Topic: Nature
Know Your Island, Mitchell Hill Deep Forest Walk Saturday
Written on September 23, 2017 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
San Juan Trails will host a Know Your Island Walk Saturday, September 23. Meet at the Horse Trail Road entrance (on West Valley Road about 3/4 mile north of Mitchell Bay Road) at 1:00 pm. Come on this beautiful deep forest walk led by David Harsh and see what volunteers can do working together. The walk is moderate Continue Reading
Autumn Equinox Today
Written on September 22, 2017 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Autumn equinox arrives at 1:02 pm today. In the Northern Hemisphere the equinox is considered the first day of fall. The equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are of equal length. Around the world people celebrate the harvest and prepare for darker, colder weather.
Partners Restore Fisherman Bay Coastal Wetland
Written on September 20, 2017 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
Outdated and unnecessary dikes, berms, and ditches that once clogged a marine wetland along Lopez’s Fisherman Bay were removed last week through a collaborative effort led by Friends of the San Juans, in partnership with the San Juan County Land Bank and two private waterfront property owners. “The flow of tidal water, habitat for juvenile Continue Reading
FHFF News
Written on September 19, 2017 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Lynn Danaher of the Friday Harbor Film Festival shares some news and updates… John Hopkins, director of Bluefin is attending the FHFF and doing a Q & A. He says, “It looks to be just a great festival. I heard many good things about it from my screening in Saltspring Island Fest. And I think Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk: Mitchell Hill
Written on September 19, 2017 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join David Harsh, retired from the National Park Service, and SJI Trails members on a beautiful deep-forest walk at Mitchell Hill. The route will take us over some of the community trail projects including puncheons built by volunteers with the NPS to protect the streams. Saturday September 23rd, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Distance: 3.5 miles Continue Reading
Work Party on Westside Preserve
Written on September 14, 2017 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies! Can you feel it? That slight chill in the air? Fall may finally be upon us as the weather forecast is calling for rain on Sunday, so be sure to have your rain gear ready! 🙂 When? Sunday, September 17 10:00am to 2:00pm RSVP required (e-mail tanjaw@sjclandbank.org). Where? Meet at the northernmost pullout Continue Reading
Is Your Dirt Healthy and Happy?
Written on September 13, 2017 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Did you know there are over 30 different soil types in San Juan County? Soils can differ over even a small landscape in physical, chemical, and biological properties, impacting what, when, and how we grow, and whether our efforts are successful. Fortunately, we can alter many soil properties to our benefit. Knowing what’s in your Continue Reading
Meet Orcas Island Author Robert Dash
Written on September 12, 2017 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
“On An Acre Shy of Etermity, Micro Landscapes at the Edge” Be sure to set aside some time to stop in Griffin Bay Bookstore on Saturday, September 16, 2:00—4:00 pm to see what Orcas Island author and photographer, Robert Dash, has created in his gorgeous book, On An Acre Shy of Eternity, Micro Landscapes at Continue Reading
Southern Resident Killer Whales are Back
Written on September 8, 2017 at 6:00 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Good news from Ken Balcomb at the Center for Whale Research… They’re back! For the first time in more than two months, a large assemblage of Southern Resident killer whale pods has returned to the interior waters of the Salish Sea. This population has dramatically decreased in number in recent years, and this summer was Continue Reading
Resilient Gardening and Weird Weather
Written on September 7, 2017 at 5:45 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to Mo Sloane for this first in a series of articles introducing featured speakers who will be presenting at the Master Gardeners Annual Gardening Workshop on October 7th. This first article introduces the workshop’s keynote speaker, Dr. Linda Gilkeson… Is ‘weird weather’ challenging you and your gardening skills? You’re not alone! Between the increasingly variable weather Continue Reading
Tufted Puffins, Smith Island
Written on September 6, 2017 at 5:35 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to photographer and naturalist Katie Jones, Spyhopper Travels Photography, for this photograph of Tufted Puffins out at Smith Island.
