Natural Resources
Could selling sewage save the Salish Sea?
Waste flushed into Puget Sound harms fish and marine life. A nutrient pricing system — like Washington’s cap-and-trade program — may curb pollution.
Locals in small operation take on ‘tall order’ in marine ecosystem
Volunteer power is channeled into marine conservation by the Northwest Straits Initiative.
Elephant seal Elsie Mae teaches, inspires during molting haulout
A quirky northern elephant seal had much to teach visitors to an Anacortes beach this summer.
To the rescue: saving lives, taking action on plastic trash in the Salish Sea
“To the Rescue: Protecting Life in the Salish Sea” will feature a talk and a free exclusive screening of a dramatic rescue film by the head veterinarian and director of animal health at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Beach eggs
A photographer provides an up-close and personal look at eggs found on beaches in or near Port Townsend.
Humans urged to stay away from San Juan’s red foxes
“A fed fox is a dead fox,” warn signs on San Juan Island, urging humans to keep their distance from foxes in the wild — for the sake of the animals.
‘Seeing the Forest’ salon to benefit forest conservation
A writer’s exploration and evocations of Northwest rivers and forests will highlight an event to support protection of what remains of the wilderness.
Using ‘rights of nature’ to correct environmental wrongs
Will the rights of nature movement, called the “fastest-growing legal movement of the twenty-first century” by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, find a foothold here?
Making charcoal as a first step to facing climate change
A Whatcom-based organization seeks to engage farmers and forest owners in conserving carbon with a trust that makes environmental and financial sense.
‘No Mow May’ keeps pollinators in mind
Native plants and trees provide food for “workaholic” bees.
Earth Day at 53: Pogo’s truth still resonates
Behind Earth Day’s local actions, policies and global trends lies a questions: Does Earth Day matter to the Earth itself?
Senate bill changing vessel-orca distance moves forward
Keeping our distance from the whales: 1,000-yard rule for all vessels passes both Washington houses.
Modern conservation corps meshes care for land, health for youths
Youth Conservation Corps in the Salish Sea region offer a prescription for youths’ mental, cultural and spiritual health — and a means to care for the land.
Management plan in place as San Juan Islands monument turns 10
A celebration of the San Juan Islands National Monument 10th anniversary by federal officials and locals is planned for March 25 at Friday Harbor Grange Hall.
Returning wildlife to the wild is a one-by-one effort
From whales to baby birds, rehabilitation and release efforts play out daily for wild animals separated from their natural worlds.
Island waste: can’t burn or bury it, so best to manage it
Islands in San Juan County present unique challenges in waste management and have found solutions meeting each island’s needs.