environment
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.
Ocean-to-table journey of uniquely tasty oysters takes work
Commentary: It takes a community to raise and harvest an oyster.
San Juan waters remain at risk from oil spills
The August 2022 oil spill off San Juan Island was called a ‘wake-up call’ for more prevention and response. Was it?
Ice jams, snow melt, king tide combine in Marietta flood deluge
A small community along Marine Drive living mostly in RVs has braved seasonal inundation, ready to move at a moment’s notice — until caught by surprise.
Thanks for the memories, 2022; what’s next, 2023?
We lived, we learned; now it’s time to get ready for what may be ahead in 2023, after a look back at what happened this year.
Does environmental education change behavior?
Measuring the effectiveness of environmental education in changing behavior is a source of optimism and inspiration around the Salish Sea.
New options change choices for that final resting place
A cultural shift is underway from traditional burials and cremations to terramation, a composting process, and aquamation, a water-based process.
Moonlight
Capturing the boldness and beauty of the owl’s attitude and form commemorates the moment.
Sunset at Wiley Slough
A longtime watercolor artist found inspiration in the Skagit Valley’s protected estuaries during a dramatic sunset.
On Watch
Inspiration for carvings in stone may come from the stones themselves, but originates inside the artist as well, muses Tony Angell.
San Juan Islands National Monument: where’s the plan?
“Beyond slow” delays in developing a management plan for the San Juan Islands National Monument may resolve soon.
Faith communities ally for climate justice; to hold Sacred Earth Fair
A grassroots multifaith network is seeking to increase awareness of — and action to address — climate change issues through its Sacred Earth Fair July 31.
Anticipated Salish Sea vessel traffic increases spark calls for more environmental protections
Fossil fuel and terminal expansion projects up and down the Salish Sea are estimated to boost annual shipping vessel traffic by at least 25% in the near future, and the projected increase has raised concerns about increased risk to the environment.
Talking turkey in the San Juans: strutting the line between welcome wildlife and pest
The American wild turkey, introduced for hunting in the San Juan Islands around 1980, seems to have learned well how to live near humans — to the extent of unwelcome encroachment, in the minds of some. Given mixed responses in human-dominated environs, what makes a wild creature a charming neighbor to some and a pest to others?
Author of ‘Orca’ has a message for the Northwest: hope has a price tag
The new book Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home begins in crisis, as author Lynda Mapes tells the gut-wrenching story of Tahlequah (J35), the mother orca who in 2018 carried her dead baby around for 17 days. Mapes will speak Sept. 18 at the Lopez Island Library.
Community Voices / San Juan County to vote on climate, environment, equity, justice amendments to county charter
Priority for climate and environment; justice, equity and inclusion; and an emphasis on citizen engagement are driving proposals the San Juan County Charter Review Commission has advanced for the November ballot. The commission is continuing its work and plans to submit additional propositions for the 2022 ballot.