Samish Indian Nation Map Honored
Written on August 30, 2017 at 7:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Samish Indian Nation Marine Debris Clean Up Map Honored by Esri Storytelling with Maps Contest 2nd place honor awarded in conservation, environment, and sustainability category Anacortes, Washington – Aug. 30, 2017 – The Samish Indian Nation announced today that its map tracking marine debris clean up in the tribe’s traditional territory has been honored with Continue Reading
Re-Purpose Those Snappy Spectacles
Written on August 28, 2017 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Eclipse 2017 (and what happens now?) The San Juan Island Library held several educational programs leading up to the eclipse. We had a solar eclipse prep day for children to make personalized San Juan Island pin-hole projectors, and Raena Parsons of the National Historical Park gave a talk and presentation. The Library distributed more than 1,500 Continue Reading
Junior Ranger’s Club for kids this fall!
Written on August 28, 2017 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Registration begins on Monday, August 28 at 10 AM at the Library for the Junior Ranger’s Club sponsored by the San Juan Island National Historical Park Service, San Juan Island Library and San Juan Island Family Nature Club. Call 360-378-2798 or stop by the San Juan Island Library to register. What is this club? For students Continue Reading
An Evening with Mike Cohen
Written on August 28, 2017 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
(Re)Connecting with Nature: An Evening with Mike Cohen How can we cultivate connection with nature in a time when we’ve never been so separated? How can we work to re-unify humanity with the life of the Earth? Mike Cohen- scientist, counselor, applied ecopsychologist, traditional musician, and naturalist- believes it can be done through the conscientious Continue Reading
South Beach Eclipse Party
Written on August 21, 2017 at 1:27 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The eclipse party this morning at South Beach that was organized by the National Park Service was quite a big hit. Estimates are that 400 – 500 people attended. Eclipse glasses, telescopes and home-made viewing boxes were available for all to safely view this rare celestial event. And the weather couldn’t have been better. (so Continue Reading
Wolf Hollow at the Fair and Welcoming Summer Interns
Written on August 11, 2017 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Wolf Hollow was selected by the San Juan Island Community Foundation as this year’s featured non-profit. During the San Juan County Fair, August 16 – 19, all money raised for Wolf Hollow at the Foundation’s booth will be matched 50%. Wolf Hollow’s Education staff will be on hand in the Green Village at Fair so stop Continue Reading
Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve
Written on August 3, 2017 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies and welcome August! In the words of Glenn Fry, the heat is on! Be sure to pack plenty of water and a hat – we’ll be up in Morrel and Erratic this Sunday continuing with girdling and small tree removal. When? Sunday, August 6 – 10:00am to 2:00pm RSVP required (email tanjaw@sjclandbank.org). Where? Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk: Roche Harbor Trails
Written on July 25, 2017 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
The monthly Know Your Island Walks, initiated in 2011 by Eileen Drath and continued under her direction for the first five years, introduce residents and visitors to the great variety of public hiking opportunities on the island. Last Saturday’s Walk on the Roche Harbor Trails was led by Mike Buettell, and welcomed local residents, several Continue Reading
Springer Has a New Calf!
Written on July 18, 2017 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s the latest from the Whale Museum… On June 5th, CetaceaLab spotted Springer (A73) with her second calf off of British Columbia’s north central coast. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) later confirmed the new addition. Springer’s first calf, Spirit was born in 2013. This summer marks the 15th year since Springer was Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk
Written on July 18, 2017 at 5:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Roche Harbor Trails Mike Buettell, volunteer trail builder will lead us on a hike through the extensive trail system next to the Roche Harbor Resort. Mike and his group of volunteers are proud of the trail building and maintenance and you will want to return and explore on your own. When: Saturday July 22, 1:00 Continue Reading
Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve
Written on July 7, 2017 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies! I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine – looks like summer made it to the Islands after all, and won’t be letting up in the near future. This Sunday’s forecast says full sun, so be sure to bring plenty of water and a hat for our work party. We’ll start at the summit Continue Reading
Know Your Island, Mitchell Hill Deep Forest Walk Saturday
Written on September 23, 2017 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
San Juan Trails will host a Know Your Island Walk Saturday, September 23. Meet at the Horse Trail Road entrance (on West Valley Road about 3/4 mile north of Mitchell Bay Road) at 1:00 pm. Come on this beautiful deep forest walk led by David Harsh and see what volunteers can do working together. The walk is moderate Continue Reading
Autumn Equinox Today
Written on September 22, 2017 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Autumn equinox arrives at 1:02 pm today. In the Northern Hemisphere the equinox is considered the first day of fall. The equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are of equal length. Around the world people celebrate the harvest and prepare for darker, colder weather.
