Topic: Recreation
Zylstra Lake: Fall Trail Times 2020
Written on October 29, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Thanks to the cooperation of the Land Bank and the San Juan Preservation Trust we now have a beautiful new and historic public land to explore. On September 26th, National Public Lands Day, 5 years of negotiations and planning came to fruition when the 285-acre Zylstra Lake Preserve on San Juan Island officially opened part Continue Reading
Island Rec Offers Youth Afternoon Recess, Skate Night
Written on October 19, 2020 at 8:50 pm, by Hayley Day
By Island Rec Island Rec has great new in-person offerings for youth this fall! Join us, starting Oct. 20 for, afternoon recess, for K-5th grade. Get your wiggles out at Linde Park after a full day of virtual learning.
Trick-or-Treat on San Juan Island?
Written on October 9, 2020 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
San Juan County Halloween Guidelines With Halloween around the corner, kids and parents alike are wondering what Halloween should and should not look like. There are no Halloween specific regulations, but there are existing requirements that might impact Halloween, and there are certainly some commonsense precautions that should be followed.
Friday Harbor Town Scarecrow Contest
Written on October 3, 2020 at 10:10 am, by Hayley Day
Are you looking for a fun fall activity for your family? Your friends? Your neighborhood? Your organization? Your business? The Friends of the Library and the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a SCARECROW CONTEST for the month of October. Registration is open from October 1-15 (free). The Scarecrows will be displayed from Continue Reading
Attacking Owls
Written on October 2, 2020 at 1:22 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Park Cautions Visitors Against Aggressive Attacking Owls San Juan Island National Historical Park is cautioning people recreating in the park about recent and aggressive behavior from owls that has resulted in at least four known attacks on visitors in the park. These encounters have been reported on English Camp’s Bell Point Loop Trail in recent Continue Reading
October Programs at Island Rec
Written on September 29, 2020 at 11:00 am, by Tim Dustrude
Listed first is Pickleball, then see below for three adult fitness classes. Island Rec Pickleball Pickleball is open registration for ages 16+. Tuesdays & Thursdays October 6-29 at the fairgrounds. 5-6:30pm for Beginner and Intermediate Players. 6:30-8pm for Intermediate and Advanced Players. $8 per session. Must have your own paddle. Max 10 players allowed per Continue Reading
New Scouting Awards for Old Military Road Trail
Written on September 28, 2020 at 4:18 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Scout Troop and Pack 4090, located here on San Juan Island, has just received news that their application (filed in March) to have the “Old Military Road Trail” officially designated as an recognized ‘National Historic Trail’ through the National Council of Scouting BSA, has been approved. This means that any Scouts visiting San Juan Island, Continue Reading
New Boats for FH Sailing
Written on September 24, 2020 at 11:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
After-school sailing club launches with 20 students, 4 new boats, thanks to generous donations Twenty students from San Juan, Lopez and Orcas Islands glory in the sun, the wind, and the sea on Griffin Bay twice a week with the Sailing Club at Jackson Beach. Because distancing occurs naturally between sailors in single-handed sailboats, this Continue Reading
The Salish Seeds Project Fall Native Wildflower Sale
Written on September 22, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County Land Bank is offering a once-a-year opportunity to purchase locally grown wildflowers native to San Juan County. Reserve your plants online September 18 – 27, and pick them up on Saturday, October 3 at locations on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands. All plants are produced locally by the Salish Seeds Continue Reading
Island Rec – Fall Virtual Lego Camps
Written on September 18, 2020 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
Island Rec has 2 Great LEGO camp options for you this season! The first, tap into your imagination from the comfort of your own home with the guidance of an experienced Play-Well instructor and simple pieces from your own LEGO collection – all while connecting virtually with other young LEGO engineers. Students will explore their Continue Reading
The Wild Charley River (part II)
Written on September 14, 2020 at 9:33 am, by Tim Dustrude
FREEZER BURNED: Tales of Interior Alaska is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi… (Author’s note: This campfire story is mostly fiction in terms of characters and events. Historic, ecological and political themes will always be sculpted factually. The wonders of the subarctic natural world are as I understand them Continue Reading
Growing a Year-Round Hummingbird Habitat Garden
Written on September 12, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County Master Gardeners welcome keynote speaker Robin Haglund to the Annual Gardening Workshop Series. Robin’s presentation, Growing a Year-Round Hummingbird Habitat Garden, guides you through crafting and maintaining a gorgeous year-round garden that provides habitat for our resident hummingbirds. You will learn the vital elements needed for food and nesting, while enjoying the Continue Reading
