Topic: Nature
All Washington State Parks Closed Temporarily Through April 30
Written on March 27, 2020 at 4:03 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
This week, we announced the temporary full closure of all Washington state parks for at least two weeks. The decision follows Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued on Tuesday. We want to do our part to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, COVID-19. The measure adds to our March 22 decision Continue Reading
SeaDoc Society Launches Marine Science Homeschool Resource
Written on March 21, 2020 at 5:55 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Today we launched a resource called HOMESCHOOL that will allow homebound students to explore the Salish Sea during this period of self-isolation. These videos and activities can be easily deployed amid the chaos of the current moment. Also, they’re fun! We’ll continue to add content to this page, so keep an eye out and share Continue Reading
Spring Equinox Today
Written on March 19, 2020 at 8:46 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
In spite of everything its Spring. I love this photo of windswept daffodils taken by Margaret Thorson.
San Juan Preservation Trust Spring Event: Gardening for Butterflies
Written on March 2, 2020 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
A reminder from the San Juan Preservation Trust of an upcoming event, Gardening for Butterflies, March 19, 2020 at 10:30 am – 2:30 pm – Red Mill Farm… Can you think of a better way to celebrate Spring Equinox, than by planting seeds of hope for the future of a species? On San Juan Island, Continue Reading
Letters
Written on February 24, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from Steve Ulvi… The Future on the Rocks The life of a conservationist in America has always been a hard paddle against the current. Win some skirmishes, a few big battles and refight ‘em again and again, while losing the war. We learn to Continue Reading
13 Remarkable Health Benefits of Getting Outdoors
Written on February 19, 2020 at 9:01 am, by Tim Dustrude
Today we have a guest post from TripOutside.com on the Benefits of Getting Outdoors… By Julie Singh If you’re a self-professed homebody, you could seriously benefit from a change of scenery. Spending time in nature could improve your physical and mental health, ward off illness, and actually make you happier! As the Father of Western Continue Reading
San Juan County Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:48 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 need little 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. Continue Reading
Calling all tree-loving, bunny-hugging, dirt worshipers!
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t forget — it’s award season here in the San Juans! The Oscars have nothing on the Finnies. Know someone who deserves to walk the stewardship red carpet? Nominate them for a Good Steward Award! Since 2008, the Good Steward Awards, affectionately known as “Finnies,” have been sponsored by the Stewardship Network of the San Continue Reading
Ocean Cleanup Interceptor
Written on January 12, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s some good news – check out the video above and this accompanying story from Good News Network…
Transition San Juan Island
Written on December 23, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from Transition San Juan Island… You may have heard by way of friends and neighbors that Transition San Juan Island is launching at the Mullis Center, January 12, 2020 from 3 to 6 pm. Everyone of any age or political persuasion is invited to Continue Reading
MIchael J. Cohen Day
Written on December 10, 2019 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
How often does the mayor proclaim a day in your name? Ask Mike Cohen, who will turn 90 this week! Here’s what the Town had to say: “Michael J. Cohen” Our friend and fellow Island resident Mike Cohen will turn 90 on Saturday, December 14th. This is a noteworthy life event for anyone, and we Continue Reading
Giving Local Salmon a Fighting Chance
Written on November 27, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County’s sole remaining wild salmon run may have been doomed to extinction until a last-minute agreement to increase water flow gave the fish a chance. A small population of coho salmon spawn in lower Cascade Creek near the Orcas Island hamlet of Olga. In 2016, the San Juan County Land Bank purchased a Continue Reading
Land Bank Volunteer Event
Written on November 26, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Taming Invasive Blackberry at Westside Preserve Work off some holiday calories with the Land Bank! Grab out of town guests, some gloves and water, and join Outreach Coordinator, Tanja Williamson, to clear invasive Himalayan blackberry along the trails of Westside Preserve. Friday, November 29th from 10 am to Noon at Westside Preserve, San Juan Island Continue Reading
Ancient Tree at English Camp
Written on November 25, 2019 at 6:00 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to Anthony DiMichele for this photo from English Camp…
Welcome To The First Meeting of the SJI Gem & Mineral Society
Written on November 13, 2019 at 6:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Keith Busha will be hosting a new club, the SJI Gem and Mineral Society, at the library on Sunday, November 17 from 2 – 4 pm. The meeting is free and open to anyone with a curiosity for precious and semi precious stones, rockhounding, or lapidary art. Here is a message from Keith… I first Continue Reading
Hidden Half of Nature: Microbial Roots of Life and Health
Written on October 25, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join David Montgomery and Anne Bikle as they explore the connections between soil and human health. David Montgomery earned his Ph.D. in geomorphology and teaches at the University of Washington where he studies the evolution of topography and how geological processes shape landscapes and influence ecological systems. Montgomery writes about the relationship of people to Continue Reading
Master Gardeners Annual Workshop
Written on October 16, 2019 at 12:21 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Debra Prinzing of the “Slow Flowers” Movement Highlights the Master Gardeners Annual Gardening Workshop “Seasonal, Local and Sustainable Flowers, from the Field to your Vase,” is the keynote address by Debra Prinzing, accomplished garden writer and advocate for American-grown flowers. Debra’s talk addresses the renaissance of domestic flower farming and the emerging eco-floral design movement. Continue Reading
Tree Hay – What is it and how to make it
Written on October 16, 2019 at 12:08 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Join Grange scholarship recipient Dan Tucker as he describes the process of making ‘tree hay’ for livestock. Cattle, sheep and goats are all foragers, and appreciate variety in their diet. The ancient process of bundling clippings from certain bush and tree species benefits your livestock and landscape. October 17th at 6:00 pm for the Potluck; Continue Reading
Why do so Many Island Trees Look Unhealthy and Brown?