Partners Restore Fisherman Bay Coastal Wetland
Written on September 20, 2017 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
Outdated and unnecessary dikes, berms, and ditches that once clogged a marine wetland along Lopez’s Fisherman Bay were removed last week through a collaborative effort led by Friends of the San Juans, in partnership with the San Juan County Land Bank and two private waterfront property owners. “The flow of tidal water, habitat for juvenile Continue Reading
FHFF News
Written on September 19, 2017 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Lynn Danaher of the Friday Harbor Film Festival shares some news and updates… John Hopkins, director of Bluefin is attending the FHFF and doing a Q & A. He says, “It looks to be just a great festival. I heard many good things about it from my screening in Saltspring Island Fest. And I think Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk: Mitchell Hill
Written on September 19, 2017 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join David Harsh, retired from the National Park Service, and SJI Trails members on a beautiful deep-forest walk at Mitchell Hill. The route will take us over some of the community trail projects including puncheons built by volunteers with the NPS to protect the streams. Saturday September 23rd, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Distance: 3.5 miles Continue Reading
Work Party on Westside Preserve
Written on September 14, 2017 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies! Can you feel it? That slight chill in the air? Fall may finally be upon us as the weather forecast is calling for rain on Sunday, so be sure to have your rain gear ready! 🙂 When? Sunday, September 17 10:00am to 2:00pm RSVP required (e-mail tanjaw@sjclandbank.org). Where? Meet at the northernmost pullout Continue Reading
Is Your Dirt Healthy and Happy?
Written on September 13, 2017 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Did you know there are over 30 different soil types in San Juan County? Soils can differ over even a small landscape in physical, chemical, and biological properties, impacting what, when, and how we grow, and whether our efforts are successful. Fortunately, we can alter many soil properties to our benefit. Knowing what’s in your Continue Reading
Meet Orcas Island Author Robert Dash
Written on September 12, 2017 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
“On An Acre Shy of Etermity, Micro Landscapes at the Edge” Be sure to set aside some time to stop in Griffin Bay Bookstore on Saturday, September 16, 2:00—4:00 pm to see what Orcas Island author and photographer, Robert Dash, has created in his gorgeous book, On An Acre Shy of Eternity, Micro Landscapes at Continue Reading
Southern Resident Killer Whales are Back
Written on September 8, 2017 at 6:00 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Good news from Ken Balcomb at the Center for Whale Research… They’re back! For the first time in more than two months, a large assemblage of Southern Resident killer whale pods has returned to the interior waters of the Salish Sea. This population has dramatically decreased in number in recent years, and this summer was Continue Reading
Resilient Gardening and Weird Weather
Written on September 7, 2017 at 5:45 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to Mo Sloane for this first in a series of articles introducing featured speakers who will be presenting at the Master Gardeners Annual Gardening Workshop on October 7th. This first article introduces the workshop’s keynote speaker, Dr. Linda Gilkeson… Is ‘weird weather’ challenging you and your gardening skills? You’re not alone! Between the increasingly variable weather Continue Reading
Tufted Puffins, Smith Island
Written on September 6, 2017 at 5:35 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to photographer and naturalist Katie Jones, Spyhopper Travels Photography, for this photograph of Tufted Puffins out at Smith Island.