Outdoor Kid Pods Forming at Alchemy Art Center
Written on September 10, 2020 at 8:12 am, by Tim Dustrude
Alchemy’s Kid Pods are perfect for children and young people who want to learn, explore, and be creative- outdoors and in person! Alchemy is signing up groups of 4-5 kids on a rolling basis for personalized outdoor creative programming that includes ceramics, printmaking, drawing, t-shirt decoration, games, nature exploration, and more. Classes take place once Continue Reading
Trail Times: Old Military Road Trail – An Illustrated Guide
Written on September 4, 2020 at 12:21 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
Robin Donnelly for the Old Military Road Trail Committee… What a great time to be exploring our trails. Covid seems to have made us all more aware of the healing power of nature and our fortunate ability to be part of it. As summer is waning, fall colors are taking over for the vibrancy of Continue Reading
The Whale Museum Reopens
Written on August 26, 2020 at 8:49 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
From The Whale Museum… After over 5 months of being closed, we got word that the Governor is allowing museums to open in Phase 2 (8-2020)! The Exhibit Hall and Gift Shop are open daily 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. We are diligently following every rule put in place by the Health Department and Washington Continue Reading
Sailing Club Offers Students Outdoor Sport Opportunity
Written on August 23, 2020 at 12:16 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
Tired of virtually living? After-school sailing club gets students out in the sun and wind… Most after-school athletic programs and clubs have been cancelled, due to the challenges of social distancing. But distancing happens naturally when sailing, and just-for-fun sailing is a great lifetime endeavor that can open all sorts of doors — careers, friendships, travel Continue Reading
Feeling Crabby?
Written on July 28, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Giant crab joins giant bear at San Juan Islands Sculpture Park Thanks to a loan by Cattle Point Rock & Topsoil, “Rusty” the giant crab, now has a temporary home near the bay at the Sculpture Park. “Rusty” is the work of artist Zackarya Leck, on Orcas Island. Come see them both along with 150 Continue Reading
Update on American Camp Visitor Center
Written on July 22, 2020 at 6:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
By Louise Dustrude When the new Visitor Center opens at American Camp next summer there will be some familiar features — the curved-trunk Douglas fir at the entrance, the small clump of black locust trees within the parking lot, and the friendly, knowledgeable National Park Service staff and volunteers to answer questions. There will also Continue Reading
Island Rec – 43rd Annual 8.8K Loop Run
Written on July 10, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
43 years running! Be part of this Island tradition – virtually for 2020 (you still have to go all 8.8k, your computer can’t do that part for you!). This race can be completed any time between August 9-15, 2020. Any Course (even your treadmill) consisting of 8.8k! Participants will send completed race times, and distances Continue Reading
Sculpture Park in the News
Written on July 8, 2020 at 8:15 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island Sculpture Park is in the news – the National News on CNN.com. Check out this article on wild, weird, spectacular places… https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/best-outdoor-art-united-states/index.html And remember to go check the park out for yourself. You’ll likely be impressed if you haven’t been there in a while and it’s a great place to relax with Continue Reading
Wildflowers in Bloom at the Gravel Pit
Written on July 6, 2020 at 12:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
By Louise Dustrude A number of people have been asking one another what those bright yellow flowers are that have appeared recently at Island Rec’s LaFarge Open Space, aka the gravel pit. So we checked with Eliza Habegger, the land steward at the Land Bank, whose responsibilities also include ecological assessment, monitoring, and restoration on Continue Reading
Three Grizzlies Find a New Home at SJI Sculpture Park
Written on June 29, 2020 at 11:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
By Marita Holdaway Thanks to Jim and Bonnie Towne the San Juan Island Sculpture Park has three bears. These are not just any old bears but grizzly bears commissioned by the Towne’s for their lodge in Colorado. When the Towne’s moved to San Juan Island, the mom and two cubs came with them. And now, as Continue Reading
Zylstra Lake: Fall Trail Times 2020
Written on October 29, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Thanks to the cooperation of the Land Bank and the San Juan Preservation Trust we now have a beautiful new and historic public land to explore. On September 26th, National Public Lands Day, 5 years of negotiations and planning came to fruition when the 285-acre Zylstra Lake Preserve on San Juan Island officially opened part Continue Reading
Island Rec Offers Youth Afternoon Recess, Skate Night
Written on October 19, 2020 at 8:50 pm, by Hayley Day
By Island Rec Island Rec has great new in-person offerings for youth this fall! Join us, starting Oct. 20 for, afternoon recess, for K-5th grade. Get your wiggles out at Linde Park after a full day of virtual learning.
