SJI Garden Club… 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 Continue Reading
BLM Seeks Nominations to Monument Advisory Committee
Written on April 21, 2018 at 9:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Lopez Island, Wash. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced it is seeking public nominations for eight open positions on the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC). The nomination period is open until June 4, 2018. Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) provide advice and recommendations for the BLM to consider on a Continue Reading
Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale
Written on April 16, 2018 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t Miss the Annual Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale! 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 12th at 9am – just in time for Mother’s Day! Please arrive early as favorites sell out quickly. Continue Reading
Play with Words – Tips on Writing Nature Inspired Poetry
Written on April 6, 2018 at 2:19 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Our natural world provides kids with everyday explorations that spark the senses, insight wonder, and give them tangible experiences to share through writing. Join Tanja Williamson from the Land Bank, and Raena Parsons from San Juan Island National Historical Park, at the Westside Lake Bird Blind for tips on writing nature inspired poetry. Saturday, April Continue Reading
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