Samish Indian Nation Map Honored
Written on August 30, 2017 at 7:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Samish Indian Nation Marine Debris Clean Up Map Honored by Esri Storytelling with Maps Contest 2nd place honor awarded in conservation, environment, and sustainability category Anacortes, Washington – Aug. 30, 2017 – The Samish Indian Nation announced today that its map tracking marine debris clean up in the tribe’s traditional territory has been honored with Continue Reading
Re-Purpose Those Snappy Spectacles
Written on August 28, 2017 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Eclipse 2017 (and what happens now?) The San Juan Island Library held several educational programs leading up to the eclipse. We had a solar eclipse prep day for children to make personalized San Juan Island pin-hole projectors, and Raena Parsons of the National Historical Park gave a talk and presentation. The Library distributed more than 1,500 Continue Reading
Junior Ranger’s Club for kids this fall!
Written on August 28, 2017 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Registration begins on Monday, August 28 at 10 AM at the Library for the Junior Ranger’s Club sponsored by the San Juan Island National Historical Park Service, San Juan Island Library and San Juan Island Family Nature Club. Call 360-378-2798 or stop by the San Juan Island Library to register. What is this club? For students Continue Reading
An Evening with Mike Cohen
Written on August 28, 2017 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
(Re)Connecting with Nature: An Evening with Mike Cohen How can we cultivate connection with nature in a time when we’ve never been so separated? How can we work to re-unify humanity with the life of the Earth? Mike Cohen- scientist, counselor, applied ecopsychologist, traditional musician, and naturalist- believes it can be done through the conscientious Continue Reading
South Beach Eclipse Party
Written on August 21, 2017 at 1:27 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The eclipse party this morning at South Beach that was organized by the National Park Service was quite a big hit. Estimates are that 400 – 500 people attended. Eclipse glasses, telescopes and home-made viewing boxes were available for all to safely view this rare celestial event. And the weather couldn’t have been better. (so Continue Reading
Wolf Hollow at the Fair and Welcoming Summer Interns
Written on August 11, 2017 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Wolf Hollow was selected by the San Juan Island Community Foundation as this year’s featured non-profit. During the San Juan County Fair, August 16 – 19, all money raised for Wolf Hollow at the Foundation’s booth will be matched 50%. Wolf Hollow’s Education staff will be on hand in the Green Village at Fair so stop Continue Reading
Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve
Written on August 3, 2017 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies and welcome August! In the words of Glenn Fry, the heat is on! Be sure to pack plenty of water and a hat – we’ll be up in Morrel and Erratic this Sunday continuing with girdling and small tree removal. When? Sunday, August 6 – 10:00am to 2:00pm RSVP required (email tanjaw@sjclandbank.org). Where? Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk: Roche Harbor Trails
Written on July 25, 2017 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
The monthly Know Your Island Walks, initiated in 2011 by Eileen Drath and continued under her direction for the first five years, introduce residents and visitors to the great variety of public hiking opportunities on the island. Last Saturday’s Walk on the Roche Harbor Trails was led by Mike Buettell, and welcomed local residents, several Continue Reading
Springer Has a New Calf!
Written on July 18, 2017 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s the latest from the Whale Museum… On June 5th, CetaceaLab spotted Springer (A73) with her second calf off of British Columbia’s north central coast. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) later confirmed the new addition. Springer’s first calf, Spirit was born in 2013. This summer marks the 15th year since Springer was Continue Reading
Know Your Island Walk
Written on July 18, 2017 at 5:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Roche Harbor Trails Mike Buettell, volunteer trail builder will lead us on a hike through the extensive trail system next to the Roche Harbor Resort. Mike and his group of volunteers are proud of the trail building and maintenance and you will want to return and explore on your own. When: Saturday July 22, 1:00 Continue Reading
Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve
Written on July 7, 2017 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies! I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine – looks like summer made it to the Islands after all, and won’t be letting up in the near future. This Sunday’s forecast says full sun, so be sure to bring plenty of water and a hat for our work party. We’ll start at the summit Continue Reading