Trick-or-Treat on San Juan Island?
Written on October 9, 2020 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
San Juan County Halloween Guidelines With Halloween around the corner, kids and parents alike are wondering what Halloween should and should not look like. There are no Halloween specific regulations, but there are existing requirements that might impact Halloween, and there are certainly some commonsense precautions that should be followed.
Friday Harbor Town Scarecrow Contest
Written on October 3, 2020 at 10:10 am, by Hayley Day
Are you looking for a fun fall activity for your family? Your friends? Your neighborhood? Your organization? Your business? The Friends of the Library and the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a SCARECROW CONTEST for the month of October. Registration is open from October 1-15 (free). The Scarecrows will be displayed from Continue Reading
Attacking Owls
Written on October 2, 2020 at 1:22 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Park Cautions Visitors Against Aggressive Attacking Owls San Juan Island National Historical Park is cautioning people recreating in the park about recent and aggressive behavior from owls that has resulted in at least four known attacks on visitors in the park. These encounters have been reported on English Camp’s Bell Point Loop Trail in recent Continue Reading
October Programs at Island Rec
Written on September 29, 2020 at 11:00 am, by Tim Dustrude
Listed first is Pickleball, then see below for three adult fitness classes. Island Rec Pickleball Pickleball is open registration for ages 16+. Tuesdays & Thursdays October 6-29 at the fairgrounds. 5-6:30pm for Beginner and Intermediate Players. 6:30-8pm for Intermediate and Advanced Players. $8 per session. Must have your own paddle. Max 10 players allowed per Continue Reading
New Scouting Awards for Old Military Road Trail
Written on September 28, 2020 at 4:18 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Scout Troop and Pack 4090, located here on San Juan Island, has just received news that their application (filed in March) to have the “Old Military Road Trail” officially designated as an recognized ‘National Historic Trail’ through the National Council of Scouting BSA, has been approved. This means that any Scouts visiting San Juan Island, Continue Reading
New Boats for FH Sailing
Written on September 24, 2020 at 11:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
After-school sailing club launches with 20 students, 4 new boats, thanks to generous donations Twenty students from San Juan, Lopez and Orcas Islands glory in the sun, the wind, and the sea on Griffin Bay twice a week with the Sailing Club at Jackson Beach. Because distancing occurs naturally between sailors in single-handed sailboats, this Continue Reading
The Salish Seeds Project Fall Native Wildflower Sale
Written on September 22, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County Land Bank is offering a once-a-year opportunity to purchase locally grown wildflowers native to San Juan County. Reserve your plants online September 18 – 27, and pick them up on Saturday, October 3 at locations on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands. All plants are produced locally by the Salish Seeds Continue Reading
Island Rec – Fall Virtual Lego Camps
Written on September 18, 2020 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
Island Rec has 2 Great LEGO camp options for you this season! The first, tap into your imagination from the comfort of your own home with the guidance of an experienced Play-Well instructor and simple pieces from your own LEGO collection – all while connecting virtually with other young LEGO engineers. Students will explore their Continue Reading
The Wild Charley River (part II)
Written on September 14, 2020 at 9:33 am, by Tim Dustrude
FREEZER BURNED: Tales of Interior Alaska is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi… (Author’s note: This campfire story is mostly fiction in terms of characters and events. Historic, ecological and political themes will always be sculpted factually. The wonders of the subarctic natural world are as I understand them Continue Reading
Growing a Year-Round Hummingbird Habitat Garden
Written on September 12, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County Master Gardeners welcome keynote speaker Robin Haglund to the Annual Gardening Workshop Series. Robin’s presentation, Growing a Year-Round Hummingbird Habitat Garden, guides you through crafting and maintaining a gorgeous year-round garden that provides habitat for our resident hummingbirds. You will learn the vital elements needed for food and nesting, while enjoying the Continue Reading
