Island News
Earth Day honors — Local hero appreciation | Column
Submitted by Earth Day Orcas.
Orcas Island Public Library’s Books on Wheels pilot program
Submitted by the Orcas Public Library.
Blending an ancient and modern perspective on motherhood | Interview with Sarah Whitridge
Sarah Jane Whitridge grew up in the United Kingdom, where Mother’s Day is also known as “Mothering Sunday.”
OCS students explore aviation history, Boeing production on Everett field trip
On April 28, the Orcas Christian School freshman class traveled to Future of Flight Aviation Center &Boeing Tour for an educational field trip focused on aviation history, aircraft manufacturing and hands-on learning.
OICF to launch spring GiveOrcas community giving campaign May 12-21
Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation.
Henderson announces re-election campaign
Submitted by Lisa Henderson.
EDC relaunches economic survey to assess business, workforce needs
Submitted by the Economic Development Council.
Songs, dance, quilts!
Submitted by the Orcas Choral Society.
The Flock and Fiber Festival comes to Lopez May 10
Submitted by event organizers.
What to do when you see marine debris
Marine debris like fishing gear, floats, docks, parts of vessels, creosote waste, and microplastics wash up on our islands’ beaches. If it’s on your property, you’ll likely dispose of it responsibly on your own. If it is on public property, San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship Department assists with removal and disposal. But if it’s something […]
May 10: Lopez Island Flock & Fiber Festival
May 10 | 10 am to 3 pm | Lopez Center Celebrate animals, farmers, and fiber crafts at the Lopez Island Flock and Fiber Festival (formerly the Lamb, Wool, and Goat Festival). The event is free and great for all ages with craft and animal demonstrations, local flock and fiber products, Lopez food vendors, and […]
The newly named Whale Response team training sessions on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands
San Juan County since the early 1980s. Each decade has brought changes in how animals and people use this region, but our mission has remained the same: advance the protection and understanding of marine mammals and the Salish Sea through research and education. Our team responds to reports of marine mammals in distress, conducts necropsies, […]
Voters reject levy lid lift: County faces hard choices ahead
San Juan County voters delivered a decisive verdict on April 28, rejecting the county’s property tax levy lid lift by nearly 61%: 3,914 votes against, 2,528 in favor. The measure failed on every island except the Waldron and Outer Islands precinct, which backed the levy 61% to 39% on just 41 ballots cast. Orcas led the broader opposition at 65.4% no, followed by San Juan Island at 60.6%, the Outer Islands at 55.9%, Lopez at 55.4% and Shaw at 53.8%.
OPAL seeks finance, operations director
||| FROM OPAL COMMUNITY LAND TRUST ||| OPAL is hiring a new Director of Finance and Operations to step into the shoes of Kim Jaeger, who will retire after the new person is hired. Kim has served as OPAL’s Director of Finance and Administration for the past three years. She successfully oversaw OPAL’s transition to a new fund accounting system and helped the evolution to a more mature accounting department. The only catch? Kim lives in New York State, which […]
Farm Transfer 101 Webinar supports future of farming in the San Juan Islands
The webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 12:00–1:30 PM and is open to anyone interested in the future of farmland in the San Juan Islands ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild and WSU San Juan County Extension invite farmers, landowners, and community members to attend Farm Transfer 101: Planning for the Future of Your Farm in the San Juan Islands, a 1.5-hour introductory webinar focused on farm succession and transition […]
May 16 San Juan Island and June 20 Orcas Island – Hazardous Waste Round-up
San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship is hosting a series of hazardous waste round-up collection events this spring and summer, giving island residents and businesses the chance to legally and responsibly dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous materials. Proper disposal protects community health, keeps harmful chemicals out of local drinking water, and […]
Free Kindergarten transition event at Camp Orkila on May 11
||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| The Orcas Community Resource Center invites families to a free Kindergarten Transition event on Monday, May 11, from 5–7 pm at Camp Orkila’s Main Lodge. Designed for children entering kindergarten in Fall 2026 and their parents/caregivers, the evening features hands-on activities, social interaction, and a taco bar catered by Orkila. The event is hosted by the Resource Center with generous support from the ECEAP program and a local donor. Park
Update | Proposed deer hunting at Turtleback Mountain and north shore preserves
After a series of public meetings and additional community input, the Land Bank Commission will discuss delaying the proposal and exploring ways to continue seeking public input during the May 15 commission meeting. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The Conservation Land Bank has proposed limited deer hunting on Turtleback and North Shore Preserves for this coming season. After a series of public meetings and additional community input, the Land Bank Commission will discuss delaying th
Auditor seeks writers of arguments against ballot measures
If you are interested in writing an argument against the measure, please contact the Auditor at elections@sanjuancountywa.gov or (360) 378-3357. Statements are limited to 250 words and are due by May 11, 4:30 PM. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County Auditor Natasha Warmenhoven is seeking people interested in writing an argument against the Lopez Island School District No. 144 ballot measure for the 2026 Primary voters’ guide. To ensure an informed electorate, and in accord
May 6: Islander Stories at San Juan Island Library
San Juan Island Library and San Juan Island Historical Museum are hosting a panel of “Island Elders” at 7 pm May 6 at the library. The panel will tell stories and answer questions about the beautiful, storied history of San Juan Island. About the San Juan Historical Museum The mission of the San Juan Historical […]
Opioid Settlement fund pays for county’s Opioid Addiction Recovery Support Group
San Juan County is launching a new pilot program designed to provide direct financial support to islanders engaged in active treatment for or recovery from opioid use disorder. The Opioid Addiction Recover Support (OARS) program helps cover essential living expenses for up to 90 days, including assistance with securing stable housing. Funding for OARS comes […]
May 13: Presentations on recovery services on San Juan Island
Curious about recovery services on the island? San Juan Island Library is hosting short presentations by Terri Boden, representing AA, MA, OA, NA, and Al Anon; and Robyn Carbuccia, representing the Youth Prevention Coalition at 7 pm May 13, 2026. . In addition to short presentations, there will be time for audience questions and materials […]
Land Bank Commission Considering delaying proposal for deer hunting
The Conservation Land Bank has proposed limited deer hunting on Turtleback and North Shore Preserves for this coming season. After a series of public meetings and additional community input, the Land Bank Commission will discuss delaying the proposal and exploring ways to continue seeking public input during the May 15 commission meeting. About the Hunting […]
Written argument against Lopez Island School District ballot measure needed
San Juan County Auditor Natasha Warmenhoven is seeking people interested in writing an argument against the Lopez Island School District No. 144 ballot measure for the 2026 Primary voters’ guide. To ensure an informed electorate, and in accordance with state law, every district that places a measure on a ballot is responsible for appointing committees […]