Written on October 9, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Have you noticed more and more trees turning brown or dying on your property or as you drive through the islands? Kevin Zobrist, Washington State University Extension professor, discusses what’s happening to our trees and forests. Learn how trees prioritize their resources under the impacts of stressors like climate change and our common root diseases, Continue Reading
What’s Happening at Beaverton Marsh Preserve?
Written on October 8, 2019 at 8:59 am, by Tim Dustrude
What’s up with the mow job and flags at Beaverton Marsh Preserve off Roche Harbor Road? Well no, it’s not an airstrip, but yes, it IS an exciting, collaborative, agricultural research trial! Your Conservation Land Bank, along with WSU San Juan County Extension Office, and San Juan Islands Conservation District (SJICD), are partnering on Continue Reading
Citizen Scientists Needed for Forage Fish Surveys in the San Juans
Written on October 5, 2019 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friends of the San Juans is seeking citizen scientists to help conduct beach surveys for spawning forage fish over the next two years. There will be a survey training session on October 26 from 9 am – 1 pm with researchers from Friends of the San Juans and Salish Sea Biological at the Old Town of Friday Harbor Continue Reading
Food For Thought
Written on September 23, 2019 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Exhibition: September 27 to December 9, 2019, at the San Juan Island Museum of Art FOOD FOR THOUGHT Micro Views of Sustenance: Threats and Prospects offers a micro perspective on how one part of nature–our food–is connected to climate change. Using photomontage to create a conversation between everyday foods and microscopic parts of themselves, Orcas Continue Reading
All Washington State Parks Closed Temporarily Through April 30
Written on March 27, 2020 at 4:03 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
This week, we announced the temporary full closure of all Washington state parks for at least two weeks. The decision follows Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued on Tuesday. We want to do our part to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, COVID-19. The measure adds to our March 22 decision Continue Reading
SeaDoc Society Launches Marine Science Homeschool Resource
Written on March 21, 2020 at 5:55 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Today we launched a resource called HOMESCHOOL that will allow homebound students to explore the Salish Sea during this period of self-isolation. These videos and activities can be easily deployed amid the chaos of the current moment. Also, they’re fun! We’ll continue to add content to this page, so keep an eye out and share Continue Reading
Spring Equinox Today
Written on March 19, 2020 at 8:46 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
In spite of everything its Spring. I love this photo of windswept daffodils taken by Margaret Thorson.
San Juan Preservation Trust Spring Event: Gardening for Butterflies
Written on March 2, 2020 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
A reminder from the San Juan Preservation Trust of an upcoming event, Gardening for Butterflies, March 19, 2020 at 10:30 am – 2:30 pm – Red Mill Farm… Can you think of a better way to celebrate Spring Equinox, than by planting seeds of hope for the future of a species? On San Juan Island, Continue Reading
Letters
Written on February 24, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from Steve Ulvi… The Future on the Rocks The life of a conservationist in America has always been a hard paddle against the current. Win some skirmishes, a few big battles and refight ‘em again and again, while losing the war. We learn to Continue Reading
13 Remarkable Health Benefits of Getting Outdoors
Written on February 19, 2020 at 9:01 am, by Tim Dustrude
Today we have a guest post from TripOutside.com on the Benefits of Getting Outdoors… By Julie Singh If you’re a self-professed homebody, you could seriously benefit from a change of scenery. Spending time in nature could improve your physical and mental health, ward off illness, and actually make you happier! As the Father of Western Continue Reading
San Juan County Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:48 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 need little 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. Continue Reading
Calling all tree-loving, bunny-hugging, dirt worshipers!
