Topic: Nature

Spring Equinox Today

Written on March 19, 2020 at 8:46 am, by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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