Outdoor Kid Pods Forming at Alchemy Art Center
Written on September 10, 2020 at 8:12 am, by Tim Dustrude
Alchemy’s Kid Pods are perfect for children and young people who want to learn, explore, and be creative- outdoors and in person! Alchemy is signing up groups of 4-5 kids on a rolling basis for personalized outdoor creative programming that includes ceramics, printmaking, drawing, t-shirt decoration, games, nature exploration, and more. Classes take place once Continue Reading
Trail Times: Old Military Road Trail – An Illustrated Guide
Written on September 4, 2020 at 12:21 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
Robin Donnelly for the Old Military Road Trail Committee… What a great time to be exploring our trails. Covid seems to have made us all more aware of the healing power of nature and our fortunate ability to be part of it. As summer is waning, fall colors are taking over for the vibrancy of Continue Reading
The Whale Museum Reopens
Written on August 26, 2020 at 8:49 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
From The Whale Museum… After over 5 months of being closed, we got word that the Governor is allowing museums to open in Phase 2 (8-2020)! The Exhibit Hall and Gift Shop are open daily 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. We are diligently following every rule put in place by the Health Department and Washington Continue Reading
Sailing Club Offers Students Outdoor Sport Opportunity
Written on August 23, 2020 at 12:16 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
Tired of virtually living? After-school sailing club gets students out in the sun and wind… Most after-school athletic programs and clubs have been cancelled, due to the challenges of social distancing. But distancing happens naturally when sailing, and just-for-fun sailing is a great lifetime endeavor that can open all sorts of doors — careers, friendships, travel Continue Reading
Feeling Crabby?
Written on July 28, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Giant crab joins giant bear at San Juan Islands Sculpture Park Thanks to a loan by Cattle Point Rock & Topsoil, “Rusty” the giant crab, now has a temporary home near the bay at the Sculpture Park. “Rusty” is the work of artist Zackarya Leck, on Orcas Island. Come see them both along with 150 Continue Reading
Update on American Camp Visitor Center
Written on July 22, 2020 at 6:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
By Louise Dustrude When the new Visitor Center opens at American Camp next summer there will be some familiar features — the curved-trunk Douglas fir at the entrance, the small clump of black locust trees within the parking lot, and the friendly, knowledgeable National Park Service staff and volunteers to answer questions. There will also Continue Reading
Island Rec – 43rd Annual 8.8K Loop Run
Written on July 10, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
43 years running! Be part of this Island tradition – virtually for 2020 (you still have to go all 8.8k, your computer can’t do that part for you!). This race can be completed any time between August 9-15, 2020. Any Course (even your treadmill) consisting of 8.8k! Participants will send completed race times, and distances Continue Reading
Sculpture Park in the News
Written on July 8, 2020 at 8:15 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island Sculpture Park is in the news – the National News on CNN.com. Check out this article on wild, weird, spectacular places… https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/best-outdoor-art-united-states/index.html And remember to go check the park out for yourself. You’ll likely be impressed if you haven’t been there in a while and it’s a great place to relax with Continue Reading
Wildflowers in Bloom at the Gravel Pit
Written on July 6, 2020 at 12:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
By Louise Dustrude A number of people have been asking one another what those bright yellow flowers are that have appeared recently at Island Rec’s LaFarge Open Space, aka the gravel pit. So we checked with Eliza Habegger, the land steward at the Land Bank, whose responsibilities also include ecological assessment, monitoring, and restoration on Continue Reading
Three Grizzlies Find a New Home at SJI Sculpture Park
Written on June 29, 2020 at 11:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
By Marita Holdaway Thanks to Jim and Bonnie Towne the San Juan Island Sculpture Park has three bears. These are not just any old bears but grizzly bears commissioned by the Towne’s for their lodge in Colorado. When the Towne’s moved to San Juan Island, the mom and two cubs came with them. And now, as Continue Reading