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t forget — it’s award season here in the San Juans! The Oscars have nothing on the Finnies. Know someone who deserves to walk the stewardship red carpet? Nominate them for a Good Steward Award! Since 2008, the Good Steward Awards, affectionately known as “Finnies,” have been sponsored by the Stewardship Network of the San Continue Reading
Ocean Cleanup Interceptor
Written on January 12, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s some good news – check out the video above and this accompanying story from Good News Network…
Transition San Juan Island
Written on December 23, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from Transition San Juan Island… You may have heard by way of friends and neighbors that Transition San Juan Island is launching at the Mullis Center, January 12, 2020 from 3 to 6 pm. Everyone of any age or political persuasion is invited to Continue Reading
MIchael J. Cohen Day
Written on December 10, 2019 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
How often does the mayor proclaim a day in your name? Ask Mike Cohen, who will turn 90 this week! Here’s what the Town had to say: “Michael J. Cohen” Our friend and fellow Island resident Mike Cohen will turn 90 on Saturday, December 14th. This is a noteworthy life event for anyone, and we Continue Reading
Giving Local Salmon a Fighting Chance
Written on November 27, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County’s sole remaining wild salmon run may have been doomed to extinction until a last-minute agreement to increase water flow gave the fish a chance. A small population of coho salmon spawn in lower Cascade Creek near the Orcas Island hamlet of Olga. In 2016, the San Juan County Land Bank purchased a Continue Reading
Land Bank Volunteer Event
Written on November 26, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Taming Invasive Blackberry at Westside Preserve Work off some holiday calories with the Land Bank! Grab out of town guests, some gloves and water, and join Outreach Coordinator, Tanja Williamson, to clear invasive Himalayan blackberry along the trails of Westside Preserve. Friday, November 29th from 10 am to Noon at Westside Preserve, San Juan Island Continue Reading
Ancient Tree at English Camp
Written on November 25, 2019 at 6:00 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Thanks to Anthony DiMichele for this photo from English Camp…
Welcome To The First Meeting of the SJI Gem & Mineral Society
Written on November 13, 2019 at 6:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Keith Busha will be hosting a new club, the SJI Gem and Mineral Society, at the library on Sunday, November 17 from 2 – 4 pm. The meeting is free and open to anyone with a curiosity for precious and semi precious stones, rockhounding, or lapidary art. Here is a message from Keith… I first Continue Reading
Hidden Half of Nature: Microbial Roots of Life and Health
Written on October 25, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join David Montgomery and Anne Bikle as they explore the connections between soil and human health. David Montgomery earned his Ph.D. in geomorphology and teaches at the University of Washington where he studies the evolution of topography and how geological processes shape landscapes and influence ecological systems. Montgomery writes about the relationship of people to Continue Reading
Master Gardeners Annual Workshop
Written on October 16, 2019 at 12:21 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Debra Prinzing of the “Slow Flowers” Movement Highlights the Master Gardeners Annual Gardening Workshop “Seasonal, Local and Sustainable Flowers, from the Field to your Vase,” is the keynote address by Debra Prinzing, accomplished garden writer and advocate for American-grown flowers. Debra’s talk addresses the renaissance of domestic flower farming and the emerging eco-floral design movement. Continue Reading
Tree Hay – What is it and how to make it
Written on October 16, 2019 at 12:08 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Join Grange scholarship recipient Dan Tucker as he describes the process of making ‘tree hay’ for livestock. Cattle, sheep and goats are all foragers, and appreciate variety in their diet. The ancient process of bundling clippings from certain bush and tree species benefits your livestock and landscape. October 17th at 6:00 pm for the Potluck; Continue Reading
Why do so Many Island Trees Look Unhealthy and Brown?
Written on October 9, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Have you noticed more and more trees turning brown or dying on your property or as you drive through the islands? Kevin Zobrist, Washington State University Extension professor, discusses what’s happening to our trees and forests. Learn how trees prioritize their resources under the impacts of stressors like climate change and our common root diseases, Continue Reading
What’s Happening at Beaverton Marsh Preserve?
Written on October 8, 2019 at 8:59 am, by Tim Dustrude
What’s up with the mow job and flags at Beaverton Marsh Preserve off Roche Harbor Road? Well no, it’s not an airstrip, but yes, it IS an exciting, collaborative, agricultural research trial! Your Conservation Land Bank, along with WSU San Juan County Extension Office, and San Juan Islands Conservation District (SJICD), are partnering on Continue Reading
Citizen Scientists Needed for Forage Fish Surveys in the San Juans
Written on October 5, 2019 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friends of the San Juans is seeking citizen scientists to help conduct beach surveys for spawning forage fish over the next two years. There will be a survey training session on October 26 from 9 am – 1 pm with researchers from Friends of the San Juans and Salish Sea Biological at the Old Town of Friday Harbor Continue Reading
Food For Thought
Written on September 23, 2019 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Exhibition: September 27 to December 9, 2019, at the San Juan Island Museum of Art FOOD FOR THOUGHT Micro Views of Sustenance: Threats and Prospects offers a micro perspective on how one part of nature–our food–is connected to climate change. Using photomontage to create a conversation between everyday foods and microscopic parts of themselves, Orcas Continue Reading