Friends of the San Juans

We need your support, especially now, as the health of the islands, nature, and waters face increasing threats. 

Our communities have come together to protect the islands and Salish Sea for 46 years. Your support for Friends strengthens our scientific and educational work, turning research into real protection. Through the end of April, every dollar you give will be matched up to $75,000 thanks to a generous anonymous donor. 

We know what’s at stake, and we’re grateful you’re standing with us. The San Juan Islands still offer something rare: expansive shorelines, kelp forests, and the daily presence of wildlife. While many communities have lost these connections, we still have the chance—and the responsibility—to protect them.

Bull kelp is vanishing across Washington, but thanks to Sovereign Nations and the work of Friends, it still flourishes around the islands. The health of our shorelines, the survival of Southern Resident killer whales, and the resilience of our communities all depend on the choices we make—and what we choose to defend, together.

This is a defining moment for environmental protection. Federal cuts are limiting access to public lands and removing critical safeguards for people and wildlife. Even core protections under the Endangered Species Act—like those included in the definition of “harm”—are at risk. 

At the state level, Washington lawmakers are deep in budget negotiations. Previously committed salmon recovery funds and ongoing conservation work could be cut—including Friends’ programs that protect vital habitats in the San Juan Islands.

But with your support, we can stay strong and keep defending what matters. Make a gift today, and your donation will be doubled. Better yet, start a monthly gift and your ongoing support will be matched through 2025.

Your GiveBIG gift supports science, restoration, action, and education.

Here are some examples of what your contribution supports:

1. Tracking and advocating for safer shipping and oil spill prevention in the Salish Sea.
2. Shoreline restoration projects that help salmon flourish, which then feed the endangered Southern Resident killer whales.
3. The mobilization of thousands of public comments submitted to local government advocating for environmental protections for the islands and the health of the Salish Sea.
4. Empowering and energizing the next generation of conservation leaders for positive change.
5. Upstream and community-driven shoreline stewardship from local landowners and contractors.

Dive into our latest impact report.